Looking for some insight - Mazda CX-9 Edition

"Imirrelephant" (Imirrelephant)
08/28/2014 at 12:48 • Filed to: MAZDA, CX-9

Anybody in Oppoland have experience with a Mazda CX-9? My wife is looking for a new to us car and we both like the CX-9 on paper and in pictures. We haven't had a chance to drive one yet and I was hoping someone here might be able to share their experiences with them. Specifically, we are looking at 2013 Touring models.

Have an RX-7 FD for your time!

DISCUSSION (12)

mazda616 > Imirrelephant
08/28/2014 at 12:51

It is big, but doesn't feel that way when you drive it. It feels a lot more nimble and connected than any other SUV of that size that I've driven. Seats are really comfy, powerplant is smooth (if a bit dated by now). Fuel economy isn't the nest but is better than many competitors.

boojiboy > Imirrelephant
08/28/2014 at 12:56

I have 2011 Sport model - the base model - only option is power/heated front seats. No troubles in 45,000 miles. Rides and handles well. Engine has some punch to it. Gas mileage is ok - on long trips and with a light foot you can get 23 - 24 miles per gallon.

gawdzillla > Imirrelephant
08/28/2014 at 13:07

the bright side is that it got more hp than the rx7 when it came out of the factory

MazdaMonkey > Imirrelephant
08/28/2014 at 13:07

The first gen CX-9 had some minor teething problems, but everything was worked out well before 2013. I agree with the other assessments: the car is quite big, but doesn't drive nearly that big. It has more than enough power to squeal the front tires (not as much in AWD form) and it feels surprisingly light going around corners. No replacement for an RX-7, but certainly more exciting to drive than other Japanese cars in its category.

The CX-9 had one of the best entry-level full-size interiors around when it came out in 2007. It is getting a bit dated now, but still a great place to sit during a road trip. If I was looking for a three-row SUV, it would be at the top of the my shopping list. Last gen MDX would be second.

Imirrelephant > gawdzillla
08/28/2014 at 13:14

But it also weighs 4500 lbs and is a CUV instead of a bitchin' sports car. It's all about compromise!

Imirrelephant > MazdaMonkey
08/28/2014 at 13:17

We would be going from a Highlander to the CX-9, so I'm sure it's a much more engaging drive. The Highlander is comfy and roomy, but it's definitely numb.

MazdaMonkey > Imirrelephant
08/28/2014 at 13:20

When my parents moved out of the country, they left me their 2007 Highlander to dispose of. It is a perfectly acceptable car for the average person. It is quite boring to drive for an enthusiast. I sent it up to my brother in Boston because he needs something big and able to tackle the terrible Boston roads. He loves having it. The CX-9 is a much better drive than the Highlander (and the interior is leagues better than the last gen Highlander - I am not sure about the new one). You won't be disappointed!

Imirrelephant > MazdaMonkey
08/28/2014 at 13:22

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

adda > Imirrelephant
08/28/2014 at 19:02

Do bear in mind that the CX-9 is due to get the Skyactiv treatment sometime next year. The particulars are speculative at the moment, and I realize that's probably longer than you'd like to wait, but there is a fairly high expectation that it'll get a turbofied Skyactiv 2.5l 4 banger to replace the 6. Since the NA gets 180hp you can expect a fairly punchy little power plant in that thing.

Imirrelephant > adda
08/29/2014 at 08:07

Good to know, but my wife likes to trade cars about every two to three years and we're not quite in the position to lease yet. I'm hoping they get everything figured out with the 4 cyl diesel in the next few years and bring it to the US in a 3 or 6. If they do, I will likely drop my Jetta TDI in favor of a diesel 3 or 6. I love my Jetta, but maintenance is ridiculous.

adda > Imirrelephant
08/29/2014 at 16:56

I'm kind of amazed at how many people I run into (here and elsewhere) that feel oppressed by the demands of VW ownership and wandered over to the Mazda lot (my story as well). I'm intrigued by the prospect of a MQB Sportswagen , but if Mazda gives us either a 2.5 turbo with decent gas mileage or a reliable diesel I'll be a lot less intrigued.

Imirrelephant > adda
08/29/2014 at 17:18

Exactly! MQB Sportwagen pushes all the right buttons, but it'll be the same old issues. If I could have gotten a 6 in the new body style (even with the NA 2.5) for the same money as my MK6 TDI, it would have been a hard decision.