Mazda, now an integral part of Ford, is being aggressively pushed by its parent to enhance its reputation and sales. Nowhere are these efforts more evident than in the CX-9, a seven passenger crossover SUV. Though it shares many of the Ford Edge’s underpinnings it’s much more sophisticated … and the Edge already rates better than average. At $33,875 base the CX-9 isn’t cheap but it’s worth the price.
The Interior
Inside you’ll find the leather trimmed, power operated and heated front seats are actually captain’s chairs, the most comfortable type. The second row offers decent accommodations and the third is marginally adult-friendly. Behind it is a small “trunk.” Both the second and third rows fold down for hauling cargo.
Turning to this front-driver’s dash you'll find an adequate number of analog gauges monitoring the 3.7 liter, 263 HP four-valve per cylinder V6. Storage nooks and crannies abound, innumerable cupholders cradle drinks and power points are everywhere. You can even plug in your MP3! Safety-wise you’ll discover dual front, side and head curtain airbags. Power four-wheel disc antilock brakes with Emergency Brakeforce Distribution enhances safety; Roll Stability Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, an elaborate system of antitheft devices and a tire pressure warning system are items to note.
Creature Comforts Abound
Niceties are plentiful. Electric windows, power locks, heated outside mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering, mediocre xenon headlights, keyfob entry and powerful automatic air conditioning kept the CX-9 cool during the week-long test period.
Engine and Transmission
The CX-9’s engine is smooth, quiet and fuel-injected. It propelled this 4,312 crossover, as measured by a Belkin accelerometer, from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds. Fuel efficiency was observed at 15 city and 21 highway (EPA 16/22), a competitive figure. Mazda states towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
The powerplant was mated to a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission. It shifted flawlessly.
Ride and Handling
You’ll find the CX-9’s ride well-modulated and family-suitable. Handling, surprisingly, was above average: Mazda tried to imbue the CX-9 with European “feel.” Though only partially successful tossibility rates near the genre’s apex. The turning circle was measured at 38 feet, about average. The all-season radial tires were barely adequate.
The Sound System and Quality Control
The audio system consisted of an AM/FM/CD with six speakers. Its fidelity was above average but fringe reception needed improvement.
Quality control throughout the CX-9 was flawless.
The Verdict ... Plus an Item To Note
Note this vehicle’s government safety ratings aren’t reproduced. That’s because they’re of little value, manufacturers opine in off-the-record conversation. Factories build vehicles to specifically pass the government’s test and, in the real world, the ratings are spurious. Soccer Moms yapping non-stop on their cell phones don’t plow into others exactly where or at the speeds the government measures results. A variance of even a quarter-inch or a quarter-mile per hour invalidates crash test results.
Overall Mazda's CX-9 sports numerous desirable features. Though Ford’s Edge uses similar underpinnings the Mazda’s tweaks make it a better vehicle.
Zane Binder - Starting as a mechanic in the late '60's fresh from a stint in Army Intelligence this writer began wrench work on drag cars. He eventually ...
