GreenBkk.com Auto | 2011 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

2011 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

By Joe DeMatio, Phil Floraday

Photography by Matt Tierney

It’s easy to forget the Mazda CX-9, because it’s been out for several years, but every time I get into one I remember that it’s a really nice, very refined family crossover. It’s good-looking, too. The 3.7-liter V-6 works very well with the six-speed automatic, and I don’t think most drivers would ever want for power. The interior is very well turned out, especially in our test car’s taupe and cream two-tone combination. The third-row seats are for children only but that’s fine, because this is a mid-size crossover not full size. The ergonomics are good, the seats are comfortable, and the main instrument binnacle is clear and easy to read. There’s lots to like here for anybody shopping for a 7-passenger family vehicle.

Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor

Mazda does a great job of making a vehicle as big as the CX-9 feel smaller and more maneuverable. Some other automakers build SUVs and crossover that seem more cumbersome going down the road despite having a smaller footprint. Despite feeling nimble behind the wheel, the CX-9 offers pretty impressive cargo and passenger room inside. I put my Rottweiler in the cargo area with the third row of seats folded and he had plenty of room to move around. He wouldn’t have fit with the third row of seating upright, though.

Like Joe DeMatio, I was impressed by the power and refinement of the 3.7-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission. There’s strong enough acceleration at normal speeds, and typical of Mazda products, the engine is in its powerband at highway cruising speeds, so you don’t need a 6th-to-4th downshift to be able to pass slower traffic on the expressway. That gearing hurts the fuel economy a bit, as the 16/22 mpg ratings aren’t terribly impressive to me.

Inside the CX-9, the area surrounding the front seats is well organized and I easily found enough room to store my garage door opener, parking garage pass, checkbook, cell phone, and a coffee. The rectangular opening below the HVAC controls is particularly useful since it doesn’t extend too deep into the dashboard. Some cars have well-placed storage areas that are actually too big if you need to quickly grab something inside them without taking your eyes off the road.

Phil Floraday, Senior Web Editor

2011 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring All-Wheel-Drive

Base price (with destination): $35,330

Price as tested: $40,800

Standard Equipment:

3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine

6-speed automatic transmission

Active torque-split all-wheel drive

4-wheel disc brakes with ABS

Dynamic stability control

Traction control system

Blind spot monitoring system

Tire pressure monitoring system

20-inch aluminum alloy wheels

7-passenger seating

Leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel

Leather-trimmed seats

Heated 8-way power driver seat

Heated front passenger seat

Xenon headlights

Heated power mirrors

Bluetooth connectivity

Auto-dimming rear view mirror

AM/FM/CD audio

Auxiliary audio input jack

Three-zone automatic climate control

Options on this vehicle:

Rear entertainment system -- $3055

9-inch DVD with 5.1 audio surround sound

Bose audio with 11 speakers

Sirius satellite

Navigation with real-time traffic -- $1565

Power lift gate -- $400

Pearl paint -- $200

Rear bumper step plate -- $150

Key options not on vehicle: 

Moonroof and Bose audio package -- $2255

Towing receiver hitch -- $425

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

16/22/19 mpg

Engine:

Size: 3.7L V-6

Horsepower: 273 hp @ 6250 rpm

Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Drive:

Four-wheel

Transmission:

6-speed automatic

Curb weight: 4546 lb

Wheels/tires: 20 x 7.5-inch alloy wheels

245/50R20 all-season tires

Competitors: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer

Credit: Automobile Magazine (www.automobilemag.com)