Mazda CX-9

Grand Touring AWD

MSRP

$29,820 - $35,205

Invoice

$27,600 - $32,567

The 2009 CX-9 is a 4-door, 7-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the Sport FWD to the Grand Touring AWD.

Upon introduction, the Sport FWD is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 273-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. The Grand Touring AWD is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 273-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

Expert Reviews

Published on November 4, 2008

"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 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."

Technical Specs

• Engine

  Standard Engine	3.7L V6
  Standard Transmission	6 Speed Automatic
  Cylinders	6
  Horsepower @RPM	273@6250
  Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy	15 / 21
  Combined Fuel Economy	17
  EPA Class	Four Wheel Drive SUV
  Number of Valves	24
  Torque @RPM	N/A
  Fuel Type System	Gas Engine / Multi-Port Fuel Injected
  Turbo (Yes/No)	No
  Overdrive Transmission	Yes
  Battery Output	N/A
  Compression	10.3:1
  Displacement	3726 / 227
  Bore X Stroke	3.76x3.41
  Cruising Range	341.7 miles
  Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt	N/A
  Power to Weight Ratio	16.7
  Final Drive Ratio	No
  Valves Configuration	Dual Overhead Cam / Twin Overhead Cam
  Supercharged	No
  Electric HorsePower RPM	N/A
  Electric Torque Feet Per Pound	N/A (foot-lbs)
  Electric Torque RPM	N/A
  Electric HorsePower BHP	N/A

• Capacity and Volume

  Cargo Volume (EPA)	N/A
  Cargo Volume (MFR)	N/A
  Fuel Capacity	20.1
  Passenger Volume (EPA)	N/A
  Passenger Volume (MFR)	139.2 cu. ft.
  Box/Cargo Height	34.8
  Box/Cargo Length	19.0
  Box/Cargo Width (Wheel)	46.1
  Box/Cargo Width (Wall)	58.5
  GVWR Standard	6049
  GVWR Maximum	6049
  Payload Standard	1479
  Payload Maximum	1479

• Brakes, Steering, Suspension and Tires

  Brakes (Front)	Disc
  Brakes (Rear)	Disc
  Driveline	All Wheel Drive
  Driveline (Opt)	N/A
  Steering	Rack & Pinion
  Steering Diameter Left	37.4
  Steering Diameter Right	37.4
  Suspension (Front)	Independent
  Suspension (Rear)	Independent
  Tire Type	Passenger
  Tire Width	245 mm
  Tire Aspect Ratio	50
  Tire Construction	Radial
  Tire wheel Diameter	20 in.

• Interior Dimensions

  Seating (Standard)	7
  Seating (Optional)	N/A
  Tow Capacity (Standard)	3500
  Tow Capacity (Maximum)	3500
  Headroom (Front)	39.6
  Headroom (Row 2)	39.0
  Hiproom (Front)	56.5
  Hiproom (Row 2)	56.0
  Legroom (Front)	40.9
  Legroom (Row 2)	39.8
  Shoulder Room (Front)	59.4
  Shoulder Room (Row 2)	58.7
  Seating (Maximum)	7
  Headroom (Row 3)	35.4
  Hiproom (Row 3)	43.7
  Legroom (Row 3)	32.4
  Shoulder Room (Row 3)	56.9

• Exterior Dimensions and Weight

  Curb Weight MT	N/A
  Curb Weight AT	4550
  Ground Clearance	8.0
  Height	68.0
  Length	199.8
  Top Type (Standard)	Hard Fixed
  Top Type (Optional)	199.8
  Track (Front)	65.1
  Track (Rear)	64.7
  Weight Distribution AT (Front)	N/A
  Weight Distribution AT (Rear)	N/A
  Weight Distribution MT (Front)	N/A
  Weight Distribution MT (Rear)	N/A
  Wheelbase	113.2
  Width	76.2
  Doors (Standard)	4
  Doors (Maximum)	4

• Crash Test Ratings, Sales and Origin

  Crash Test Rating	5* / 5*
  Sales Volume	N/A
  Where Built	Japan