2010 Mazda CX-9 - A Seven Passenger Crossover

The Mazda CX-9 seven passenger crossover was introduced as a 2007 model. The CX-9's exterior is restyled for 2010, bringing it in line with the rest of the Mazda family. It also boasts interior upgrades, including new upholstery and trim, and the optional heated front seats now have two heat levels. The thin card-shaped remote control has been replaced by a more conventional key fob for use with the Grand Touring's keyless entry and start features. The optional backup camera has a wider angle to improve the rear view. For 2010, the interior and exterior have been redesigned. All trims receive standard active headrests on the front seats. A blind spot monitoring system is now standard o the Grand Touring. What sets the Mazda CX-9 apart are its sporty looks and the road manners to back them up. Mazda impresses by equipping even the least-expensive CX-9 model with electronic stability control, roll stability control, and air curtains, which provide head protection in a side-impact crash. The CX-9 has received the U.S.government's highest possible ratings (five stars) in frontal and side impact crashes, and four-star ratings for rollover resistance. 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. For the 2010 model year, the CX-9 seven-seat crossover gets its most significant update since 2008, when its V-6 engine grew in size from 3.5 to 3.7 liters. The CX-9 competes with the Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Veracruz and Toyota Highlander and has a starting MSRP of $28,635 - $34,045.

Mazda CX-9 Power and Driving

The CX-9 responds quickly to driver input, feeling surprisingly enthusiastic about travel on a serpentine two-lane. It is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This refined, 24-valve power plant 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 that can be shifted manually if the driver is interested in some frisky motoring. Front- and all-wheel drive is offered. Power comes from a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission that has manual gear selection capability. The torque curve surges from 3000 to 6000 rpm and peaks with 270 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. Best of all, the CX-9 runs on 87-octane regular unleaded gas, despite a sporty compression ratio of 10.3:1. The CX-9 is surprisingly fun to drive for a large vehicle with so much weight up front. That is no small accomplishment for such a large, practical package. The price for the responsive handling, however, is a relatively stiff ride on anything but a smooth surface.

2010 CX-9 Design

Although both crossovers from Mazda with similar names, the CX-9 is not a longer version of the five-seat CX-7.The mechanical underpinnings are different and the structures of the two vehicles are not related. The CX-9 has sleeker lines and a sportier look than most crossovers, especially large, three-row ones. The Mazda CX-9 shares its basic structure 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 most noticeable changes compared with the 2009 model are the smiling grille and the shape of the taillights, both of which follow the lead established by other redesigned 2010 Mazdas, such as the Mazda3. The standard 18- and optional 20-inch wheels have been redesigned. Sport and Touring models feature 18-inch alloy wheels while the Grand Touring rides on 20-inch wheels.

Inside the CX-9

The CX-9 holds seven occupants in three rows. 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 cabin is versatile and roomy, it is so easy to climb into the front seats, and it sits as high as in most SUVs, enjoying a good look down the road. 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. A big plus is there is actually adequate head and legroom in the third row. To get to the third row one grabs a handle built into the top of the second-row seat and pulls. That releases the seat and slides it forward. There's room for two in the 50/50-split third-row seat, which also can fold flat. Folding third-row seats and a sliding second-row creates a surprisingly roomy cargo space.

CX-9 Lineup

The base-level Sport ($29,820) 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. Also included is a trip computer and Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones.

Touring ($31,715) adds leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, automatic headlamps, and storage and cupholders in the second-row center armrest. The Touring Assistance Package ($2,517) adds DVD navigation, Smart Card advanced entry and starting system, a rearview camera, a power liftgate, and, new for 2009, Bluetooth streaming audio.

Grand Touring ($33,805) 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. An auto-dimming inside mirror with garage door opener and Blind Spot Monitoring are standard.

Conclusions

All Mazda vehicles come with a roadside assistance program, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout the United States and Canada. The Mazda CX-9 is an impressively well-rounded package offering practicality, good standard safety equipment, and style. It's enjoyable to drive, offering sporting road manners, though with a stiffer ride. The Mazda CX-9 for 2010 is a great family vehicle with style, room, and handling. For more pictures, videos, and research visit the official Mazda 2010 CX-9 site.