2018 Mazda CX-9 Review

Mazda CX-9: This meticulously-crafted, flagship SUV is not to be overlooked

By Isaac Bouchard


[easyazon_infoblock align=”right” identifier=”B019EOQ6AK” locale=”US” tag=”coloradoavidg-20″]The Mazda3 and Mazda6 are among the best cars in their classes—the latter is still better in some ways than the much-hyped new Toyota Camry—and the CX-3 and CX-5 are either best-in-class or co-equal with the leaders.

Then there’s the CX-9.

The test vehicle’s time came right after a week in the thoroughly mediocre VW Altas, and the Japan-built Mazda excelled in all the areas the German-American car failed, like interior quality, tactile controls and superb driving dynamics.

The CX-9 is a lesson in how to marry harmonious, fluid ride motions with excellent body control and engaging handling in a large crossover or SUV. Its steering is linear, accurate and engages the pilot in the act of driving like few others. And the Mazda’s 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine gives it massive mid-range urge, commendably strong low-rpm response and excellent real-world economy.

The CX-9 is also space efficient; while comfort for the middle row is superb, even the rear seats are decent for most. Front chairs in the newest Mazdas trade support for padding—and not in the right way, if you like to sit in, not on your seat, The infotainment interface is logical but limited in what it can do (there’s no split-screen function, and muting the audio doesn’t pause playback) but the standard head up display makes up for this. It conveys a massive amount of useful info, more than almost any other out there, at any price.

Likewise the CX-9s comprehensive suite of driver aids, among them the best radar-based cruise control (which will bring the car to a stop and start it moving again in rush hour gridlock), non-intrusive yet helpful lane assist and a sensor suite for emergency autonomous braking that makes most others seem dim-witted.

Certainly the Mazda lacks desirable options like center row buckets, ventilated front seats and a powered steering column. But it is seemingly hewn from solid—especially when compared to the low-rent plastics in vehicles like the VW—comes covered in a range of stunning colors that have superbly smooth paint and is trimmed in artfully shaped brightwork. Yet people overlook it all the time, going for the large n’ cheap feeling Honda Pilot, cramped and expensive Toyota Highlander or antiquated Ford Explorer. It is fully the equal—and superior in many areas—to the $10,000 more expensive Acura MDX too.

My own experience suggests that nine out of ten people who drive it in direct comparison to most anything else of its size and mission will find it to be the best blend of attributes and value in the class. If only Mazda could get more people to give it a shot.


EPA ratings: 20/26mpg; 23mpg combined

0-60mph: 7.2sec

Price as tested: $43,095

Here is what Mazda has to say.

4.5 Stars


Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

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