2007 Mazda CX-9
Introduced for 2007, CX-9 is Mazda's first seven-passenger SUV.

A 2007 Mazda CX-9 is the latest addition to Consumer Guide's extended-use test fleet. For the next year, Consumer Guide's auto editors will drive CX-9 in a variety of everyday situations: commuting to and from work, running errands, and maybe even taking the family on vacation. It will also be put to the test during a Chicago winter.

A CX-9 Grand Touring AWD model won our recent Midsize SUV Showdown, besting a 2007 Ford Edge, a 2007 Hyundai Veracruz, and a 2008 Subaru Tribeca. Will our first impressions be reinforced, or will the editors' opinions change over the course of a year? How does CX-9 compare to the larger Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia? Check back regularly for our ongoing impressions.

About the 2007 Mazda CX-9
Introduced for 2007, CX-9 is Mazda's first seven-passenger SUV. Like Mazda's five-passenger CX-7 SUV, CX-9 has a car-style unibody chassis. Though CX-9 shares its engine and some underbody parts with the Ford Edge, the Mazda midsize SUV is larger. Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models are available. All feature a 263-horsepower V6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, ABS, and a traction/stability control system. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available on all models. Front side airbags are standard, as are curtain side airbags with rollover deployment for all three rows of seats. EPA estimated gas mileage is 16 city/22 highway miles per gallon.

Creature Comforts
Our test CX-9 is a midlevel Touring AWD. Touring models add leather upholstery, front seat heaters, an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, and a power four-way front passenger seat. Base price is $32,335. Our test vehicle is equipped with two option packages. First is the $2,717 Touring Assist Package that includes a DVD Navigation System, a power open and close rear hatch, a rear view camera, and a keyless entry and starting system. The second is the $1,760 Moonroof/Bose/six CD Package that includes a 10-speaker Bose surround sound stereo system, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, and a power moonroof. Stand-alone options are Sirius Satellite Radio ($430) and remote engine start ($350). Our test CX-9's as-tested price is $38,187, including a $595 delivery fee.

2007 Mazda CX-9
So far, Consumer Guide's auto editors have driven a test 2007 Mazda CX-9 over 2,100 miles.

Initial Thoughts
Our extended-use CX-9 is currently averaging 16.9 miles per gallon. So far, we've driven this long-term tester a little over 2,100 miles with few complaints.
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Tom Appel: CX-9 feels very much like an Acura MDX, with maybe a little less sporty edge. How this thing is related to Ford Edge is confusing to me, because this Mazda is so much more refined. Shopping for an upscale midsize SUV that wont break the bank? Here's one, and it's mighty good.

John Biel: It is interesting to have a CX-9 Touring in the fleet at the same time that we have an Audi Q7 from the "premium large SUV" class. Both have V6s that are within .1 of a liter in displacement, and both have all-wheel drive. The Mazda cedes 17 horsepower and 17 pound-feet of torque to the Audi. The Audi's most decisive advantage is in maximum towing capacity. However, despite a shorter wheelbase, the CX-9 has substantially more available cargo room and comparable--if not slightly better--head and legroom in a pleasantly-appointed cabin. At the bottom line, though, our well-optioned CX-9 ($38,187 delivered) is about $16,000 cheaper than our test Q7. Shoppers resigned to envying the Audi Q7 from afar because of price might be able to console themselves nicely with a Mazda CX-9, especially if they don't need the towing capacity.

Jennifer Geiger: CX-9 can get a bit pricey but overall it's a classy, comfortable, versatile alternative to a minivan.

Chuck Giametta: The CX-9's suave good looks and attractive, comfortable cabin speak to a more refined sensibility than mustered by crossovers that are intentionally more "trucky." And yet, the CX-9 is clearly not a minivan, though it functions like one and drives like one. This, indeed, may be the best of both worlds.

Don Sikora: If you're looking for a handsome, refined, family truckster and don't want to consider a minivan, Mazda CX-9 is worth a look. The interior is roomy, and the V6 engine offers a reasonable compromise between power and highway fuel economy. Watch the options though, as prices quickly escalate.