Jerry Robbin

2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD 

Overview

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature model is the most luxurious SUV that Mazda has ever produced to date. The CX-9 is definitely a premium vehicle with advanced features that rival other luxury offerings.

Mazda’s CX-9 is their flagship SUV, that has three-row of seating and underwent a complete makeover for the 2016 model year. It returns basically unchanged for the 2017 year.

Safety Features 

• Driver Air Bag
• Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch
• Passenger Air Bag
• Rear Air Bag
• Side Head Air Bag
• Rear Head Air Bag
• Side Air Bag
• Rear Body Air Bag
• 4-Wheel ABS
• ABS
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• 4-Wheel Drum Brakes
• Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Auto-On Headlights
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Night Vision
• Adjustable Pedals
• Rollover Protection System
• Front Tow Hooks
• Rear Tow Hooks
• Traction Control
• Emergency Trunk Release
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Auto-Leveling Headlights
• Lane Departure Warning

Driving Impression

Driving the 2017 CX-9 with its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 with 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque is a unique experience. The responsive steering along with the excellent braking is a unique experience for such a large SUV.

The CX-9 accelerates with ease and its 6-speed automatic works effortlessly at any speed.

There is a Sport mode that enhances the driving experience for the CX-9.

The CX-9’s firm power steering works well when taking any turn you take at any speed.

Under the Hood 

CX-9 has a new engine, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T. It’s a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection unit that produces 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane (Premium) gas, or 227 hp with 87-octane (Regular) gasoline. My test drive was a Signature model with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. Standard electronic features like Roll Stability Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control make the ride even more secure.

Engine

• Engine Order CodeNA
• SAE Net Torque @ RPM310 @ 2000
• Fuel SystemGasoline Direct Injection
• Engine TypeIntercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
• SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM227 @ 5000
• 5 L/152

Inside

The 2017 CX-9 interior is highlighted with genuine rosewood trim, which surrounds the center console. Also the Aluminum trim enhances the interior, which has a upscale look. The center stack is highlighted with a combination of buttons and controls, which are easy to navigate. There is more than adequate storage space with several useful covered bins and an open tray beneath the center stack. The 8-inch navigation screen is attached to the top of the dashboard, handily in the driver’s line of vision. The instrument panel has three round sections housing an analog speedometer, tachometer and a digital driver information system. The leather is high quality and the seating is very comfortable.

The Signature trim level came with a technology package, that goes beyond the baseline of luxury. Heated Nappa leather seats, premium Bose sound, a power lift gate with adjustable height and keyless entry with pushbutton start are just a few of the many creature features, that the Signature trim level comes equipped with. The technology continues with Active Driving Display, a head-up information screen that is projected on the windshield. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, High Beam Control (HBC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), radar adaptive cruise control, rear backup sensor, Smart City Brake Support (SCBC) and Smart Brake Support (SBS) are all included with the Signature trim.

Outside

The exterior of the 2017 CX-9 Signature is a continuation of Mazda’s Kodo “Soul of Motion” design, that you find on the CX-3 and CX-5. Highlighting the CX-9 is a large open-mouthed grille with a chrome “M” badge at center. Highlighting this CX-9 were LED grille accent lighting, LED headlights and fog lights accenting the front end. Twenty-inch aluminum alloy wheels highlight the Signature trim level, which give the CX-9 a muscular appearance. The CX-9 has the appearance of a vehicle in motion.

Summary

If you are in the market for a luxury full size SUV that can seat your entire family then go to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive today

Specifications

• Interior Dimensions
• Passenger Capacity7
• Front Hip Room (in) 56.7
• Third Head Room (in)35.4
• Front Leg Room (in)41
• Second Shoulder Room (in)58.1
• Third Hip Room (in)40.1
• Passenger Volume (ft³)135.1
• Second Head Room (in)38.5
• Third Leg Room (in)29.7
• Front Shoulder Room (in)57.9
• Second Hip Room (in)57.4
• Front Head Room (in)39.3
• Second Leg Room (in)39.4
• Third Shoulder Room (in)53.1
• Exterior Dimensions
• Wheelbase (in)115.3
• Track Width, Rear (in)65.2
• Height, Overall (in)69
• Length, Overall (in)199.4
• Track Width, Front (in)65.3
• Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)77.2
• Cargo Area Dimensions
• Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 (in)84.9
• Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (ft³)71.2
• Cargo Area Width @ Beltline (in)58.6
• Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2 (in)50.5
• Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (ft³)38.2
• Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in)40.2
• Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 3 (in)21.5
• Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft³)14.4