A full-size crossover SUV, the CX-9 is the biggest offering from Mazda in this segment. Styled very similarly to the smaller CX-7 with its sporty looks, it's a tribute to what Mazda can achieve in a bigger platform. Available in either AWD or FWD, this 7-passenger crossover even comes with a good enough cargo space and comes with a list of safety and convenience features.
Although manufactured in Japan, the CX-9 was never sold there due to its size and engine displacement, which would have incurred a hefty annual road tax. It first became available for the 2006 model year, and succeeding generations are still currently in the market worldwide.
Designed to be a full-size SUV but drive and handle like a sports car, the CX-9 was unique when it was first released. Although it wasn't exactly cheap, it was a crossover that offered outstanding value for the price with standard features that were either options or not offered at all in competitors' crossovers or SUVs.
First Generation CX-9, 2006-2015
When introduced, this was an SUV that was in a class all by itself. No other manufacturer has offered a sport-styled crossover SUV in a size this big as it was only about 30cm shorter than a Chevy Suburban. The interior can truly accommodate seven passengers, although a lot more comfortable with six. A great feature is the sliding second-row seats which give more room for the rear third seat if needed.
Another convenience feature not found in more affordable SUV is the powered rear liftgate. Similar to the CX-7, the sleeker overall design with its low-profile and sloped glass reduces the rear headroom and rear visibility when compared to boxier models. The interior is stylish and classy and very usable. Infotainment and interface are well laid out and easy to use.
Internationally, the CX-9 was available with the 3.5L MZI petrol V6 (196 kW / 338 N⋅m) developed by Ford. However, later versions were powered by the 3.7L MZI petrol V6 (240 kW / 366 N⋅m), which was eventually the only engine available in Australia and some countries. A manual gearbox was never offered, and all models came with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a sport-shift option.
The CX-9 was never known to be fuel-efficient and had a combined highway and city consumption of 13L/100km. The CX-9 was available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive depending on the trim level and the region it was marketed. The Australian market trims available were the Luxury, Grand Touring and Classic.
A minor facelift occurred in 2010 that included a new front fascia, three-zone climate control and a Bluetooth interface. The CX-9 received another facelift in 2013 that introduced a new front grille, headlights and restyled front vents.
Second Generation CX-9, 2016-Present
Now receiving the SkyActiv Technologies platform, the second generation CX-9 was a completely new vehicle. Still styled with Mazda’s theme for a sporty SUV, the CX-9 looks like a big brother to all the CX series, or maybe the other way around. The new CX-9 is shorter than the previous generation but rides on a longer wheelbase. Weight has also been reduced by 90 kg for the front-wheel drive and 130 kg for the all-wheel-drive versions.
The interior is also new and completely redesigned. High-quality materials, including Napa leather and wood trims, make it look more like a luxury SUV all around. The interior can still seat seven passengers although the third row has low headroom. The cargo space is adequate but is a lot less than what is offered by most competitors.
A 2.5L SkyActiv-G PY-VPS (170 kW / 420 N⋅m) turbocharged inline 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 6-speed shiftable automatic provides power. Combined highway/city consumption is advertised at 8.8L/100km for the AWD version, but actual test results put it more closely to 10L/100 km.
Standard safety and convenience are quite plentiful with just a few added features separating the base model from the highest trim level and include add-ons like front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel and the Bose premium sound system. Numerous options are also offered depending on the trim levels such as the Azami, GT Sport and Touring. Most trim levels are also offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Speed and acceleration have never been a strong suit for the CX-9 but is not under-powered. The problems from other turbocharged vehicles, especially turbo lag, are very minimal in this vehicle. The CX-9 does excel in giving its occupants a comfortable and quiet ride. Handling is described to be precise and lends a good feel of the road.
The CX-9 continues to be the flagship model for Mazda and lives up to their design philosophy of providing excellent performance and highly-efficient vehicles for a reasonable price, the very sense of their SkyActiv program. With a very competitive crossover market across the different segments, Mazda CX-9 remains one of the best in the competition and packs excellent value to boot.
What More Would You Want from an SUV?
The CX-9 offers the comfort, styling and performance that buyers are looking for in a full-size SUV. Although priced a bit higher than other SUVs, the CX-9 does give more value for all the features that come as standard. The CX-9 has now been around for more than 14 years, and earlier models still retain good market value, a testament to its reliability and popularity.
If you have a big family and often find yourself needing more seats than your car currently offers, consider buying a used CX-9 for a lot less than the price at which it was initially sold. Visit us at Carpart Australia or contact us through hello@carpart.com.au, and we can assist you in finding the right car and car parts to fit your budget. While you're there, experience for yourself why we are Australia's premier source for brand new parts and high-quality used parts that will keep your CX-9 in great shape and nearly as dependable as when Mazda first rolled it out in the market.
Fred Cajulis