2008 Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 crossover was first introduced in 2007. For 2008, the CX-9 gets a larger and more powerful V-6 engine and an optional blind-spot warning system. This Mazda model benefits from a number of standard safety features and the ability to seat up to seven people in its three rows of seats. The Mazda CX-9 offers a swift and stylish alternative to a mid-size SUV or a minivan. It offers near passenger and cargo capacity of an SUV, along with significantly better fuel economy, ride quality, and handling. The Mazda CX-9 combines a spacious interior that can be lavishly appointed along with the sporty handling characteristics that Mazdas are known for. Though the CX-9 shares its basic architecture and engine with the Ford Edge, the Mazda feels much better executed, with superior driving dynamics and a more athletic feel despite its larger size.

CX-9 Power and Handling

The 2008 CX-9 is powered by a new 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine that drives a six-speed automatic transmission that has a clutchless-manual mode. Front- or all-wheel-drive versions are offered. The CX-9 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, providing a nice option for those who worry about snowy travel in hilly areas. Properly equipped, it can tow 3500 pounds. The CX-9 responds quickly to the driver's requests, feeling surprisingly enthusiastic about travel on a serpentine two-lane. Its sporty looks are supported by its sprightly driving dynamics. Overall performance has been improved for 2008, courtesy of an enlarged V6 engine delivering 10 more horsepower and 21 additional pound-feet of torque. It now boasts 273 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. This refined, 24-valve V6 was designed by Ford and is built in Ohio before being shipped to Japan where the CX-9 is assembled. It works with an impressive six-speed, Japanese-made automatic transmission.

Design of the 2008 CX-9

  The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and car-like honeycomb grille. The SUV's beltline rises as it heads rearward, and the sides are free of cladding. Sport and Touring models have 18-inch wheels, while the Grand Touring version wears 20-inch wheels. Available features include a power liftgate, high-intensity-discharge headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and turn-signal repeaters in the side mirror housings. CX-9s have a four-wheel-independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars. Mazda has presented the CX-9 as a substitute for either a conventional sport utility vehicle or a minivan. And Mazda has made sure it looks like neither. The CX-9 shares some components with the five-passenger Ford Edge, although the Mazda is longer, by 2 inches of wheelbase and 14 inches overall. In fact, the CX-9 is the largest Mazda ever. The CX-9's nose features a huge Mazda insignia and prominent, flared fenders that lead a character line heading back and slightly upward just below the windows. The roof arches, crests and then slides back and down.

Mazda CX-9 Cabin

 The CX-9 has front bucket seats, and the 60/40-split second-row seat has room for three. The second row's backrest can recline or fold flat, and the seat can also slide fore and aft to optimize legroom and cargo space. There's 17.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the 50/50-split third-row seat, which can also fold flat. Standard features include air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and cruise control. New for 2008, is an optional Blind Spot Monitoring system, which alerts the driver to other vehicles lurking in those hard-to-see, over-the-shoulder locations. The CX-9 is so easy to climb into the front seats and the seating position is as high as in most SUVs, providing the driver with a good look down the road. There is much more room on the inside than you would imagine by looking at the outside of the CX-9.  Buyers have a choice of black or beige upholstery, and the latter made the interior seem brighter and roomier. The look is upscale, and nothing about it says boring family transportation.

2008 Lineup

The CX-9 Sport comes with three-zone air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio, power windows, power door locks, remote/keyless entry, cruise control, telescope-tilt steering wheel, variable-speed wipers, rear-window wiper; cloth upholstery, six-way manual adjusting driver's seat, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The CX-9 Touring model adds leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, power heated outside mirrors, and Bluetooth hands-free wireless technology for cell phones. The Touring Assistance Package adds DVD navigation, Smart Card advanced entry and starting system, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate.

CX-9 Grand Touring adds more deluxe trim inside and out, turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, rain-sensing wipers, memory for the driver's seat, security system with advanced keyless entry Smart Card, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Grand Touring Assistance Package adds navigation, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate.

Summary

All-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, three-row side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control rollover mitigation technology are standard. There's also an optional blind-spot warning system that will be available in the fall. It's designed to alert drivers of items in the rear blind spot of the vehicle. Competitors include the GMC Acadia and Hyundai Veracruz. For more pricing and information, visit Edmunds.com 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review. Overall, the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is an impressively well-rounded package offering practicality, good standard safety equipment, style and sporting road manners, at the price of a stiff ride. Many families and commuters alike are looking for an alternative to either a minivan or SUV; they are looking for easy handling, an interesting design, plenty of cabin space, and decent fuel economy. The '08 CX-9 does all this.