Flash Drive

2017 Mazda CX-9

May 1, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is visually unchanged from the 2016 model, but with such handsome styling there’s no need for alterations.

 Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 250 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque

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

EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/26-mpg highway/23-mpg combined

Base Price: $42,270

As Tested: $43,610

Performance:

Powerful, turbocharged I-4 Skyactiv engine

Sport mode noticeably sportier

Confident winter vehicle

Smooth 6-speed automatic

Good highway fuel economy—our best was 25.3-mpg

The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row seven-passenger SUV, but it looks much smaller and athletic than most competitors.

Excellent safety features

Head up display includes blind spot monitoring and speed limits

Comfort:

Spacious interior

Great front and second row leg/head room

Ample front passenger shoe room

Heated front seats (3 temps)

Driver power lumbar support

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Good quality interior materials and execution

Second row seats have adjustable seatback angle

The CX-9 interior is spacious and very comfortable, especially for the two forward seating rows.

Second row seats have large track travel

Soft, wide armrest with covered shallow storage

Adults can fit in second row middle position, but seat is hard

Third row seats snug for full-size passengers

Utility:

Seven-passenger seating

Long rear doors open wide

Power tailgate

Carpeted storage under cargo deck

Flat cargo deck and folded rear seats

Ample grocery room behind third row seats

Stiff tilt/telescopic steering column adjustment

Small center console bin with soft armrest

Mazda CX-9 cargo capacity and flexibility are excellent.

Medium size front door bins

Big rear door bins

Medium size glovebox, but no lock

Pull-up rear door sunshades

Rear HVAC controls on back eng of center console

Rain sensing wipers

Small moonroof

WOW Factors:

Excellent head up display

Mazda Skyactiv technology

Handsome styling, not bulky looking

The front seats are stylish, supportive, and comfortable with leather trim on the Grand Touring.

Spacious cargo area

Whines:

Setting satellite radio favorites overly complex

Third row access challenging for older passengers

Bottom Line:

The handsome 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring is a mid-size, three-row seven-passenger crossover SUV that neither looks or behaves like many of its lumbering competitors. It’s spacious and comfortable inside, performs very well, has excellent safety features and gets impressive fuel economy.