Flagship Reborn: Driving the Turbocharged 2016 Mazda CX-9

Mazda has redesigned its three-row SUV, moving the CX-9 to the company’s latest vehicle architecture. Among the notable changes, the all-new flagship vehicle brings a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and significant weight reduction. Although it is not on sale until next summer, we had a chance to drive on right after its world debut at the 2015 Los Angeles auto show.

In the process of moving the CX-9 to Mazda’s current engineering philosophy called Skyactive (as demonstrated with the compact 3, midsized 6, and CX-5 small SUV), the CX-9 has shed some 250 pounds, partly due to jettisoning the heavy-and-thirsty 3.7-liter V6. The diet allowed adding some sound insulation to achieve a quiet cabin—a trait typically not associated with Mazda. With a slightly shorter overall length than the outgoing CX-9, the latest iteration gains a couple of inches in the wheelbase. While it has a more dynamic stance, the third-row seat appears to be less roomy than before.

Acknowledging the notion that small-displacement turbocharged engines don’t deliver the real-world fuel economy expected of them, Mazda Vehicle Development Engineer Dave Coleman explains that the development team focused on drivability and fuel economy rather than trying to hit a specific number in terms of horsepower. And, in an unusually candid way, Mazda specifies two horsepower ratings: 227 hp for regular fuel and 250 hp for premium. Peak torque of 310 lb.-ft. is available from 2000 rpm, intended to provide a smooth and effortless power delivery: more on that later.

Mazda is not new to turbocharging, but in the process of expanding this technology beyond sports cars, it had to learn some lessons the hard way. Several previous attempts at turbocharging were less than stellar. The 2006 CX-7, for instance, suffered from so much turbo lag that it could leave you in an awkward situation, such as in the middle of an intersection, craving more acceleration.

On our roughly 20-mile semi-suburban drive route, the CX-9 delivered smooth propulsion with readily available power. The six-speed automatic provided smooth, timely shifts and prompt downshifts for passing and climbing hills. The only situation where the car felt momentarily unresponsive was when coming to almost a full stop with the intention of resuming progress immediately. This hesitancy tends to plague several models with small displacement turbo engines. The ultimate, oft-elusive, goal for the small turbos is fuel economy. This an area that the CX-9 needs to make significant gains, as the last model returned just 16 mpg.

That this rather sizable three-row SUV drives like a much smaller vehicle is commendable. The body remains even keel during cornering, and the car seems unfazed even when rushing it on curvy, hilly terrain. The steering is linear, nicely weighted, and not overly responsive lendning the SUV an athletic, confidence-inspiring demeanor.