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2009 Mazda CX-9 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2009 Mazda CX-9 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Mazda CX-9 to offer you a definitive opinion on this sporty, seven-passenger crossover. This review also compares the 2009 Mazda CX-9 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Engaging driving characteristics
  • Svelte yet buff styling
  • Spacious second and third rows
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Top-notch interior

Dislikes:

  • Some ergonomic oddities
  • May ride too firmly for some
  • Less first-row legroom than its competitors
  • Navigation system

Buying Tips:


The base front-drive versions are more than adequate for most types of driving; Grand Touring trims with AWD easily shoot past $40,000. It's a buyer's market with automakers eager to make deals, and there is no shortage of competitors to vie for your dollar. TheCarConnection.com recommends that you enter the sales experience prepared and bargain for the best deal possible.

The seven-passenger CX-9 crossover was introduced in 2007 and is closely related to the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Crossover vehicles like the 2009 Mazda CX-9 are generally car-based vehicles that look and perform somewhat like SUVs. The CX-9 combines the space of a wagon with the ride height and utility of an SUV in a style that eschews the expected boxiness of both and delivers the sporty looks of Mazda's zoom-zoom heritage. The look is a bit more aggressive and overt than that of most other roomy crossover utes.

Simultaneously, the 2009 CX-9's styling avoids going in the false, “off-road-tough” direction of many SUVs. Unlike many high-horsepower V-6 engines out there, the 3.7-liter unit in the CX-9 does not require premium fuel, yet produces 273 horsepower. A smooth, six-speed automatic is standard and maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. The CX-9 has crisp, responsive handling for a vehicle of its size and weight, though it’s not as nimble as Mazda’s smaller CX-7. With an EPA city fuel economy estimate of 17 mpg city, fuel economy isn’t a strong point for the powertrain, though.

Though the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is not the biggest of the big crossovers, the front seats are comfortable, and three rows of seating make the 2009 Mazda CX-9 quite useful for soccer-mom duty. The second row is split 60/40, reclines, or folds flat for cargo duty. Overall, good ride comfort, pleasing interior materials, and impressive build quality give the CX-9 a feel that’s quite upscale.

With top crash tests all around, along with all of the expected airbags, and active and passive safety features, the CX-9 ranks as one of the safest vehicles in its class and makes an ideal family conveyance for that reason.

Even in base model form—where it’s the best bargain, in TheCarConnection.com’s opinion—the 2009 Mazda CX-9 comes equipped as a luxury vehicle, with tri-zone climate control and a Bluetooth hands-free interface among the standard features that are sometimes optional in this class of vehicle. But in more expensive, leather-lined Touring and Grand Touring trims some of the top options such as surround-sound audio and the rear DVD entertainment system can drive the price toward $40,000—and the realm of true luxury marques.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Mazda CX-9, also consider:

Reason Why:

Beyond the 2009 Mazda CX-9, the range of available crossovers staggers the mind. If size matters most to you, then consider any of the large crossovers from General Motors (the Chevrolet Traverse, or the closely related Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, or GMC Acadia)—they're the biggest. But don’t do so before driving the Mazda CX-9, which may reveal that size doesn't matter so much. All three GM vehicles provide top safety and comfortable interiors but aren’t as agile or nimble on the road as the CX-9. The Subaru Tribeca is closest to the CX-9 in driving manner, as it also handles better than most three-row SUVs, though the Subaru’s odd-duck styling elements might turn you off; on the other hand, the Honda Pilot appeals as a more basic, boxy ute even though it performs to similar standards. Style and price range remain big variables, so take the time to see and drive the Mazda in person. Only then decide whether the CX-9's low $30,000 price is spot-on for you. But it is one of the prettiest, and its adroit steering and handling make it a family hauler for those who like to drive. After a test drive, you may decide the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is really a less expensive alternative to an Acura MDX or BMW X5.

The Bottom Line:

Few seven-passenger vehicles are more road-friendly than the 2009 Mazda CX-9. Its looks and features list impress too.

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2009 Mazda CX-9 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Mazda CX-9 to offer you a definitive opinion on this sporty, seven-passenger crossover. This review also compares the 2009 Mazda CX-9 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Engaging driving characteristicsSvelte yet buff stylingSpacious second and third rowsAvailable all-wheel driveTop-notch interiorDislikes:Some ergonomic odditiesMay ride too firmly for someLess first-row legroom than its competitorsNavigation systemBuying Tips: The base front-drive versions are more than adequate for most types of driving; Grand Touring trims with AWD easily shoot past $40,000. It's a buyer's market with automakers eager to make deals, and there is no shortage of competitors to vie for your dollar. TheCarConnection.com recommends that you enter the sales experience prepared and bargain for the best deal possible. The seven-passenger CX-9 crossover was introduced in 2007 and is closely related to the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Crossover vehicles like the 2009 Mazda CX-9 are generally car-based vehicles that look and perform somewhat like SUVs. The CX-9 combines the space of a wagon with the ride height and utility of an SUV in a style that eschews the expected boxiness of both and delivers the sporty looks of Mazda's zoom-zoom heritage. The look is a bit more aggressive and overt than that of most other roomy crossover utes. Simultaneously, the 2009 CX-9's styling avoids going in the false, “off-road-tough” direction of many SUVs. Unlike many high-horsepower V-6 engines out there, the 3.7-liter unit in the CX-9 does not require premium fuel, yet produces 273 horsepower. A smooth, six-speed automatic is standard and maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. The CX-9 has crisp, responsive handling for a vehicle of its size and weight, though it’s not as nimble as Mazda’s smaller CX-7. With an EPA city fuel economy estimate of 17 mpg city, fuel economy isn’t a strong point for the powertrain, though. Though the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is not the biggest of the big crossovers, the front seats are comfortable, and three rows of seating make the 2009 Mazda CX-9 quite useful for soccer-mom duty. The second row is split 60/40, reclines, or folds flat for cargo duty. Overall, good ride comfort, pleasing interior materials, and impressive build quality give the CX-9 a feel that’s quite upscale. With top crash tests all around, along with all of the expected airbags, and active and passive safety features, the CX-9 ranks as one of the safest vehicles in its class and makes an ideal family conveyance for that reason. Even in base model form—where it’s the best bargain, in TheCarConnection.com’s opinion—the 2009 Mazda CX-9 comes equipped as a luxury vehicle, with tri-zone climate control and a Bluetooth hands-free interface among the standard features that are sometimes optional in this class of vehicle. But in more expensive, leather-lined Touring and Grand Touring trims some of the top options such as surround-sound audio and the rear DVD entertainment system can drive the price toward $40,000—and the realm of true luxury marques. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Mazda CX-9, also consider:Honda PilotSubaru TribecaChevrolet TraverseToyota HighlanderReason Why:Beyond the 2009 Mazda CX-9, the range of available crossovers staggers the mind. If size matters most to you, then consider any of the large crossovers from General Motors (the Chevrolet Traverse, or the closely related Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, or GMC Acadia)—they're the biggest. But don’t do so before driving the Mazda CX-9, which may reveal that size doesn't matter so much. All three GM vehicles provide top safety and comfortable interiors but aren’t as agile or nimble on the road as the CX-9. The Subaru Tribeca is closest to the CX-9 in driving manner, as it also handles better than most three-row SUVs, though the Subaru’s odd-duck styling elements might turn you off; on the other hand, the Honda Pilot appeals as a more basic, boxy ute even though it performs to similar standards. Style and price range remain big variables, so take the time to see and drive the Mazda in person. Only then decide whether the CX-9's low $30,000 price is spot-on for you. But it is one of the prettiest, and its adroit steering and handling make it a family hauler for those who like to drive. After a test drive, you may decide the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is really a less expensive alternative to an Acura MDX or BMW X5. The Bottom Line:Few seven-passenger vehicles are more road-friendly than the 2009 Mazda CX-9. Its looks and features list impress too. TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2009 Mazda CX-9 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Mazda CX-9 to offer you a definitive opinion on this sporty, seven-passenger crossover. This review also compares the 2009 ...

Other Choices:

Beyond the 2009 Mazda CX-9, the range of available crossovers staggers the mind. If size matters most to you, then consider any of the large crossovers from General Motors (the Chevrolet Traverse, or the closely related Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, or GMC Acadia)—they're the biggest. But don’t do so before driving the Mazda CX-9, which may reveal that size doesn't matter so much. All three GM vehicles provide top safety and comfortable interiors but aren’t as agile or nimble on the road as the CX-9. The Subaru Tribeca is closest to the CX-9 in driving manner, as it also handles better than most three-row SUVs, though the Subaru’s odd-duck styling elements might turn you off; on the other hand, the Honda Pilot appeals as a more basic, boxy ute even though it performs to similar standards. Style and price range remain big variables, so take the time to see and drive the Mazda in person. Only then decide whether the CX-9's low $30,000 price is spot-on for you. But it is one of the prettiest, and its adroit steering and handling make it a family hauler for those who like to drive. After a test drive, you may decide the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is really a less expensive alternative to an Acura MDX or BMW X5.

Next Steps:

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See the Mazda CX-9 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (4 total)

  1. By osman #1, Posted: 7/25/2009

    why mazda cx9 speed only 160 kph in saudiarabia.

  2. By annmaire #2, Posted: 7/31/2009

    nice car with space seating

  3. By emil #3, Posted: 7/31/2009

    im thinking about getting this SUV!! I also herd the mazda 3 is nice.

  4. By Toli #4, Posted: 9/29/2009

    @Emil..I do have Mazda3 2010 thru cash for clunker is very nice in/out as well as a powerful 2.5liter engine… highly recommended. I am in process to get the 2009 Mazda CX9 GT FWD MSRP $39,400 for 30K plus Tax & Fee.

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