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2009 Mazda CX-9 Review

November 4, 2008

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a stylish, refined entry [in its class]
ConsumerGuide

Significantly larger than a Ford Explorer
Car and Driver

manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and carlike grille
Cars.com

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 resembles a full-size wagon jacked up about a foot, riding on oversize wheels. Its carlike nose and steeply raked windshield give it a curvier look than other family-oriented crossovers.

Edmunds says, "Mazda has gotten this crossover thing right...without it looking like a minivan." Consumer Reports likens the CX-9 to "a longer version of the CX-7 but...much nicer," while Cars.com contends, "the CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and car-like honeycomb grille." Motor Trend dissects the look and comments that "from the steeply angled windshield and sharp fender flares to the slanted headlamps and the distinct trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips, the CX-9 puts a spin on the traditional two-box sport 'ute and punts it into orbit." Automobile comments for such a large vehicle, it's "almost svelte, with a sleek windshield, a sinuous waistline, and buff haunches." Car and Driver notes its "handsome styling," and feels the Mazda CX-9, swathed in chrome and Copper Red paint, looks classy and expensive.

"The interior is beautifully designed, but there are some ergonomic oddities," reports Car and Driver. Edmunds feels that the Mazda CX-9 "offers one of, if not the best, interiors in its class in terms of styling, ergonomics, quality and space." Road and Track finds the Mazda CX-9 has an "equally appealing, if slightly less dynamic, interior design." Motor Trend reviewers are a bit more specific about what they enjoy in the 2009 Mazda CX-9, citing "metal-rimmed gauges and simple but elegant center stack, delights aesthetically and ergonomically." They note the effect on the 2009 CX-9 is brought together with "calming, indirect blue lighting and a pleasing mix of horizontal and vertical elements." ConsumerGuide states, "the navigation system...places some buttons and knobs out of easy reach for some of our testers."

Conclusion

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 is an award-winning, stylish, sporty vehicle in a crowded field of full-size crossovers.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:a stylish, refined entry [in its class]ConsumerGuideSignificantly larger than a Ford ExplorerCar and Drivermanages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and carlike grilleCars.com The 2009 Mazda CX-9 resembles a full-size wagon jacked up about a foot, riding on oversize wheels. Its carlike nose and steeply raked windshield give it a curvier look than other family-oriented crossovers. Edmunds says, "Mazda has gotten this crossover thing right...without it looking like a minivan." Consumer Reports likens the CX-9 to "a longer version of the CX-7 but...much nicer," while Cars.com contends, "the CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and car-like honeycomb grille." Motor Trend dissects the look and comments that "from the steeply angled windshield and sharp fender flares to the slanted headlamps and the distinct trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips, the CX-9 puts a spin on the traditional two-box sport 'ute and punts it into orbit." Automobile comments for such a large vehicle, it's "almost svelte, with a sleek windshield, a sinuous waistline, and buff haunches." Car and Driver notes its "handsome styling," and feels the Mazda CX-9, swathed in chrome and Copper Red paint, looks classy and expensive. "The interior is beautifully designed, but there are some ergonomic oddities," reports Car and Driver. Edmunds feels that the Mazda CX-9 "offers one of, if not the best, interiors in its class in terms of styling, ergonomics, quality and space." Road and Track finds the Mazda CX-9 has an "equally appealing, if slightly less dynamic, interior design." Motor Trend reviewers are a bit more specific about what they enjoy in the 2009 Mazda CX-9, citing "metal-rimmed gauges and simple but elegant center stack, delights aesthetically and ergonomically." They note the effect on the 2009 CX-9 is brought together with "calming, indirect blue lighting and a pleasing mix of horizontal and vertical elements." ConsumerGuide states, "the navigation system...places some buttons and knobs out of easy reach for some of our testers." ConclusionThe 2009 Mazda CX-9 is an award-winning, stylish, sporty vehicle in a crowded field of full-size crossovers.  2009 MAZDA CX-9 STYLING | [9 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "a stylish, refined entry [in its class]" Car and Driver: "Significantly larger than a Ford Explorer " Cars.com: "manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs , in part because of its angular nose and carlike grille" The 2009 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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