Susan Frissell
womeniwithwheels.com
All-new for 2016, the flagship CX-9 luxury SUV from Mazda is changed. Put it up against its predecessor and you’ll see that it is more distinctive, more handsome and more capable.
Practical seems to also be the buzz-word for the new Mazda CX-9. With a few cues from a little brother (CX-5) and other well-known SUV’s in the luxury category, namely, Infiniti’s QX70, the restyled CX-9 has three rows, all-wheel-drive, plenty of amenities, and many upgrades.
Much more elegant, the CX-9 feels expensive, and sports a large chrome grille that juts out. Inside it are LED lights. Our test CX-9 came in the optional Soul Red Metallic paint. We recommend it. Hey, it’s only another $300 to look like one of the most handsome SUV’s on the block. There are many competitors today in this category (think Lexus RX 450, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, etc.), but we’re partial to Mazda.
The interior is much refined, and what remains of the use of plastic, is soft and classy. We test-drove the Grand Touring all-wheel-drive model, and didn’t want for any extras. With a MSRP of $41,970, the car came to a reasonable $43,170 for all that one gets. Items like navigation and SIRIUS come in the GT package, so no surprise charges there. The aluminum-accents and leather seating make the CX-9 feel plush.
The CX-9 drives well over all surfaces; quite an improvement over past generations. Mazda revealed that they worked hard on suppressing the tire noise that was reminiscent of older CX-9 models. The floorpan is thicker and over 50 pounds of sound deadening under the carpet have been added. In addition, the windshield is acoustically laminated, as are the front windows. Mazda claims a decibel level of 65 at 70 mph. Although our seats were 8-way power, we couldn’t seem to get just the right position. Our head seemed to hit the headrest when the back of our seat was about right. More thigh support could also be had, which has been something we’ve noticed in other vehicles we’ve driven of late.
Second-row seating-with seats back-is ample, with plenty of legroom for adults. No captain’s chairs are available, and the seating is split-bench (second row) that folds forward so that entering the third row is easier. In the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, for instance, offer a walk-through arrangement. With both rows folded flat in the Mazda, drivers get 71 cubic feet.
One of the other differences in the 2016 CX-9 from its competition is that it sports a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, while the competition sports a 6-cylinder. We didn’t notice any lag or lack of power, and in fact, felt as though the CX-9 had plenty of power with 250 horse. In fact, this writer found the Mazda turbo engine to be superior to the competition: No lag, no cut out, just pickup and quiet. This isn’t to say, for those drivers who like a lot of power and performance that the Mazda turbo will satisfy. Let’s just say it felt as though it carried the weight of this good-size SUV sufficiently-for us.
The CX-9’s instrument panel sports round analog dials; one of which is a colored LCD screen that displays a compass and trip-odometer. We liked this feature a lot and found it very helpful. Why all vehicles don’t yet still have a compass makes us wonder. The touchscreen is a 8-inch on all trim levels except the Sport trim (7-inch). The screen is a reach while driving, but it can be controlled by the iDrive-like knob behind the shifter.
According to Mazda, the use of a four-cylinder engine was a weight saver (132 lbs.), putting the CX-9 in a place that is lighter than most other SUV’s in its class. It feels like a solid, heavy car, though. A downsized engine and reduced mass throughout also help to boost fuel economy; up gallon or two from 2015. The CX-9 leads in this category, with a neck-and-neck average similar to GM’s Acadia (21/25 mpg.)
To boost real-world fuel economy, Mazda fits a cooling system to the exhaust-gas-recirculation system that helps reduce combustion temperatures. When on boost, a turbo causes the engine to consume more fuel, not only to match the extra air entering the engine but also as a little extra to help keep the combustion chamber cool. By cooling the exhaust that recirculates back to the engine, combustion temperatures are thus reduced without having to rely on a rich mixture.
Drivers will feel as though they are driving a far different SUV than the previous CX-9. It appeals, we assume, to the baby boomers who want comfort, dependability and room. Well, and also a little style. The redesigned CX-9 is smooth and upgraded features such as the electrically assisted power steering is lighter and very accurate. It handles easily and never feels too big. It’s easy to maneuver, park and manage.
Not unlike many new vehicles today, the Mazda CX-9 SUV comes with a full plate of driver-assistance systems, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and correction and radar-based cruise control. We’ve become a fan of the cruise-control that monitors out driving on highway trips, and it is only available on the Grand Touring and Signature models.
We do find, however, the collision-warning system noises annoying. The dynamics and refinement of the new CX-9 far outweigh many of its completion, and certainly, it is a vast improvement over the previous generation.
We found it a little unnerving when it all but slammed on the brakes when we came a little too close to the car ahead. The system somehow gauged it differently than this driver. If a driver isn’t accustomed to this feature, it could possibly cause an accident. We are not a big fan of all the new driver-assist technology. Perhaps it might be prudent to run drivers/owners through how it works before releasing them in their brand-new CX-9.
Fortunately, drivers can turn off the system, and/or adjust its sensitivity. This has to be done each time the car is restarted.
We thought the redesigned Mazda CX-9 was very pleasurable to drive and would consider it a buy for all age groups. In comparison to the 2016 Volvo XC60 TC AWD-E we drove the following week, the CX-9 seemed more intuitive, a better handling SUV and competitive.
The 2016 CX-9 sports a MSR of $32,420 for the base model; add all-wheel-drive and it goes up $1800. Even at $43,170, this car is a bargain as it wants for nothing. And with Mazda’s reputation of dependability, it will service any driver well for many years.
SPECS
Vehicle Type: front-engine, i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback
Price as tested: $43,170; MSRP: 41,970
Engine: turbocharged and intercooled Miller-cycle inline-4, aluminum block and head; Displacement: 152 cu in, 2488 cc; 227 hp @ 5000 rpm; Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
Wheelbase: 115.3 in
Length: 199.4 in
Width: 77.5 in.
Height: 67.6 in.
Curb weight: 4336 lb
EPA Fuel Economy: 22/28 mpg.
EPA combined/city/hwy: 23/21/27 mpg
Wheels: 2-inch alloy
Tires: 255/50R20 all-season
Warranty: unlimited miles/mths Corrosion; 36,000 miles/60 mths Full; 36 mths/36,000-miles Roadside Assistance