Vehicle: 2007 Mazda CX-9 with Luxury Package and Nav with Bluetooth cell phone integration
Price as tested: CDN$50685

Performance: Unlike the turbocharged CX-7, CX-9 is powered by a normally aspirated V6. This 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 is good for 263 horsepower and 249 lb/ft of torque. With our loaded version coming in at around 2100kg, this engine is more than enough to motivate this heavy beast. While its smaller silbing, CX-7, is a performance-oriented crossover. CX-9 serves as a crossover that emphasize more on comfort and luxury than hardcore performance. Due to that reason, this powerhouse is refined and quiet enough to suit CX-9’s cruising character. Its also surprisingly flexible and torquery, given its maximum torque arrives at a late 4500 rpm. The 6-speed manumatic also works pretty well with this engine. Both up and downshifts are crisp and responsive, while the manumatic mode reacts nicely to driver’s input.

Handling: Even though CX-9 is tuned more toward comfort over performance, it handles surprisingly well. Although it doesn’t have the sharp handling of CX-7 and RDX, handling dynamics are sure-footness and confidence-inspiring. The steering provides enough feedback and precision to remind drivers “this is a zoom…zoom Mazda”. Its a delightful trait especially when you consider CX-9’s smooth and sublime ride quality. All the rebound damping characteristics of this crossover has been tuned toward Lexus-like ride comfort, however, the most pleasant surprise is it doesn’t lose the handling characteristics that builds up the Mazda brand name really well in recent years. Yes, its not as capable as its smaller silibing. But when you consider the fact that CX-9 is tuned for a different target audience than CX-7, you would find one delightful package. This Active Torque Split all-wheel drive has done an excellent job in the CX-9. It works equally well in its bigger brother as its little one.

Brakes: The 4-wheel discs with standard ABS work exceptionally well during our springtime pouring weather. The stopping distance is short while the ABS only kicks in as necessary. That’s another surprise consider CX-9’s hefty weight.

Interior: Slip behind the wheel of CX-9, you would find an interior that is as well-executed as its dynamic package. The leather seats are comfortable and well-foamed. The knobs for auto climate control and stereo are as classy as they are user-friendly. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. You would also find the interior materials used inside are top-notch. Mazda’s interior designers have done a marvelous job with CX-9.

There is just adequate legroom for 3rd row of seats. Just like many crossovers with extra set of seats, its primarily a marketing move. Most ppl would fold them flat for extra cargo capacity. Those tiny seats better leave for hauling passengers, especially kids, for a short trip.

Conclusion: The CX-9 is a very good marketing move by Mazda. If you find the CX-7 rides too harshly, while Ford Edge which shares the same platform can only have 5 seats, CX-9 is the best compromise among the 3. Its comfort and luxurious features are the equal of Acura MDX which cost thousands more. You can hardly find a crossover that is better value than this.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 MAZDA CX-9
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5