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2017 Mazda CX-9

A new breed of family crossover  

Many carmakers try to redefine popular vehicle segments without alienating customers, but Mazda may have actually pulled that difficult feat off last year with the all-new Mazda CX-9. This completely redesigned family crossover incorporates the styling, engineering, and technology elements that have worked so well on other recent Mazda models into an eminently practical package. Carrying over for 2017, the Mazda CX-9 is designed to be sportier, more efficient, and more stylish than any previous three-row crossover, so the competition had better beware.

Performance

There is only one available powertrain, but it’s unlike anything you’ll find in a three-row crossover of this size and price.

Over the past few years, Mazda has garnered plenty of praise for its cleverly engineered SKYACTIV® four-cylinder engines, and now one of those engines powers the Mazda CX-9. It’s a 2.5-liter turbocharged unit, producing 250 horsepower on 93-octane fuel (227 horsepower on 87-octane) and 310 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

A four-cylinder engine may not seem burly enough to move such a big vehicle, but this is no ordinary four-cylinder. Virtually every part is maximized for optimum performance and efficiency, from the exhaust-gas recirculation system to the variable Dynamic Pressure Turbo. The 2.5-liter engine also runs a fairly high 10.5:1 compression ratio, and Mazda says the new engine is more flexible than the larger one used in the previous-generation Mazda CX-9. It claims the front-wheel drive 2017 Mazda CX-9 needs just 18 hp to maintain a 55-mph cruise.

In addition to standard front-wheel drive, the Mazda CX-9 is offered with a version of the i-ACTIV® AWD system that originally debuted on the smaller Mazda CX-5 crossover. It monitors road conditions 200 times a second and can send up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels. It can adjust power to account for wheel slip or redistribute it to curb understeer during spirited driving.

To make the Mazda CX-9 as entertaining to drive as a three-row crossover could be, Mazda applied the same SKYACTIV® engineering philosophy to the chassis, cutting 198 pounds from front-wheel drive models and 287 pounds from all-wheel-drive models. And that’s with the 53 pounds of sound-deadening material re-added to make the cabin quieter. The chassis is also more rigid than before, which should make for better handling.

Features 

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a five-door, seven-seat crossover. It's offered in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature trim levels. Pricing starts at $31,520.*

Sport models are equipped with a generous array of standard features. Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. 

Touring models add even more goodies like a power liftgate, keyless ignition, and a number of advanced safety technologies, including a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts. Other upgrades include leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, 8-inch infotainment display, and the previously optional Smart City Brake Support as a standard feature. 

The Grand Touring trim further spruces things up with 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED foglights, and automatic wipers. Also included are roof rails, a sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The Grand Touring also make use of additional safety features such as lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, front collision warnings, and a nifty head-up display. 

Sitting atop the Maxda CX-9 lineup is the Signature trim. It adds exterior LED accent lighting, premium leather upholstery, and rosewood interior trim. 

Design

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 boasts one of the most dynamic designs of any three-row crossover. It applies the stylish “Kodo” design language used on other recent Mazda models to a larger package. The prominent grille and slim headlights give the Mazda CX-9 a familial resemblance to the rest of the Mazda lineup, while the long hood, swept greenhouse, and large wheels give it a much sportier look than most crossovers.

While it is a large family vehicle, Mazda also tried to give the Mazda CX-9’s interior a sporty feel. The entire vehicle is designed around the concept of “Jinba Ittai” or “horse and rider as one,” which conveys a sense of connection between driver and machine. Everything from the infotainment system to the available head-up display is made to put information in front of the driver in a way that isn’t distracting.

Of course, the Mazda CX-9 needs to do more than provide a fulfilling experience for its driver. Engineers used thinner front seatbacks to free up more second-row space without compromising the front occupants’ comfort. Access to the third row requires only the pull of a lever, and the second row is configured so that the third row can be accessed with a child seat in place. At the back, the electronic module that controls the tailgate is smaller than before and mounted so it doesn’t intrude on cargo space.

The Mazda CX-9 isn’t just a box for carrying people and cargo, though. LED accent lighting throughout the front cabin space gives things an upscale feel, as does available aluminum and wood trim.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Mazda CX-9 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. The Mazda CX-9 is also offered with the i-ACTIVSENSE® suite of safety features, which includes Active Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane-Departure Warning, High Beam Control, Smart City Brake Support, Distance Recognition Support System and Forward Obstruction Warning, and Smart Brake Support.

Bottom Line

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 continues to redefine what a large family crossover can be, and it goes beyond expectations to deliver one compelling driving experience. 

Be sure to contact us online or visit Hall Mazda Virginia Beach at 4372 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 to test drive the all-new Mazda CX-9.

*MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $940 destination charge (Alaska $985). Model shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary.​

Image Credit: Mazda