2007 Mazda CX-9
| TEST COMPLETE |
At just a tick under 200 inches in overall length with more than 100 cubic feet of total cargo capacity, CX-9 rivals some large SUVs for size and space. Underneath its sheetmetal is a platform derived from the smaller, five-passenger Edge crossover from Mazda's parent company, Ford. Also borrowed from Edge is our 2007 model's 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Note that 2008 CX-9s have a 273-hp 3.7-liter V6.
For our yearlong evaluation, we selected the mid-level Touring trim and equipped it with all-wheel drive. We added a couple option packages that included features such as a navigation system with rearview camera, a power tailgate, keyless entry and starting, and a Bose-brand audio system. That brought the bottom-line price to a somewhat eye-opening $38,187.
Our experience so far has been a good one. CX-9 drives like a smaller vehicle than it is, helped by a tidy turning radius and well-balanced handling. Power is unexceptional (though it is improved on 2008 versions), but the engine is smooth and refined. This is a quiet vehicle, which makes it a good companion for long trips. Further enhancing its cruiser credentials is the vast amount of space for both people and cargo. CX-9's 3rd-row seat can fit two adults comfortably, which is something few rival crossovers can claim.
Complaints have been few and far between. Not all of our testers like the ride quality, which is notably firmer than most of CX-9's rivals. We're also not crazy about the navigation system. It's easy enough to program, but some of its controls are just out of easy reach. Further, its integration of audio controls complicates what should be simple radio adjustments. Our measured fuel economy of 17.8 mpg, while decent for a vehicle this size, isn't great when compared to others in the class.
Overall, the CX-9 is a good package. It's large enough to be useful for families who need room for people and things. At the same time, it has a sporty edge to it that makes it more enjoyable to drive than a minivan or traditional big SUV.
Editors' Comments
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 won't break the bank? Here's one, and it's mighty good.
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.
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.
Ed Piotrowski: Dynamically, it's hard to fault the CX-9. It's sufficiently powerful and quite nimblee given its size and wight. One might actually call it fun to drive. Consumer Guide's fuel economy figures for this extended-use vehicle give me pause, though. At the time of this writing, our particular test vehicle has more than 7,000 miles on the clock, which is more than enough time for it to "loosen up." Yet our average with a slight bias towards highway driving is barely treading above 17 miles per gallon. CX-9 is still one of the best crossovers of any stripe, just make sure to have an adequate fuel budget.
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.
| 2007 Mazda CX-9 |
Body Style: 4-door wagon Model: AWD Touring Engine: 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Base Price: $32,335 Price As Tested: $38,187 Major Options: Touring
Assist Package (navigation system, power tailgate, rearview camera,
keyless entry/starting), Moonroof/Bose Package (sunroof, Bose-brand
audio), remote engine start Total Measured Miles: 10,014 Consumer Guide Observed Fuel Economy: 17.8 Problems During Test: None
