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2009 Mazda CX-9 Quality Review

November 4, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

more luxury touches than the less expensive CX-7
Kelley Blue Book

surprisingly top-notch interior
Car and Driver

We're especially taken with the way the CX-9's flexible seating package works for us
Edmunds

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com find a lot to like in the comfort offered by the 2009 Mazda CX-9, though as with many crossovers, third-row adult passengers may deem it suitable only for short trips.

ConsumerGuide describes the 2009 Mazda CX-9 as having "ample legroom with chair-height seating [that] provides a commanding view forward and to the side."
Kelley Blue Book says seating is a high priority in this Mazda; the CX-9 blends "front bucket seats and two-tone trim [that says] 'sports car'" with the passenger comfort and cargo capacity of a minivan. Second-row seats can be folded down to afford extra legroom for adults in the third-row seats. Additionally, the second-row seat slides five inches and has "reclining backrests." Motor Trend cautions that "of course, the Mazda CX-9 isn't perfect, delivering the slightest first-row legroom of the other three-row crossovers in its class."

Edmunds says the "the 60/40-split second-row seat offers 5 inches of fore and aft travel for added comfort." They further describe the 2009 Mazda CX-9: "although the measurements for passenger accommodation are impressive, the CX-9 still seems a little tight to us (especially in headroom)." New for 2009, Mazda CX-9 Sport trims receive heated seats and outside mirrors in the Power Seat Package.

With 100.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-rows folded flat, the Mazda CX-9 is perfect for weekend trips to IKEA. Cars.com points out that cargo room is decent in the Mazda; 2009's CX-9 has "17.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the 50/50-split third-row seat, which can also fold flat." ConsumerGuide notes that "the center console looks large but doesn't have much volume."

J.D. Power predicts the Mazda CX-9 reliability score as 9.0 out of 10. The build quality is as sturdy as you might expect from Mazda. Car and Driver notes the "top-notch interior," and figures "the [Mazda 2009] CX-9 should enjoy an impressive resale value." Consumer Reports says, though, "first year reliability has been below average." ConsumerGuide remarks, "some materials feel hard to the touch and sound hollow, cheapening the atmosphere a bit" and "coarse-surface tire thrum is intrusive, particularly in the Grand Touring." They also dislike the instrument panel lighting, pointing out there are only two settings: day (which is too bright) and night (which is too dim).

Conclusion

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 has room for seven or loads of stuff, and price-appropriate interior trim.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:more luxury touches than the less expensive CX-7Kelley Blue Booksurprisingly top-notch interiorCar and DriverWe're especially taken with the way the CX-9's flexible seating package works for usEdmunds Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com find a lot to like in the comfort offered by the 2009 Mazda CX-9, though as with many crossovers, third-row adult passengers may deem it suitable only for short trips. ConsumerGuide describes the 2009 Mazda CX-9 as having "ample legroom with chair-height seating [that] provides a commanding view forward and to the side." Kelley Blue Book says seating is a high priority in this Mazda; the CX-9 blends "front bucket seats and two-tone trim [that says] 'sports car'" with the passenger comfort and cargo capacity of a minivan. Second-row seats can be folded down to afford extra legroom for adults in the third-row seats. Additionally, the second-row seat slides five inches and has "reclining backrests." Motor Trend cautions that "of course, the Mazda CX-9 isn't perfect, delivering the slightest first-row legroom of the other three-row crossovers in its class." Edmunds says the "the 60/40-split second-row seat offers 5 inches of fore and aft travel for added comfort." They further describe the 2009 Mazda CX-9: "although the measurements for passenger accommodation are impressive, the CX-9 still seems a little tight to us (especially in headroom)." New for 2009, Mazda CX-9 Sport trims receive heated seats and outside mirrors in the Power Seat Package. With 100.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-rows folded flat, the Mazda CX-9 is perfect for weekend trips to IKEA. Cars.com points out that cargo room is decent in the Mazda; 2009's CX-9 has "17.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the 50/50-split third-row seat, which can also fold flat." ConsumerGuide notes that "the center console looks large but doesn't have much volume." J.D. Power predicts the Mazda CX-9 reliability score as 9.0 out of 10. The build quality is as sturdy as you might expect from Mazda. Car and Driver notes the "top-notch interior," and figures "the [Mazda 2009] CX-9 should enjoy an impressive resale value." Consumer Reports says, though, "first year reliability has been below average." ConsumerGuide remarks, "some materials feel hard to the touch and sound hollow, cheapening the atmosphere a bit" and "coarse-surface tire thrum is intrusive, particularly in the Grand Touring." They also dislike the instrument panel lighting, pointing out there are only two settings: day (which is too bright) and night (which is too dim). ConclusionThe 2009 Mazda CX-9 has room for seven or loads of stuff, and price-appropriate interior trim.  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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