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My friends are wary when I pull up in a seven-passenger crossover. No one wants to be the victim in the third row. The 2010 Mazda CX-9 raised a few eyebrows when I offered to drive our group to the movies, but they were game. The 2010 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring All-Wheel Drive carries a base price of $34,045 ($40,065 as tested), a 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty, a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and EPA fuel economy estimates of 15 city/21 highway.


Let's drive.

First Glance

Larger Exterior Photos: FrontRear

CX-9 debuted as a 2007 model, and has undergone a few tweaks since then. For 2010, the crossover returns with a redesigned front end and a new interior design. The new front end brings CX-9 closer in line with the Mazda corporate look, which I really like. CX-9 looks happy and friendly, but still mature and elegant. Don’t feel bad if you can't immediately tell the difference between the CX-9 and Mazda's mid-size crossover CX-7. The two vehicles are very similar looking, but CX-9 is 16.2" longer, 2.5" wider and 3.2" taller than CX-7.

Mazda has spent a lot of time and effort building their "Zoom-Zoom" brand image, and CX-9's looks live up to the performance motif. It's not difficult to imagine muscles rippling under that taut skin. It's also not difficult to picture CX-9 as the sporty RX-8's big brother. My test vehicle wore 20" wheels (standard on Grand Touring; Sport and Touring get 18" hoops), which verge on overstatement. The low-profile rubber on those wheels, along with a modest 8.0" of ground clearance, makes clear that CX-9 was designed with pavement in mind.

Despite the availability of all-wheel drive, this SUV will be happier on city streets than it would be on dirt.

In the Driver’s Seat

Larger Interior Photo

Mazda is not afraid to make bold choices, selecting unique textures and treatments that you don't see in every vehicle on the road. I always get a premium feel from Mazda interiors, more boutique hotel than Motel 6. CX-9 is another winner.

CX-9's dash is a broad expanse, with a great sense of balance and proportion. A strong structural center stack bisects the horizontal elements, housing HVAC, audio and nav controls, along with a 7" navigation touch screen (part of the $1,665 Navigation System option). Touring and Grand Touring models get leather-trimmed seats in the first two rows, heated seats in the front row and power for the driver's seat.

CX-9's second row passengers suffer no privation. Three adults can sit comfortably abreast, even with the front seats adjusted for a tall driver and passenger. The third row is better than average. It would be comfortable for kids, and passable for adults on a short haul. CX-9 is a true seven-passenger SUV, no fudging about it. If you choose the optional ($3,055) rear entertainment system, you get a ceiling-mounted flip-up 9" monitor and Bose Audio with 5.1 channel surround sound. I have the usual problems with CX-9's rear entertainment system -- it's too expensive, and when the screen is flipped down for viewing, it blocks the driver's view out of the rear. Save some money, and buy individual portable DVD players or gaming systems. Or better yet, use the time in the car to talk with your passengers. That's usually free.

On the Road

Zoom-Zoom is all about performance. CX-9 comes with one engine choice, the same 3.7 liter V6 that was stuffed under the hood last year. The 24-valve DOHC engine produces 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive can be selected at each trim level for an additional $1,400. My test vehicle had the all-wheel drive system. Mazda's is an active torque-split system, and it works seamlessly to provide additional grip and security, especially during high-demand duty around curves. CX-9 gets a six-speed automatic transmission that adapts to the way you drive. I always felt like I was in the powerband, and never felt tempted to enter the manual shift mode, though it was good to know that it was available.

CX-9's Achilles Heel is its size and weight. A few of my passengers commented on its handling, which they described as "lumbering." I didn't really accept that description, but I agreed that CX-9 doesn't hide its size well. There's a lot of size there: In all-wheel drive trim, CX-9 weighs in at 4,546 lbs (4,330 for FWD). Front suspension is independent McPherson struts, while rear is multi-link. Big ventilated discs provide stopping power at all four corners (12.6" front/12.8" rear). Power rack-and-pinion steering helps dial in a 37.4' turning circle, which is pretty good for a 200"+ vehicle.

Journey’s End

So, should you "Zoom-Zoom" over to your local Mazda dealer to buy a CX-9? Well, it all depends. If you regularly carry a full load of six or seven passengers, and you must have a Mazda, CX-9 is your best choice. Your passengers will be comfortable, you'll be styling, and you'll get a pretty good bang for your buck in terms of luxury feel and features. You can save a bit if you can live with front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive, and if you look to the aftermarket for your navigation, entertainment and sound needs.

If you're considering a Mazda CX-9, there are several other vehicles you should drive before buying. The Ford Flex is one of my favorites, especially with the Ecoboost engine. Honda's Pilot presents a more suburban approach to the issue, as does Toyota's Highlander. The GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse triumvirate represent a very smart approach to family-hauling.

The real question is, do you really need a seven-passenger SUV, or could you get by with a smaller vehicle? I'd encourage you to consider the CX-7 over the CX-9 if you can. You'll get a much more efficient vehicle with a much higher dollars-to-fun ratio. And if you're happier, your passengers will be happier. Right?



Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.