Mazda CX-9 Review – A Striking & Practical SUV You Have to Test Drive

The Mazda CX-9 has been around for a while, and now in its second generation, the Japanese manufacturer’s flagship large SUV offering remains as popular as ever. Even after all this time, this 3 row, 7 seater SUV has not lost any of its shine and continues to impress. It is still popular, is very well regarded and has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the top picks for family SUVs.

As the driver’s choice among the family mover crowd, the long and sleek Mazda’s CX-9 has a presence that contrasts with some rivals that come across as tall boxy wagons. Step inside the cabin and you will see that the interior is just as impressive. Comfortable, stylish and practical, it is packed with safety features in a family-friendly design.  The CX-9 also stands out for its smooth and quiet handling, making every ride a comfortable experience.

 In terms of variants, you are, as usual, spoilt for choice with the Mazda CX-9. It comes in four trims starting from the CX-9 Sport, then GT, Touring and finally the top of the range, Azami. And as with other top competitors, all models are available in either front- or all-wheel-drive.

Instant Attraction

It is no exaggeration to say the Mazda CX-9 is a real head-turner, having been given Mazda’s famed Kodo – soul of Motion design treatment. The exterior of the CX-9 has a striking presence with its stylish lines and elegant shaping. Its more prominent features include large alloy wheels, shark fin antenna, sleek headlamps, and a bold front grille with that unique Mazda look.

Take your pick from a variety of stunning colours to suit your own personality and with certain colours, you can choose to pair it with a striking Pure White Nappa leather interior trim. 

 Large cars and SUVs are generally hard to make attractive, but Mazda has certainly bucked this notion and created true beauty in the CX-9. Be prepared to receive compliments from friends and family, and enjoy being the envy of other parents as you drop off and pick up the kids from school.

Step into interiors that feel and look luxurious

The interior of the CX-9 is equally impressive in design, offering an excellent combination of style, comfort and practicality. Everything looks and feels luxurious, much more than the purchase price tag would suggest. The different combinations of trim material and colour for each variant complement perfectly the high-quality craftsmanship and finish throughout the cabin. You can independently control the climate of different parts of the cabin. The heated and ventilated front seats and the heated steering wheel will surely be a welcome when the cold weather arrives. And we haven’t even got to other nice additions like a cool sunroof and upgraded premium Bose sound system.

 Even on the entry-level Mazda CX-9, you get a comprehensive list of cool and helpful technologies as standard. Use the active driving display projected conveniently on the windscreen in front to keep track of the current speed limit. The centrepiece of all this would have to be the colour touchscreen display (7 or 9 inches on all other variants) is located on the dashboard next to the driver within quick and easy reach. It is a convenient way of accessing the entertainment system as well as the CX-9’s controls, such as the multi-function audio system and satellite navigation. And always stay connected to your phone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, also standard on all variants of the CX-9.

Big enough for everyone

The space in the Mazda CX-9 is both generous and practical. There is sufficient head and legroom to more than satisfy most heights and situations. There’s even room enough to fit a child seat in each and every one of the rear seats (that’s 5 child seats in the back!) Access to third-row seating is also quick and easy, with a simple one-touch walk-in switch on the second-row seats. The boot space is spacious and adaptable. With the last row of seats folded down, not only can you carry 5 passengers, but you can also easily fit in a couple of prams along with a shopping bag or two (or more if you’re creative) in the 810L of available storage space. And being electrically powered, the boot is effortless to open and close. 

Safe and Sound

To keep the whole family safe, the Mazda CX-9 features a suite of modern i-Activesense safety technologies to help the driver stay in control. There are many passive features which alert the driver to possible dangers such as other cars in the blind spot if you’re straying out of lane or losing focus and falling asleep. You are also protected by clever active systems that allow the car to take over and automatically keep you out of harm’s way in certain situations, such as moving you gently back into lane should you stray, and automatic braking in the event of an emergency or to help you maintain a safe distance from the car in front. 

Command and Conquer on the road

Out on the road, the CX-9 is powered by Mazda’s very capable SkyActiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers an output of 170kW and 420Nm of torque. This advanced and efficient engine is more than capable of handling a full load of all the family and everyone’s luggage. It is quiet at all speeds and handles well for a bigger SUV. Responsive steering and smooth handling give you a sense of confidence as you have fun weaving in and out of traffic on the city streets or cruising out on the highway. An all-wheel-drive option is also available for all variants to give you that extra stability and traction control, especially useful if adventuring off-road is your family’s kind of thing.

The Verdict

So what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for a new family car then be sure to consider the Mazda CX-9. This is truly a beautifully crafted and designed SUV on the inside and out. It comes equipped with the latest functions and safety technologies to keep you and your loved ones safe and comfortable, all while still being fun to drive. 

But the best way to see what the CX-9 has to offer is to get yourself behind the wheel of one. So get in touch with Mandurah Mazda to book a test drive and experience the Mazda CX-9 today.