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2009 Mazda CX-9 Performance Review

November 4, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

This crossover rides more firmly than others in this class
ConsumerGuide

it out-slaloms others matching its girth
Car and Driver

editors have been impressed with the CX-9's enhanced energy
Motor Trend

Despite its substantial size and weight, it acquits itself surprisingly well on curvy country roads
Kelley Blue Book

Though the powertrain has not changed for 2009, Mazda's CX-9 is still one of the fastest and best-handling large crossovers.

The V-6 engine in the Mazda CX-9 pumps out 273 horsepower and twists 270 pound-feet. Motor Trend reports, "While we still wouldn't mind a tad more low-end grunt, the 3.7 nonetheless behaves in a silky, refined manner." Unlike many high-horsepower V-6 engines out there, the Mazda's does not require premium fuel to hit its claimed power. A six-speed automatic that Motor Trend describes as "seamless as a rubber glove" is standard.

Car and Driver reports "a front-drive 2008 CX-9 we tested shaved 0.5 second off the 7.8-second time posted by a front-drive 2007 model." Motor Trend clocks in just slightly slower, at 7.8 seconds to 60 mph. Automobile says its normally cranky critics "have been moved to paroxysms of joy when discussing the CX-9. One called the V-6 engine charming, the six-speed manu-matic transmission silky." Road & Track agrees that the transmission "shifts quietly and smoothly." ConsumerGuide notes that "CX-9s with the 3.7-liter V-6 averaged 17.3-18.1 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use." That about matches the government fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (2WD) and 15/21 mpg (AWD). Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praise the handling of this Mazda; 2009's CX-9 is "taut and agile," Consumer Reports says, "and the ride is firm and steady, yet comfortable," though it adds "braking distances are a bit long." Road & Track describes the steering as "satisfyingly firm with zero float." ConsumerGuide reports that "this crossover rides more firmly than others in this class."

The Mazda CX-9's steering feel and feedback are loved in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Car and Driver asks, "How does Mazda get such lively steering in each of its vehicles? It feels like the CX-9 wants to be a sports car." Motor Trend describes steering as exemplary for a minivan or an SUV, citing "a solid, on-center feel with zero play off-center and superb, linear response throughout the turning range." In other extensive road tests of the 2009 Mazda CX-9, reviewers at Kelley Blue Book find that it "acquits itself surprisingly well on curvy country roads." When traveling faster, the Mazda CX-9 "rides smoothly and quietly at freeway speeds." ConsumerGuide reports that "a tidy turning radius makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots, a surprise given this crossover's large overall size."

Conclusion

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 combines carlike agility with the utility of a three-row crossover.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:This crossover rides more firmly than others in this classConsumerGuideit out-slaloms others matching its girthCar and Drivereditors have been impressed with the CX-9's enhanced energyMotor TrendDespite its substantial size and weight, it acquits itself surprisingly well on curvy country roadsKelley Blue Book Though the powertrain has not changed for 2009, Mazda's CX-9 is still one of the fastest and best-handling large crossovers. The V-6 engine in the Mazda CX-9 pumps out 273 horsepower and twists 270 pound-feet. Motor Trend reports, "While we still wouldn't mind a tad more low-end grunt, the 3.7 nonetheless behaves in a silky, refined manner." Unlike many high-horsepower V-6 engines out there, the Mazda's does not require premium fuel to hit its claimed power. A six-speed automatic that Motor Trend describes as "seamless as a rubber glove" is standard. Car and Driver reports "a front-drive 2008 CX-9 we tested shaved 0.5 second off the 7.8-second time posted by a front-drive 2007 model." Motor Trend clocks in just slightly slower, at 7.8 seconds to 60 mph. Automobile says its normally cranky critics "have been moved to paroxysms of joy when discussing the CX-9. One called the V-6 engine charming, the six-speed manu-matic transmission silky." Road & Track agrees that the transmission "shifts quietly and smoothly." ConsumerGuide notes that "CX-9s with the 3.7-liter V-6 averaged 17.3-18.1 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use." That about matches the government fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (2WD) and 15/21 mpg (AWD). Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praise the handling of this Mazda; 2009's CX-9 is "taut and agile," Consumer Reports says, "and the ride is firm and steady, yet comfortable," though it adds "braking distances are a bit long." Road & Track describes the steering as "satisfyingly firm with zero float." ConsumerGuide reports that "this crossover rides more firmly than others in this class." The Mazda CX-9's steering feel and feedback are loved in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Car and Driver asks, "How does Mazda get such lively steering in each of its vehicles? It feels like the CX-9 wants to be a sports car." Motor Trend describes steering as exemplary for a minivan or an SUV, citing "a solid, on-center feel with zero play off-center and superb, linear response throughout the turning range." In other extensive road tests of the 2009 Mazda CX-9, reviewers at Kelley Blue Book find that it "acquits itself surprisingly well on curvy country roads." When traveling faster, the Mazda CX-9 "rides smoothly and quietly at freeway speeds." ConsumerGuide reports that "a tidy turning radius makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots, a surprise given this crossover's large overall size." ConclusionThe 2009 Mazda CX-9 combines carlike agility with the utility of a three-row crossover.  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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