As the editors at Car and Driver noted, “The large, three-row CX-9 crossover is more fun to drive
The 2013 Mazda CX-9 (MSRP starting at $29,785) is available in three well-equipped trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The beneficiary of a recent makeover, the CX-9 features Mazda KODO “Soul of Motion” design elements to align it more closely with the rest of the Mazda family and further separate it from the rest of the bland SUV/crossover segment.
than most of its competitors…the styling has been updated nicely for 2013. And it can also perform a number of impressive accident avoidance tricks.” Their counterparts at Edmunds said, “Easily fulfilling typical family needs, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 also benefits from a healthy dose of driving excitement,” and Motor Trend called the CX-9 a “high-speed, canyon carving seven-seater.
All trims are powered by a DOHC 3.7-liter V6 featuring Variable Valve Intake Timing. The V6 produces 273 hp and 270 lb/ft of torque through a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with both “Sport” shift mode and Adaptive Shift Logic that adjusts to your driving style. Front-wheel drive is standard, and the CX-9 can also be equipped with an Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system that provides maximum traction and enhanced handling regardless of conditions. Drivers can expect an EPA-estimated 24 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg highway with the AWD system, and a properly equipped CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.Being a Mazda, the CX-9 handles far better and is more fun to drive than almost anything else in its class. Incorporating the “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy, the CX-9 uses a rack and pinion, variable power-assisted steering system that provides a sedan like feel. The suspension is composed of MacPherson struts up front, a multi-link setup in the rear and stabilizer cars at both ends, making the CX-9 a willing partner when you are driving for the pleasure of it.
The CX-9 is also the perfect vehicle for a family trip. With a maximum cargo capacity of 100.7 cubic feet, more front legroom than a Ford Explorer and more second- and third-row legroom than both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander, the versatile CX-9 carries everyone, and their stuff, in comfort. The 60/40-split/folding second-row seats have a handy tilt and slide feature, the third-row seats split 50/50 and fold down, and there are plenty of storage pockets and compartments, cup holders and bottle holders throughout the cabin. The CX-9 even includes handy overhead storage for your sunglasses.
Sport trims come unusually well-outfitted, with 18-inch wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB Port, auxiliary input, HD Radio™, Pandora Internet Radio connectivity and SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability among the highlights. A 5.8-inch color touch-screen display is standard in the Sport, too. Touring trims add automatic headlamps, heated leather seats, heated side mirrors, a rearview camera with backup sensors, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and a four-way power passenger seat. An available Touring Technology Package adds a navigation system; power tailgate; foglamps; 10-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound audio system with AudioPilot®; a moonroof; and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System.
The Grand Touring trim is the most well-equipped and adds 20-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, chrome exterior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver-seat memory and unique Bordeaux interior trim. The CX-9 Grand Touring can be equipped with a Grand Touring Technology Package that includes a navigation system, a power-sliding glass moonroof with sunshade and the 10-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® audio system with AudioPilot®, navigation and a four-month SiriusXM trial subscription. There’s also the Rear Seat Entertainment System with Bose Audio and Sirius Package, which gets you the navigation system and an 11-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® audio system featuring a 115-volt outlet, a four-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio and a DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System with nine-inch screen and a game port.
Mazda built the CX-9 to be safe. It earned a “5-Star” rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in side-impact crash tests, and standard features across the line include Triple-H body construction with side-impact door beams, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, Roll Stability Control, Antilock Brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and six-airbags. An E911 automatic emergency notification system is also standard across the CX-9 lineup, and on Touring and Grand Touring trims a Blind-Spot Monitoring system is included.
Don’t settle for a boring family ride. Stop by today to see why the CX-9 is the ultimate family vehicle.
