I really hesitate to use terms like “new wave” when talking about a vehicle. But, in this case the term really applies. Mazda, with a big helping hand from Ford, has really developed a nice top-of the-line crossover.
The CX-9 is part of great line of vehicles that cater to a range of performance enthusiasts from budget -oriented cars like the Mazda3 to the halo RX-8.
2008 Mazda CX-9
Want more? CX-9's got it
With an as-tested price of $40,420 after options ($34,655 base), the Grand Touring AWD CX-9 wasn’t exactly a budget-oriented vehicle. The CX-9 does, however, offer a healthy dose of performance and handling not usually associated with passenger-focused crossovers.
Yes, the CX-9 is a crossover based on unibody platform, meaning no heavy frame or extra differential to drag around. Launched last year, the CX-9 garnered kudos for its nimble handling, aggressive design and high level of fit and finish. It also got dinged for the sluggish acceleration and lack or power. For 2008 Mazda has helped a little bit in the zoom department with a new standard and larger 3.7 liter DOHC V-6 engine with 273-horsepower and 270 pound-feet torque. This new engine represents a 10 horse boost in power. … Please try and contain your excitement.
Directing the power is a six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission with manual-mode as standard equipment. With this transmission and engine package the CX-9’s fuel economy is underwhelming with EPA figures of 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. I actually pulled in around 19 mpg on regular unleaded, and that figure was achieved due to ginger acceleration and practicing some of my fuel saving tips.
So, why is the CX-9 a member of the new wave of crossovers? Well for starters it acts more like a tall wagon than an SUV. Its nimble handling and marginal improvement in fuel economy offer an alternative to big lumbering SUVs. It also provides all-wheel-drive traction when needed. The carlike interior appeals to those who want more cargo and passenger space without having to go big and give up a passenger car environment. The most important factor is that the CX-9 will seat seven passengers in three rows. Why is this important? Because without a doubt, the first question I get with crossovers/SUVs is: “Does it come with three-row seating”?
The CX-9 looks trim on the outside, but it actually rides on a 113.2-inch wheelbase, providing second-row passengers with acceptable access to third-row seating. There is nearly 26 inches of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C-pillar. Mazda claims that there is ample room for full-size adults in every position. I have to take issue with that, though, as the middle position in the second and third rows are really only usable for small children.
During the review period, I really noted how Mazda set up the interior for the ease of all passengers. It starts with a driver’s seat and steering column that move quickly and easily within a wide range that will accommodate most drivers. There is ample headroom. The 60-40 adjustable split second row carries two in comfort and three in a pinch offering almost five-inches of fore-and-aft slide travel with a reclining backrest. In the third row, the seats split 50-50 and the fore/aft position of the second row of seats will determine the level of claustrophobia for adults sentenced to the third row. With the third row in use, the CX-9 still delivers 17.2 cubic-feet of cargo capacity. Both second- and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way up to the back of the front seats. The seats are easy to configure with single motion levers and straps to put them up/down.
Slipping into the interior, I was greeted by an organized combination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on a T-shaped instrument panel. Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trim and indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. I liked the indirect lighting that is also imbedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warm glow. I was really impressed by the level of the interior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look.
On the road the CX-9 shines with nimble handling and responsive driving characteristics. The CX-9 is a front-wheel drive vehicle, but Grand Touring models come with Mazda’s Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive. This system rapidly adjusts to changing traction needs by monitoring wheel slippage, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and available driveline torque. In normal driving, 100-percent of the driving torque is delivered to the front wheels. During aggressive acceleration or when one front wheel is on the verge of slip, up to 50 percent of the available torque can be directed to the rear axle.
As a member of Mazda’s “Zoom, Zoom” line of vehicles, the CX-9 has to perform. The CX-9 accomplishes this via an independent suspension on all four corners. Up front, the low friction strut-type suspension system uses coil springs and some good chassis tuning. In the back the multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side. Anti-roll bars lend a hand at each end to maximize agility and provide control during aggressive driving which you can do with this vehicle.
The test vehicle made contact with the pavement via standard 10-inch, V-rated, low-profile radial tires (P245/50R-20). These tires do a great job of providing ample grip and a huge contact patch to help the vehicle cling to the road.
One optional item I highly recommend is the Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM). The BSM system monitors areas on both sides of the vehicle when exceeding speeds of 20 mph. BSM will alert you to possible vehicles in these areas in certain situations such as when changing lanes on roads and freeways. The BSM system notifies the driver of vehicles in the detection areas by illuminating the BSM warning light located in the mirror. If the turn signal lever is operated in the direction of the BSM warning light that is illuminated, the warning light will flash and the system will also warn the driver of the vehicle in the detection area with the sound of a beep. It is highly effective and saved me once when a speeding motorcycle came up on me fast as I passed an on ramp and was switching lanes. For the $200 Mazda is charging, this is a bargain.
The power liftgate was handy but was part of a $2,500 option package containing a nav system and rear-view camera that seems a bit pricey.
I have to give Mazda credit for making the CX-9 rise above the ho-hum status quo of crossover people haulers by designing one that offers a bit of driving excitement. With its contemporary design, nimble handling and seating options for the entire crew, the 2008 Mazda CX-9 can meet most of the changing needs of on-the-go families or active lifestyle individuals.
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