2013 Mazda CX-9

Review

Editor's Rating

B+

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The Mazda CX-9 was an instant success when it first hit the market in 2007 thanks to sporty driving dynamics and excellent versatility. Now the CX-9 crossover has received a significant exterior and interior facelift in addition to new options and safety features.

Included in the refresh was the Mazda "family face" with a five-point grille, front combination lamps, new fog lamps, larger and more aerodynamic side mirrors and a revised rear fascia with restyled combination lamps.

For the inside the CX-9 received new chrome accents for the center of the instrument panel, A/C controls, automatic transmission knob, vent louver knobs, inner door handles and door trim. The finish was also upgraded to piano-black insets on the steering wheel and around the audio display. Smooth leather and subtle stitching changes on the seats were also added to provide a more upscale feel and look.

All CX-9 models feature the same 273 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that produces 270 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard and yields 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The optional all-wheel-drive is available across the trim levels and returns 16/22 mpg.

Trim Level Breakdown

The CX-9 is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

The CX-9 Sport comes well equipped with standard 18-inch wheels, a power moonroof, three-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and Bluetooth smartphone compatibility.

Upgrading to the CX-9 Touring trim level yields leather upholstery, heated front seats and a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat.

The premium trim level designated by the Grand Touring moniker delivers upgraded 20-inch wheels, Xenon headlamps, halogen fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, driver's seat memory and available rear-entertainment system, Blind Spot Monitoring and imitation wood interior trim.

Options include the Moonroof and Bose Audio Package, which (logically enough) brings a moonroof, a Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker Surround Sound System with Sirius Satellite radio and a four-month complimentary subscription; the Six-Disc CD Changer with MID Package, which (as the name suggests) includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer, a 4.3-inch full color multi-information LCD audio display and a rearview camera; and the Touring Power Lift Gate Package, which adds an advanced keyless entry and start system and a power rear hatch.

Opting for the towing package will allow a Touring or Grand Touring model to haul up to 3,500 pounds.

A navigation system is available as a stand-alone option.

Occupant Safety
Standard safety features on the CX-9 include dual front, side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors
Although no three-row crossover is quite as sporty as the CX-9, viable alternatives to Mazda's big crossover include the Hyundai Veracruz, Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango and the Toyota Highlander.

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