Mazda CX-9
Our test-car editors traveled over 13,000 miles during a yearlong test of the 2007 Mazda CX-9.

Consumer Guide recently completed a yearlong evaluation of a 2007 Mazda CX-9. Mazda's flagship crossover SUV is a 4-door, seven-passenger wagon positioned at the top of Mazda's fleet. When compared to the CX-7, the next-smallest crossover SUV in Mazda's lineup, the CX-9 is almost 16 inches longer, 2.5 inches wider, has almost double the cargo room, and comes with a 3rd-row bench for two more passengers.

It is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. All CX-9s have a 236-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and have either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Most common safety features come standard. Included are ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags for all three seating rows. The curtain airbags deploy in case of a side impact, and will also deploy if a rollover accident is detected.

Our test car was a mid-level Touring model with all-wheel drive. There are 33 vehicles in the midsize-SUV category for the 2007 model year, so the CX-9 had plenty of competition, but it does many things well.

Many editors had a hard time believing that the V6 engine in the CX-9 is the same one found in corporate cousins Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. In the Mazda, the engine felt much more refined. Though engine power in the CX-9 is adequate, with strong acceleration from a stop, it left some editors wanting more passing power. The 6-speed automatic transmission is alert, responsive, and shifts smoothly.

Test-Car Specifications
Model: Touring
Engine: 236-horsepower 3.5-liter V6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Total Miles Driven: 13,577
CG Observed Fuel Economy: 17.8 mpg
Problems During Test: None
Base Price: $33,875
Price as Tested: $38,187
Major Options: Navigation system with rearview camera, power tailgate, keyless entry and starting, Bose-brand audio system, power sunroof, satellite radio, and remote engine start
When it comes to interior materials, the leather seats are supportive and offer good back and lateral support. It was noted that the interior is nice for the price, but another tester thought that the materials look nicer than they feel. Up front, the seats are firm and supportive with good legroom for tall occupants. However, those over 6-feet tall might want more headroom, even when the vehicle is not equipped with the sunroof. The driver's-seat height inspires confidence by providing good views to the front and sides.

In the 2nd row, the seats recline and slide fore and aft, creating great headroom and legroom for those around the 6-foot mark. The 3rd row is comfortable for adults when the 2nd-row seats are not all the way back, but expect complaints from adults in the 3rd row on long drives. Cargo space is one of CX-9's strong points. With the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats folded, the cargo area was described as "cavernous." Even with all seating rows raised, space behind the 3rd row is still OK.

The CX-9 rides well, but some testers complained of stiffness over bumps. Still, they defended the CX-9, saying that, while the ride is stiff, it does not exhibit any undue harshness. A few testers did note, however, that our particular test model seemed to drift to the left slightly at highway speeds. The standard 18-inch tires on our test vehicle exhibited modest coarse-surface tire thrum.

Mazda CX-9
Our testers were impressed by CX-9's comfortable cabin.

There were many midsize SUV rivals on the market when we had the CX-9 in our long-term test fleet, but one tester compared it to another of our other long-term vehicles, the Audi Q7.  How does a midsize SUV, with an as-tested price of $38,187, compare to a premium large SUV with an as-tested price of $53,970? Both of these vehicles have a V6 engine and AWD. While the Mazda has a little less horsepower and torque, it has more headroom, legroom, and much more cargo room. One of our testers thought the CX-9's instrument panel was much simpler and easier to use than the Q7's. A few advantages that the Audi had over the CX-9 were a higher towing capacity, first-rate fit and finish, and the Audi brand cachet. It was noted in the test log that the CX-9 could provide an affordable alternative to the pricey Q7.

One sore spot in this seemingly great package is the fuel economy. Over the course of 13,577 miles, our test vehicle averaged 17.8 mpg, which is not very appealing when compared to vehicles in other classes, but is good among class rivals.

On the whole, the CX-9 is a solidly built, comfortable, and well-appointed cargo and passenger hauler. It has the qualities of a minivan, the look of an SUV, and the polish of a vehicle costing thousands more.

01.26.2009