2009 Mazda CX-9 Sport AWD

"TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2009 Mazda CX-9 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the Mazda CX-9 to offer you a definitive opinion on this sporty, seven-passenger crossover. This review also compares the 2009 Mazda CX-9 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.


The seven-passenger CX-9 crossover was introduced in 2007 and is closely related to the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Crossover vehicles like the 2009 Mazda CX-9 are generally car-based vehicles that look and perform somewhat like SUVs. The CX-9 combines the space of a wagon with the ride height and utility of an SUV in a...read more style that eschews the expected boxiness of both and delivers the sporty looks of Mazda's zoom-zoom heritage. The look is a bit more aggressive and overt than that of most other roomy crossover utes.

Simultaneously, the 2009 CX-9's styling avoids going in the false, "off-road-tough" direction of many SUVs. Unlike many high-horsepower V-6 engines out there, the 3.7-liter unit in the CX-9 does not require premium fuel, yet produces 273 horsepower. A smooth, six-speed automatic is standard and maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. The CX-9 has crisp, responsive handling for a vehicle of its size and weight, though it's not as nimble as Mazda's smaller CX-7. With an EPA city fuel economy estimate of 17 mpg city, fuel economy isn't a strong point for the powertrain, though.

Though the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is not the biggest of the big crossovers, the front seats are comfortable, and three rows of seating make the 2009 Mazda CX-9 quite useful for soccer-mom duty. The second row is split 60/40, reclines, or folds flat for cargo duty. Overall, good ride comfort, pleasing interior materials, and impressive build quality give the CX-9 a feel that's quite upscale.

With top crash tests all around, along with all of the expected airbags, and active and passive safety features, the CX-9 ranks as one of the safest vehicles in its class and makes an ideal family conveyance for that reason.

Even in base model form--where it's the best bargain, in TheCarConnection.com's opinion--the 2009 Mazda CX-9 comes equipped as a luxury vehicle, with tri-zone climate control and a Bluetooth hands-free interface among the standard features that are sometimes optional in this class of vehicle. But in more expensive, leather-lined Touring and Grand Touring trims some of the top options such as surround-sound audio and the rear DVD entertainment system can drive the price toward $40,000--and the realm of true luxury marques."hide