Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2016 Mazda CX-9

November 2, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature All Wheel Drive

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is stylish, roomy, and safe.
The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is stylish, roomy, and safe.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 227 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque

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

EPA Rating: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined

Base Price: $44,015

As Tested: $44,915

Performance:

Surprisingly strong performance for turbo four-cylinder

Good acceleration on kick-down

We averaged 22.5 mpg in mixed driving

The Mazda CX-9 is an excellent snowy weather vehicle with lots of room for family and their gear.
The Mazda CX-9 is an excellent snowy weather vehicle with lots of room for family and their gear.

Smooth highway ride

Sport and regular driving modes

Excellent snow/foul weather SUV

Trailer stability assist

Blind spot monitoring

Lane keeper assist

Smart brake support

Comfort:

Very nice Nappa leather seats

High quality interior materials

Handsome interior design

Driver power lumbar support

Three temperature heated front seats

The comfortable, supportive seats feature Nappy leather in the top-of-the-line Signature Edition.
The comfortable, supportive seats feature Nappy leather in the top-of-the-line Signature Edition.

Stretch-out driver legroom

Super stretch-out front passenger legroom

Medium thick contoured leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Excellent second row legroom

Great headroom

Adults can fit in middle position of second row

Big, wide second row armrest with shallow storage

Medium floor hump

Snug third row seating

Split, folding third row seats

Utility:

Bright LED interior lights

Rain sensing wipers

Medium size sunroof

Huge front door bins

Medium console bin

Second and third row seats are split to form a variety of seating/cargo configurations.
Second and third row seats are split to form a variety of seating/cargo configurations.

Big rear door bins

Rear HVAC controls

Four cupholders for third row

Power liftgate

Large cargo capacity

Flat cargo deck

Shallow storage under cargo deck

Medium glovebox, but no lock

Two seatback pouches

Handy, efficient central knob for infotainment features

WOW Factors:

Excellent heads up display

Handsome styling

Very roomy, comfortable interior

Seven-passenger capacity

Whines:

No power lumbar for front passenger

The Mazda CX-9 is one of the better looking big SUVs on the market.
The Mazda CX-9 is one of the better looking big SUVs on the market.

Bottom Line:

The Mazda CX-9 is the largest of the company’s three excellent SUVs. The Signature Edition is the most luxurious and that shows in the plush, spacious, highly comfortable interior. Cargo capacity is great and the CX-9 is an excellent skiing/snowy weather vehicle. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is surprisingly strong for this relatively large SUV.