2008 Mazda CX-9 Review

Mazda has followed up last year's sporty turbocharged five-passenger CX-7 SUV with the larger CX-9. It's Mazda's first seven-passenger vehicle, thanks to a third-row seat roomy enough for two adults, at least for shorter trips. Mazda research shows "a distinct difference between customers shopping for two-row and three-row SUVs."

Both the CX-7 (July 10, 2006 AutoTimes) and CX-9 look racy and arguably could be called mid-size crossover SUV vehicles, which is what Mazda calls them. They're carlike, but the CX-9 isn't just a lengthened CX-7. Each model has different body structures, chassis systems and powertrains.

The stylish, solid CX-9 was designed specifically for North America and is aimed mainly at well-educated, well-paid folks with two elementary school-aged kids and a dog, although Mazda says it's also for couples with grown children who pursue an active lifestyle.

The CX-9 has front- or all-wheel drive and comes in Sport, Touring and top-line Grand Touring models. Prices range from $29,035 for the entry front-drive Sport to $33,875 for the Grand Touring all-wheel-drive version I tested.

All have standard anti-lock brakes, roll stability control, dynamic stability control and traction control systems, besides front side air bags and curtain side air bags.

Also standard for all are air conditioning with automatic climate controls (including rear ones) that provide independent temperature settings for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. And there's a tilt-telescopic wheel with radio controls, AM/FM/CD player, height-adjustable driver's seat power windows and locks with remote entry, cruise control and six air bags.

The Touring adds leather upholstery and heated power front seats, and the Grand Touring adds keyless access and starting, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The Sport and Touring have 18-inch tires, while the Grand Touring has 20-inch wheels and wider tires for sharper handling.

Options can cause prices to "zoom-zoom." The navigation system is bundled in a $2,500-$2,717 (depending on trim level) Touring option package that also contains a power tailgate and rearview camera. A power sunroof is in a $1,760 package. A DVD entertainment package costs $2,560.

Front bucket seats are supportive, and there is a reclining 60/40 split second-row seat that slides fore and aft and a 50/50 split third-row seat.

Ford owns part of Mazda, and the CX-9 thus shares some components with the new Ford Edge SUV/crossover. For instance, the CX-9 has the same 3.5-liter V-6 used in the smaller Edge.

The V-6 is sophisticated, with chain-driven dual overhead camshafts for minimal maintenance, four valves per cylinder and variable intake valve timing. The throttle is electronically controlled for instant response.

The 263-horsepower CX-9 V-6 is mounted sideways to allow more interior room. Mazda has modified the intake and exhaust systems to provide more responsiveness at lower speeds -- something especially appreciated in slower traffic.

Besides lively in-town performance, the CX-9 allows fast merges and has brisk 65-75 mph passing times. The 0-60 mph run takes 7.8 seconds.

Fuel economy? It's par for the course for a heavy (4,312-4,546-pound) vehicle: 18 mpg in the city and 24 on highways with front-drive and 16 and 22 with all-wheel drive. Only 87-octane gasoline is needed, and the fuel tank carries 20.1 gallons.

The CX-9 has a more responsive six-speed Aisin automatic transmission with a manual shift mode that works better than the Edge's six-speed, which was jointly developed by Ford and General Motors. The CX-9's top two gears have overdrive ratios for the best highway economy.

The speed-sensitive power steering is precise, handling is agile in town and encourages enthusiastic driving on curvy roads. An all-independent suspension helps provide a supple, pleasant ride, and brakes provide short stops with their brake assist and electronic brake force distribution systems.

Mazda emphasizes the roomy third-row seat of the CX-9 and seven-passenger capacity because that's what many buyers of this type of vehicle closely look at. The CX-9's relatively long 113.2-inch wheelbase helps allow good interior room.

Some SUVs and crossovers call for awkward moves to reach the third seat, but the CX-9 has large openings to that seat. All one needs to gain third-seat access is a latch on the second seat that can be easily operated with one hand to move fore or aft. A strap attached to the third seat's backrest serves as a release for folding the seat and a means of pulling it erect again. The sliding second-row seat and wide door openings also allow easy third-seat entry or exit.

The quiet interior has upscale materials, and there's clear vision from all seating positions. Controls are easy to use, but gauges wash out in bright sunlight. The glovebox is tiny, but there's a deep center bin in the console, which contains conveniently placed cupholders. The second-row seat has a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Sun visor mirrors have sliding covers and are lit.

The cargo opening is rather high. But there's a decent 17.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third seat when its seatbacks are upright, which often isn't the case with third-row vehicles. Cargo room is even more spacious with the third seat folded flat and becomes cavernous with the second seat folded.

The field of seven-passenger SUVs keeps getting more crowded, but the CX-9 stands out.

2008 MAZDA CX-9

PRICE: $29,035-$33,875.

LIKES: Sleek. Fast. Utilitarian. Roomy. Carlike. Third-row seat.

DISLIKES: High cargo opening. Sunlight washes out gauges.