2012 Mazda CX-9 Review

Overview

An instant success when it first hit the market in 2007, the CX-9 raised the bar for three-row crossover SUVs. Well known as Mazda's flagship SUV, the seven-passenger CX-9 was highly refined inside and out for 2010 and it receives redesigned wheels and improved fuel economy for 2011. This Mazda crossover is bestowed with SUV-type ride height and carrying capacity, but offers significantly better fuel economy, ride quality, and handling than a truck-based SUV. The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, trip computer, cruise control, six air bags, Bluetooth phone capability and a choice of black or beige interior hues are standard on all trims.

Power and performance

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 rides on a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine. The torque curve keeps 250 lb-ft from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm and peaking with 270 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. It includes an Aisin-supplied six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission with manual mode as standard equipment to combine excellent acceleration and high fuel mileage. Front-wheel drive is standard in the Mazda CX-9 for excellent drivability, with Mazda's Active Torque All-Wheel Drive optionally available.

Body and styling

The CX-9 includes climate control system for rear seating areas, Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System key fob, available 4.3-inch, full color LCD display audio system that allows intuitive operation of AM/FM radio, MP3-capable CD changer, SIRIUS satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, hands-free phone, and iPod connectivity, and serves as a back-up camera display (Touring and Grand Touring models equipped with BOSE package) and two-stage heated seats (standard on Touring and Grand Touring, available on Sport). The Mazda CX-9 Sport is equipped with 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, halogen headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and cloth upholstery. Power front seat adjusters are optional. The Touring model gets leather seat trim, power front seat adjusters. The top of the line Grand Touring rolls on 20-inch aluminum wheels and is also equipped with the aforementioned Touring equipment plus bright exterior door handles, rain-sensing wipers, an anti-theft alarm system, exterior mirrors with turn indicators, a three-position memory driver's seat, Blind Spot Monitoring system, Homelink auto-dimming rearview mirror, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System, wood-like instrument panel trim, wood-like door trim, indirect blue interior lighting and a silver finish for the side surfaces of the rear console. A number of optional features are available. A towing package, power sunroof, BOSE audio system, power lift gate, and a rear-seat entertainment system are a few important features among them. Navigation is available as a standalone option on Grand Touring models and includes a DVD navigation system, and back-up monitor. The back-up monitor system is equipped with a wide angle camera, which improves the field of vision, allowing for a wider view of objects or people that may be behind the vehicle.

Safety Features

An advanced Roll Stability Control (RSC) system, four-wheel ventilated disc-brakes that include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to prevent lockup during emergency use, and an Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) are a few important safety features. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) reduces driveline torque and automatically applies one or more brakes to minimize under- or over-steer during emergency maneuvers. Protection is provided by sensor-activated side-curtain airbags which extend from the first to the third row. The CX-9's front headrests incorporate trendy design features, which are designed primarily to reduce neck injuries during rear impacts.