The Mazda CX-9 was born in 2006, out of a partnership with Ford. Built on the same platform as the Ford Edge, it was meant to help Mazda plug a gap in its range and offer an SUV with three rows.
Fast forward almost a decade and Mazda has learned enough about making SUVs to come up with its own product. The 2016 CX-9 gets a better engine, a better gearbox, and lighter architecture. With a more athletic design and better materials, the seven-seater can make moms and dads happier.
The second generation CX-9 stands at 199.4 in long, 1.2 in shorter than the previous model. But the wheelbase has grown by 2.2 in. 2.3 in shorter front overhang and 1 in shorter rear overhang, and moving the A-pillar back by 3.9 inches, enhance the CX-9’s athletic appearance. The base Spor trim rides on 18-inch wheels, as does the Touring model, while the Grand Touring and Signature trims get 20-inch wheels.
While the rear is designed to be similar to the CX-5, the CX-9 features narrower taillights and a chrome blade running between them. A power liftgate is standard on all but the base trim. A choice of seven exterior colors is offered on the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
Three-zone automatic climate control comes as standard even on the base trim. Leather upholstery and power front seats with heating function are standard starting with the Touring trim and an available option on the Sport trim. No word about heated second-row seats on any of the models, but at least the second-row passengers get retractable sunshades. As a family-friendly feature, a second-row seat can be folded forward while still accommodating a child seat so that you won’t have to remove it. Mazda has also made it so that a child can access the third-row unaided, with the use of a single lever.
An eight-inch, free-standing display is available on all models except the base trim, which comes with a seven-inch screen. Navigation is standard on the top two trim levels, as is a power moonroof and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. All of these features are available on the Touring trim, as an optional package. The instrument cluster is available with a 4.6-inch TFT display and heads-up display.
SiriusXM satellite radio is an available option on the Touring trim and standard on Grand Touring and Signature. Keyless entry and start are standard from the Touring trim level, as is HomeLink support. Two USB ports are available to the front passengers, while second-row passengers also get two available USB ports, with charging capability.
All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels and standard on the Signature model. Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD system analyzes road conditions 200 times per second and can send as much as 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels. EPA estimates for the front-wheel drive CX-9 are 22 MPG city, 28 highway and 25 combined.
