By Derek Price
Automotive Writer
Mazda has spent the past decade trying to inject its entire lineup with the spirit of its brilliant sports car, the MX-5 Miata.
How does it do that with a big, three-row crossover?
With ample V6 power and a sporty feel, the Mazda CX-9 remains one of the few family vehicles that driving purists can appreciate.
It starts with the CX-9’s suspension tuning, steering and brake feel. It’s obvious that Mazda’s engineers spent a lot of time perfecting the feedback the driver gets from this car, making it respond quickly to inputs. It’s one of the most communicative crossovers you can buy today and remains highly competitive in this tight class, despite not having major changes since 2013.
That sporty driving feel is helped by one of the most powerful engines offered in a car like this: a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Unfortunately, the CX-9 has not yet gotten the SKYACTIV makeover that’s benefiting much of Mazda’s recent lineup. The SKYACTIV design has reduced weight and improved fuel economy without sacrificing that trademark zippy Mazda driving feel, leading to awards like Car and Driver’s “10 Best” and Popular Mechanics’ “Car of the Year” for the Mazda6.
While the CX-9 doesn’t feel heavy, that’s mainly because ample power under the hood does a good job masking its heft. And that means gas mileage suffers, earning a rating of just 24 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city. It’s a vehicle that knowingly, boldly sacrifices some fuel economy to get better performance.
The CX-9 continues in 2015 largely as a carryover model, but there are a couple of minor changes. One is a new paint finish called Titanium Flash Mica. The other is the addition of a new “recreational accessory package” that includes things such as roof rails, a cargo net and stainless rear bumper guard that are helpful for outdoor adventures.
Still, this is a vehicle designed for staying on the pavement. You can get it with all-wheel drive for better traction, but it’s not meant to be an off-road vehicle. That’s not Mazda’s thing.
This is the most comfortable vehicle Mazda makes, though, with enough space to stretch out and a ride that smooths out nicely at highway speeds.
A cockpit centered around the left seat enhances the CX-9’s appeal for drivers, while tasteful, glossy accents on the Grand Touring models give it an upscale look.
It’s also impressively versatile. All the seats are easy to fold flat, and I like how the second row can slide back and forth a full five inches to let you adjust the legroom for passengers. That makes it simple to tweak the cabin depending on how many people and how much cargo you’re carrying.
Unusually wide rear doors also make it easier for your back-seat passengers to climb in and out.
The base CX-9 starts under $30,000, while the Grand Touring version I tested starts at $35,035. When you load it up with lots of luxury options, including a rear-seat entertainment system with a Bose stereo, it can cross the $40,000 mark.
At a Glance
What was tested?
2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD ($35,035). Options: Tech package ($2,435), towing prep package ($100). Price as tested (including $830 destination charge): $38,400
Wheelbase: 113.2 in.
Length: 200.6 in.
Width: 76.2 in.
Height: 68 in.
Engine: 3.7-liter V6 (278 horsepower, 270 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: 6-speed Sport AT automatic
Estimated Mileage: 17 city, 24 highway
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 8
Handling: 10
Ride: 8
Comfort: 7
Quality: 8
Overall: 8
Video Review:
2015 Mazda CX-9
bit.ly/2015cx9
Why buy it?
For drivers who like to feel engaged with the road, it remains one of the best three-row crossovers you can buy today. Its V6 power, fun personality and versatile, practical interior are a great combination.