2009 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
My choice for CUV of the Year is the Mazda CX-9 and I give it a 5 star rating!
Driving Experience
CX-9’s 3.7 V6 engine produces 273 HP and is fast off the line. The CX-9 is responsive to sudden acceleration and the automatic transmission is smooth and reliable. My test vehicle was an AWD so the gas mileage was 16-MPG City and 21MPG on the highway. .
This CUV rides firmly on its 20” P245/50R20 and the tires are mounted on alloy wheels.
The steering is responsive and is tight while cornering any turns. There is some body lean in fast turns, but nothing to deter you from having a total driving experience. The turning radius makes it easy to maneuver in any tight spots and is quite agile for its size. The brakes are more than adequate for stopping at any speed.
Safety
The CX-9 Grand Touring AWD comes equipped with the following safety equipment: Front air bags, side impact air bags, 3-row side air curtains with roll over protection, ABS brakes, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, blind spot monitoring system, active torque split AWD, fog lamps, rain sensing wipers, heated power mirrors, latch rear child safety seat anchors and tethers, tire pressure monitoring system, anti theft engine imobilzer, anti theft perimeter alarm, side impact door beams and 3 point front seat belts
Inside
The inside of the CX-9 is luxurious and accented with many upscale materials.
The interior combines elegance by using a host of materials and unique accents such as wood grain and brushed aluminum.
The gauges on the instrument panel are easy to read and are backlit for easy viewing at night. Controls are laid out well so that you can reach them effortlessly. The navigation system is up to date and easy to use.
The seating provides ample legroom and headroom for tall passengers. The seating height provides a commanding view from the front seats as if you were in a truck.
Even with the front seats pushed back the rear passengers have plenty of room to get comfortable. The 2nd-row seat slides and reclines, which is a great feature on long road trips. Access to the 3rd row is easy and even adults will be comfortable for short trips.
There is even ample cargo space available with the 3rd row of seating up and with the seat down you can fit most luggage for long road trips. With the 2nd row of seating down the cargo space is actually gargantuan and you can haul almost anything including moving your children into a college dorm. The 3rd row folds flat, and the 2nd row are slightly raised above the cargo floor. All the doors have convenient map pockets with ample interior storage. The center console is adequate for most of your personal belongings.
The list of equipment is endless on the Grand Touring AWD, which I will list now: leather seats, power driver seat, heated seats, telescopic and tilt steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, leather wrapped steering and gear shit knob, power windows (front auto up & down), dual control climate control, AM/FM 6 CD radio with satellite radio, Bluetooth hands free, trip computer, universal link home garage door opener, 3-12 volt outlets, auto dimming mirror, keyless entry and start system and finally enough cup holders for a large family.
Outside
Unique styling for the CX-9 set s itself apart from its competition. Nice smooth lines accented with the Mazda & CX-9 logo highlight this special vehicle. I love its bold look with its massive stance, that is highlighted with a large dual exhaust.
Summary
The CX-9 is my pick for CUV of the year award the CX-9 is stylish, refined and balances solid driving dynamics with generous passenger and cargo room.
Specifications
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Headroom without moon roof, front/2nd/3rd row (inches) 39.6/39.0/35.4
Headroom with moon roof, front/2nd/3rd row (inches) 38.4/39.0/35.4
Shoulder room, front/2nd/3rd row (inches) 59.4/58.7/56.9
Hip room, front/2nd/3rd row (inches) 56.5/56.0/43.7
Legroom, front/2nd/3rd row (inches) 40.9/39.8/32.4
Rear knee clearance, 2nd row (inches) 4.6
CAPACITIES
Passenger seating capacity 7
Passenger volume without Moon roof (cubic ft) 139.2
Passenger volume with Moon roof (cubic ft) 137.5
Cargo volume with 2nd and 3rd row seat upright (cubic ft) 17.2
Cargo volume with 3rd row seats folded (cubic ft) 48.4
Cargo volume with 2nd and 3rd row seats folded (cubic ft) 100.7
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Overall length
w/License plate holder (in) 199.8
w/o License plate holder (in) 199.6
Overall width
Width (in) 76.2
Overall height
w/o Roof rails w/245/60R 18 tires (in) 68.0
w/o Roof rails w/245/50R 20 tires (in) 68.0
Overhang
Front w/ license plate holder (in) 42
Front w/o license plate holder (in) 41.8
Rear (in) 44.6
Track
Front (in) 65.1
Rear (in) 64.7
Wheelbase (in) 113.2
Approach angle (degrees) 17.0
Departure angle (degrees) 21.1
Curb-to-curb turning circle (ft) 37.4
Wall-to-wall turning circle (ft) 41.2
ENGINE
Type 3.7L V6 DOHC 24 Valve Engine
Horsepower, SAE net 273 @ 6250 rpm
Torque, SAE net 270 @ 4250 rpm
Displacement (cubic inches) 227.4
Bore x Stroke (inches) 3.76 X 3.41
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Redline 6500
Engine block material Aluminum
Cylinder head material Aluminum
ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY
Mileage (City/Highway)
FWD automatic transmission* 16 / 22
AWD automatic transmission* 15 / 21
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel system Electronically controlled direct injection
Recommended fuel Regular Unleaded (87 Octane)
DRIVETRAIN
Drive wheel AWD / FWD
Transmission 6-speed AT
Coefficient of drag (Cd) 0.36
CHASSIS
Front suspension Independent MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar
Rear suspension Independent multilink suspension with stabilizer bar
Steering type Power rack-and-pinion
Power assist Engine speed-sensing variable assist
Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock 3.1 rev
Overall steering ratio 16.3:1
BRAKING
Braking system Diagonal Hydraulic
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Standard with Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD)
Front brakes 2 piston caliper / 12.6″ front ventilated disc rotor
Rear brakes 1 piston caliper / 12.8″ ventilated disc rotor