2012 Mazda CX-9

2012 CX-9 Photos
Aging Three-Row Still Light On Its Feet All of the auto industry's big-time players are making large three-row crossovers these days, so the segment has become extremely competitive. With stalwarts like the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer at the top of the sales charts, how does a smaller automaker like Mazda compete? Two oft-repeated words: Zoom-Zoom. The Mazda CX-9 checks the same boxes as its competition: a beefy V6 engine, seating for up to seven, available all-wheel drive and a bevy of technology optio­­ns. Those features are all part of the price of admission, but to make headway in this crowded field, that's not enough to cut it. On the market since 2007, we wanted to find out the 4,546-pound CX-9 still has the engineering mojo to dance to the head of the pack, so we grabbed the keys to a loaded Grand Touring AWD and headed for the floor. Our Stormy Blue Mica tester is a Grand Touring model that boasts standard features like leather seating surfaces, along with hide-covered steering wheel and shift knob, eight-way power driver's seat and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Options include Mazda's Moonroof and Bose audio package ($2,255), navigation package ($1,665) and power liftgate ($400). With all options present and accounted for, our tester rang in at $39,990, including a $795 destination fee. From the outside, there haven't been any changes to the CX-9 since its subtle refresh for 2010. Yet while the form of the big Mazda crossover hasn't been altered, it's still a modern-looking and attractive outer shell. The CX-9 features many of the same distinctive styling elements of the smaller CX-7, but the larger utility vehicle appears less edgy and a bit more mature. We're also fans of its nicely fitted 20-inch wheels, mated here to P245/50R20 all-season tires. The 20s are standard with the Grand Touring model, while lesser trim levels receive subtler 18-inch wheels. The same familiarity can be found in the cabin of the CX-9. The interior hasn't gone through changes since 2010, yet it continues to be class competitive. The overall feel of the cabin is one of space and accommodation, with attractive-looking materials and pleasant contrasting tones. Every CX-9 comes standard with the aforementioned leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, providing drivers with plush materials at their most frequented touch points. The seats are also a joy, being both comfortable to occupy and well-bolstered. The CX-9 also does a solid job of keeping out road noise, which is appreciated when attempting to hold a conversation with occupants in the second or third row. The rest of the dash materials look refined and feature nice graining, but are still rock-hard. That's too bad, but the Traverse, Pilot and Highlander are also guilty of the same crime. The CX-9 does provide plenty of room for seven passengers, with a trick second row that slides fore and aft to provide extra space for third row occupants. Strangely, that last row of seating isn't covered in real leather like …
Full Review
Aging Three-Row Still Light On Its Feet All of the auto industry's big-time players are making large three-row crossovers these days, so the segment has become extremely competitive. With stalwarts like the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer at the top of the sales charts, how does a smaller automaker like Mazda compete? Two oft-repeated words: Zoom-Zoom. The Mazda CX-9 checks the same boxes as its competition: a beefy V6 engine, seating for up to seven, available all-wheel drive and a bevy of technology optio­­ns. Those features are all part of the price of admission, but to make headway in this crowded field, that's not enough to cut it. On the market since 2007, we wanted to find out the 4,546-pound CX-9 still has the engineering mojo to dance to the head of the pack, so we grabbed the keys to a loaded Grand Touring AWD and headed for the floor. Our Stormy Blue Mica tester is a Grand Touring model that boasts standard features like leather seating surfaces, along with hide-covered steering wheel and shift knob, eight-way power driver's seat and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Options include Mazda's Moonroof and Bose audio package ($2,255), navigation package ($1,665) and power liftgate ($400). With all options present and accounted for, our tester rang in at $39,990, including a $795 destination fee. From the outside, there haven't been any changes to the CX-9 since its subtle refresh for 2010. Yet while the form of the big Mazda crossover hasn't been altered, it's still a modern-looking and attractive outer shell. The CX-9 features many of the same distinctive styling elements of the smaller CX-7, but the larger utility vehicle appears less edgy and a bit more mature. We're also fans of its nicely fitted 20-inch wheels, mated here to P245/50R20 all-season tires. The 20s are standard with the Grand Touring model, while lesser trim levels receive subtler 18-inch wheels. The same familiarity can be found in the cabin of the CX-9. The interior hasn't gone through changes since 2010, yet it continues to be class competitive. The overall feel of the cabin is one of space and accommodation, with attractive-looking materials and pleasant contrasting tones. Every CX-9 comes standard with the aforementioned leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, providing drivers with plush materials at their most frequented touch points. The seats are also a joy, being both comfortable to occupy and well-bolstered. The CX-9 also does a solid job of keeping out road noise, which is appreciated when attempting to hold a conversation with occupants in the second or third row. The rest of the dash materials look refined and feature nice graining, but are still rock-hard. That's too bad, but the Traverse, Pilot and Highlander are also guilty of the same crime. The CX-9 does provide plenty of room for seven passengers, with a trick second row that slides fore and aft to provide extra space for third row occupants. Strangely, that last row of seating isn't covered in real leather like …
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Retail Price

$29,725 - $35,125 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 3.7L V-6
MPG Up to 17 city / 24 highway
Seating 7 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd auto w/OD
Power 273 @ 6250 rpm
Drivetrain all wheel, front-wheel
Curb Weight 4,328 - 4,546 lbs
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