The Mazda CX-9 is the brand’s largest vehicle featuring a full three-row SUV experience for the entire family. This is a mid-size SUV (crossover if you prefer) which goes head to head with other big names in the segment such as Highlander, Pilot and Pathfinder.
It’s the second generation CX-9 and was unveiled in 2016. Since then, Mazda has continued to make improvements to the CX-9 every year rather than wait for a mid-cycle refresh as many manufacturers often do.
In terms of looks, the CX-9 is quite elegant. We have a long hood and a five-point grille with double bars flanked on either side by standard low- and high-beam LED headlights. The design flows quite nicely to the rear by way of a swept greenhouse, large wheels and short overhangs. They’ve done a good job at making it look large and imposing.
If you’ve never sat in a late-model Mazda then you’ll be in for a real treat. It’s one of the few non-luxury brands whose interiors could easily pass as one. Mazda cockpits are ergonomically among the most effective layouts on the market. The vertically stacked center console is visually very appealing and functionally relevant. The controls feel very close and everything is within reach. The downside here is that the large piece does take up a lot of room but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make any day. Having to reach for the controls removed your concentration from the road so it’s far superior to surround the driver with everything they need. It goes to Mazda’s core design philosophy of minimizing cognitive (taking your mind off the road), visual (taking eyes off the road) and manual (posture) distractions while driving. All driving information is displayed in front of the driver while all secondary information such as entertainment is kept to the side.
There are three rows of seats in the CX-9 and it can seat up to seven people. Third row seating is always a bit tedious to access but it’s getting better as manufacturers develop new and clever ways to design folding seats. The third row can seat kids comfortably but adults will find it quite snug as is usually the case.
At a recent media event I asked Mazda’s in-vehicle technology engineer Matthew Valbuena why there is no rear-seat entertainment system offered. His reply was that Mazda sees this as an unnecessary channel to put R&D money because many families use tablets or other portable devices that can be removed form the vehicle once they get where they are going. I do understand from a business perspective why that decision makes sense however as a parent whose kids use such devices, I can attest that a single screen where everyone can watch the same movie on a long ride can be a godsend.
As I mentioned earlier the addition of CarPlay is a welcome addition to Mazda’s infotainment system. Even better is the news that the Mazda Commander interface buttons can actually control some CarPlay or Android Auto functions. For example, a short press on the home button brings you to the CarPlay home screen and a long press will get you to the Mazda Connect home screen. Nav will bring you to your devices nav screen when plugged in as opposed to the vehicle’s navigation system. These are little details that make operation CarPlay and Android Auto superior than in other vehicles.
For me, Mazda’s forte has always been its infotainment system. The location of the volume control button on the lower console cannot be understated as an ingenious location particularly because the volume is adjusted each and every time the occupant is in the vehicle thereby amplifying its importance. You can manipulate all functions via the Command interface dial next to it and not have to take your eyes off the road.
The CX-9 comes with a single engine option for all trim levels: a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine making 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a peppy as the Honda Pilot but it’s smooth, responsive and does the job just fine while achieving good fuel economy of about 10 L / 100 km.
Using something called G-Vectoring Control, the CX-9 holds the road in a very sporty fashion as is the case with most of the brand’s lineup. While turning the steering wheel, the system modifies engine torque to give the vehicle a slight deceleration G-force, which shifts weight to the front wheels and increases grip. It’s a neat system that can have real tangible benefits. When not turning it can shift torque to the rear wheels for more performance.
The CX-9 lags behind much of the competition in terms of sales and I cannot figure out why. That being said, since the new model was released two years ago sales have been steadily increasing and show no signs of slowing. The CX-9 is a must-test if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV.