Flash Drive

2015 Mazda CX-9

August 20, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

The 2015 Mazda CX-9 is a handsome seven-pasenger SUV that provides a great highway ride.
The 2015 Mazda CX-9 is a handsome seven-pasenger SUV that provides a great highway ride.

Engine: 3.7-liter V-6 gas, 273 horsepower 270 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 16/City—22/Highway—18/Combined

Base Price: $36.625

As Tested: $39,800

Performance:
Very pleasant highway cruiser
Good (not great) acceleration
Smooth 6-speed automatic transmission
Dual exhausts
Blind spot warning in side mirrors
Moderate fuel economy, we averaged 19.2 mpg

The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a very smooth 3.7-liter V-6.
The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a very smooth 3.7-liter V-6.

Comfort:
Stretch-out front legroom

The spacious interior is well-appointed with easy to use controls.
The spacious interior is well-appointed with easy to use controls.

Two-temp heated front seats
Driver power lumbar
Quality interior materials
Large Bose speakers in front door panels
Excellent driving position
Three rows of seating
Second row slides far for third row access
Second row HVAC controls
Third row seating more for children than adults
Third row access is difficult
Comfy third row seats

Utility:
Medium size glovebox, but non-locking
Excellent rain-sensing wipers
Two seatback pouches
Big front door bins
Small rear door bins
Large rear doors for easy ingress/egress
Second row seats fold almost flat
Split third row seats fold flat
Power tailgate
Large cargo area with third row seats folded

The CX-9 has full-time AWD for marginal road conditions, but it is most happy on the open highway.
The CX-9 has full-time AWD for marginal road conditions, but it is most happy on the open highway.

Ample storage under flat cargo floor
Wide opening hatch; no lift-over
Good grocery space behind third row
Excellent cargo loops

Wow Factors:
Great rain-sensing windshield wipers
Handsome, but conservative styling
Excellent cargo capacity

Whines:
Third row seating isn’t for adults
Steering wheel rather skinny
No AWD controls
Small sunroof relative to vehicle size

Bottom Line:
The 2015 Mazda CX-9 is an attractively priced seven-passenger SUV with lots of room for people and cargo. Exterior dimensions are reasonable for a three row SUV, but the third row isn’t for adults.