The 2009 Mazda CX-9 - A Seven Passenger Crossover

The Mazda CX-9, a large crossover, was first rolled for the 2007 model year, and can hold up to seven passengers with its three rows of seating.  The 2009 CX-7 comes with one V-6 powertrain and three trim levels.  Competitors include the GMC Acadia, Hyundai Veracruz and Toyota Highlander. For 2009 the CX-9 gets minor equipment changes; a trip computer is standard on all models, and all-wheel-drive versions now come standard with a towing package. Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth wireless phone communication is more widely available in 2009 models, and the Grand Touring trim level gains an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink buttons. The major complaints of the CX-9 have to do with too-light steering effort, poor fuel economy, and a too small third row.  The 2009 CX-9 best attributes include its car-like responses, highway stability, interior quality, and excellent outward visibility.  The Mazda CX-9 has an EPA Fuel Economy of City: 15 - 16 and Highway: 21 - 22, and a starting MSRP of $29,820 - $35,205.

CX-9 Power

The CX-9 features one available powertrain, a 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 270 pounds-feet of torque. Mated to this engine is standard six-speed automatic transmission with clutchless-manual mode
And it runs on regular gas. The torque curve surges from 3000 to 6000 rpm and peaks with 270 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. The 60-degree V6 is state-of-the-art throughout, featuring a die-cast aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminum heads for minimal weight. The valve train includes chain-driven dual overhead camshafts operating four valves-per-cylinder through easily adjusted bucket tappets. Intake valve timing is variable.

Driving the CX-9

The available AWD model of the CX-9 sends most of the power to the front wheels in normal driving. But under hard acceleration, or if the front wheels begin to slip, as much as 50 percent of that power can be sent to the rear wheels. It is an automatic system and does not require the driver to do anything and works well. Considering its size and weight, the CX-9 is fun to drive; the price for the responsive handling, however, is a relatively stiff ride on anything but a s mooth surface. Overall, the CX-9 feels strong and controlled over rough roads or bumps. 

Mazda CX-9 Design

The CX-9 gets an angular nose and carlike grille, allowing it to avoid the typical upright and inefficient design. The crossover's shoulder line rises as it heads rearward, and the sides are free of cladding. While some may confuse the CX-9 with the Mazda CX-7, they are actually very different vehicles.   The mechanical underpinnings are different and the structures of the two vehicles are not related. The Mazda CX-9 is presented as a substitute for a sport utility vehicle or a minivan, and Mazda has made sure it looks like neither. The roof arches, crests and then slides back and down. One surprise is a pronounced bulge in the tailgate, which is Mazda's way of adding extra cargo space.

Cabin Features for 2009

The layout and controls inside the CX-7 simple and easy to use. For storage, there is a bin between the front seats and relatively thin storage compartments on the front doors. The CX-9 has front bucket seats, and the 60/40-split folding second-row seat has room for three. The second row's backrest can recline or fold flat, and the seat can slide fore and aft to optimize legroom and cargo space. The second row is split 60/40, and either side moves fore and aft almost five inches. That allows a nice amount of flexibility in carrying people and cargo of different sizes. There is room for two, preferably child size passengers, in the 50/50-split third-row seat, which also can fold flat.  Mazda says there is 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row upright. That's not much more than the trunk of a mid-size sedan.

2009 Lineup

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 comes in three trim levels.  The base-level Sport comes with three-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary input jack, 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.

Touring adds leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, automatic headlamps, and storage and cupholders in the second-row center armrest.

Grand Touring adds more deluxe trim inside and out, plus turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, fog lights, 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, power liftgate, and Bluetooth streaming audio

Summary

The 2009 CX-9 drives more like a car and has the room of an SUV.  For more research, read another Mazda CX-9 review.  Standard safety features include electronic stability control with roll stability control and traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, side air curtains, front-seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and dual frontal air bags. Air curtains are low-pressure airbags that come down from the ceiling to cover the side windows in all three rows.  The Mazda CX-9 is a stylish alternative for those that need the versatility of a mini-van but desire the looks of a modern SUV, without rugged, off-road capabilities.  The CX-9 is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and, despite its not so great fuel economy, is an overall good value.