2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV

If you need a 7 Seat SUV that can cater to your family, there are plenty of options. However, if you also
want good looks, an engaging driving experience, and tasteful interior for a reasonable price, checkout
the 2018 Mazda CX-9 with a sticker price of $32,130.
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has four trims equipped with same engine. It gets a powerful 2.5 L Turbocharged
Inline-4 engine under its hood and the engine is tuned to produce 250 hp and 310-lb-ft of torque. The
engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Front-drive is standard on all models, and all-wheel drive is available at every step of the way for an
additional $1,800. Further, the CX-9 offers impressive fuel economy for such a large vehicle - 24 MPG
Combined.

This year CX-9 is offered in a total three variants namely, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. All variants are available with FWD or AWD configuration. A Standard 2.5L Turbo-4 paired with Six-speed automatic transmission is the only available powertrain configuration.

Trims	Sport	Touring	Grand Touring	Signature
MSRP (FWD)	$32,130	$34,960	$40,470	N/A
MSRP (AWD)	$33,930	$36,760	$42,270	$44,315
Features	Standard features on the Sport include 18-inch alloy wheels automatic LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat 60/40-split folding second-row seats 50/50 split-folding third-row seats, a rearview camera Bluetooth, Mazda's Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch display and a six-speaker sound system.	The Touring trim adds to Sports features with automatic wipers Heated mirrors Power liftgate Keyless ignition and entry Auto-dimming rearview mirror Heated front seats Leather upholstery Power-adjustable front seats An 8-inch infotainment display and two USB ports in the second-row center armrest.	The Grand Touring trim further dresses things up with 20-inch wheels Adaptive headlights LED fog lights, roof rails Sunroof, front and rear parking sensors Head-up display with traffic sign recognition Driver-seat memory functions Retractable sunshades for the middle-row seats Heated second-row seats Heated steering wheel Aluminum interior trim Additional interior lighting Navigation system a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and satellite radio.	Which adds exterior LED accent lighting Premium leather upholstery Rosewood interior trim. All-wheel drive is standard on the Signature

Sport trim includes most of the essential features. There are certain packages depending on preferred trims. The touring and Grand touring can be ordered for sophisticated interior composing of premium materials that add over the standard feature.

We Recommend

The Touring variant makes more sense according to us. It is expensive than Sport variant, but the extra amount buys you comfort and safety features like automatic wipers, Heated mirrors, cruise control, Lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

“In a segment where V-6 power is basic, Mazda took a risk by offering a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the CX-9’s sole powertrain in the hope of gaining a fuel-economy advantage. The turbocharged inline-four sounds gutsy and managed an impressive result in our acceleration testing, where the competition featured V-6 power.” – Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission

All the trims are equipped with powerful 2.5L turbocharged 4-Cylinder churns out 250 Horsepower at 310 lb-ft torque. This turbo engine is coupled with Six-speed Automatic transmission system. The alternative AWD variant adds some more torque to the figures at the cost of fuel economy.

Models	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
MSRP	$ 32,130	$ 30,900	$ 30,925	$ 31,030
Engine	2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-Cylinder Turbo	3.5L V6	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT	2.7L 4-Cylinder(DOHC) 16-Valve
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Power	250 hp	280 hp	310 hp	185 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft	262 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	184 lb-ft

Among the cars compared here, the Chevy Traverse leads the pack with 310 hp V6. The CX-9 compares well with the 280 hp Honda Pilot. However, the Highlander lags behind all the cars with a measly 185 hp 2.7L I4.

Acceleration

Mazda CX-9 accelerates briskly for its size and does 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Even though it might not take the first place with respect to acceleration in the competitive set, the turbo engine coupled with Six-speed automatic transmission provides excellent responsiveness.

Models	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
0-60 MPH	7.2 sec	6.1 sec	6.5 sec	8.9 sec
Quarter mile	15.7 sec	15.1 sec	15.6 sec	15.4 sec
Engine	2.5L	3.5L	3.6L	2.7L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.4	8.0	8.4	8.0

However, some of the competitors are significantly faster. The Honda Pilot can do 0-60 in mere 6.1 seconds. Also, the Chevrolet Traverse is similarly quick doing 0-60 in 6.5 seconds thanks to its generously powered V6.

Braking and Handling

Braking is one of the fields where the Mazda excels. Also, SUV’s like CX-9 are large and large vehicles do not tend to fare well when shown corners. However, the CX-9 suspension and steering are delicately calibrated to provide responsiveness and supple ride.

Model	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Brake Front(in)	12.6	12.6	12.8	12.9
Brake Rear(in)	12.8	13.0	13.0	12.2
Curb weight(lbs.)	4166	4288	4713	4165
60-0 MPH (ft.)	123	128	126	126

The braking system on the CX-9 consists of 12.6” brake pads in the front 12.8” brake pads in the rear.  The car is able to do 60-0 mph in under 123 feet as a result of a relatively low curb weight. Stopping distance is shorter than any other competitor in the segment.

Towing

CX-9’s maximum towing capacity is 3500lbs - least in its class. Chevrolet Traverse secures first place with a maximum towing capacity of 5200lbs and Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander secures the next places with a maximum towing capacity of 5000lbs. This makes a huge difference of 1700lbs between Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9.

Model	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Capacity (lbs.)	3500	5000	5200	5000
Drive Train	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD

Although the Turbo I4 is not as powerful as the V6 in the competitors, it does pay dividends with impeccable fuel efficiency.  Opting for the CX-9 AWD trims drops down the mileage by 2mpg in both City and Highways.

“With a light right foot, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 manages combined mileage in the low-20s.” - Carconnection

Model	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
MPG (city)	22	18	18	20
MPG (highway)	28	26	27	24
MPG (combined)	24	21	21	22

CX-9 remains one of the best fuel efficient cars in its class. Competitors like Honda Pilot, Chevrolet transverse, and Toyota Highlander are thirstier by 3mpg, 3mpg, and 2mpg respectively.

“Pretty much everything about the CX-9's interior feels right and thoughtfully designed. This is a new benchmark for non-luxury SUVs, and other manufacturers should take notes on how Mazda makes the most of available space and how quality components all contribute to a favorable impression.” - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The CX-9 offers spacious first and second row and the seats are supportive. The driver has a commanding view of the road ahead thanks to high ride height and large glasshouse. Impressively, even the third row is comfortable for adults as long as it’s used for short commutes.

Model	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Passenger capacity	7	8	8	8
Passenger Volume (ft. cube)	135.1	151.7	150.8	144.9
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/57.9/41.0	39.5/62/40.9	41.3/62.1/41	40.7/59.3/44.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.5/58.1/39.4	39.9/62/38.4	40/62.2/38.4	39.9/59.6/38.4
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	35.4/53.1/29.7	38.9/57.6/31.9	38.2/57.5/33.5	35.9/55/27.7

Infotainment System

The CX-9 features am 8-inch infotainment system with intuitive interface and well-organized menu structure. More importantly, the rotary controller offers an effortless means to roam through the options even while driving. Bose premium audio system caters to the audiophiles.

Cargo

CX-9 has plenty of room for 7 passengers and more. With 50/50 split third row and 60/40 split second row, CX-9 offers room for plenty of cargo and passengers. By folding both the rows flat, you get an impressive 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Model	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Behind 3nd row (ft. Cube)	14.4	16.5	23.0	13.8
Behind 2nd row (ft. Cube)	38.2	46.8	58.1	42.3
Behind 1st row (ft. Cube)	71.2	83.9	98	83.7

Competitors, however, offer more space. The Chevy traverse, for example, provides a cavernous 23 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up and a whopping 98 cubic feet of cargo space with second and third row folded.

“If you’re looking for a bit of elegance in your next family hauler, the CX-9 has it in spades. Dressed in Mazda's "Soul of Motion" design philosophy, the CX-9's sheet metal emphasizes sweeping forms, organic shapes and the idea of movement even at rest. We think it's beautiful.” – Kelley Blue Book

Design and Styling

Mazda’s Soul of design philosophy was implemented in the CX-9. Its elegant and dynamic design with exquisite proportions makes it the most admirable SUV. With the use of Lightweight materials, the Curb weight of CX-9 falls at 4166 lbs. which is almost the least in its class.

Model	Mazda CX-9	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
curb weight(lbs.)	4166	4288	4713	4165
Length(in)	199.4	194.5	204.3	192.5
Width(in)	77.5	78.6	78.6	75.8
Height(in)	69.0	69.8	70.7	68.1
Ground clearance(in)	8.8	7.3	7.2	8.0
Wheelbase(in)	115.3	111	120.9	109.8
Track width(in) F/R	65.3/65.2	66.3/66.3	67.3/67.0	64.4/64.2

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is 199.4 inches in length and 77.5 inches in width. The CX-9 has a height of 69-inch which is the lowest amongst its rivals after Toyota Highlander. The car has the best ground clearance of 8.8 inches, so you won’t scrape the bottom of your car on bumps. CX-9 has a wheelbase of 115.3 inches which provides better stability to the car.

Other Exterior features:

• LED headlights with auto on and auto height control
• Intermittent rear wiper/washer
• Rear Privacy glass
• Dual exhaust outlets
• Body Color rear roof spoiler
• LED Combination tail lights

The CX-9 Touring gets advanced driver assistance systems like blind-spot monitor, automated emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. More high-end radar-based systems are available in the CX-9 Grand Touring and CX-9 Signature.

Some of the standard Safety features are as follows:

• Hydraulic Brake Assist
• Passenger Sensing system
• Full-suite of Air Bags
• Stabili Trak Electronic Stability Control System
• Tire Pressure monitoring system
• Intelligent Crash Response System

Honda Pilot Vs CX-9

The Honda Pilot is a better car to buy for most of the customer. We say this because the Pilot offers more power, more spacious interiors, more cargo capacity, more towing capacity, and is similar to the CX-9 in terms of the feature list.

The CX-9 does offer more fuel efficiency though thanks to its Turbo I4 engine. Also, the CX-9 will be a better buy if good looks, upscale interiors, and a sporty driving characteristics rank higher on your list.

Chevrolet Traverse Vs CX-9

Both the Cars are 3-row SUV’s that offer front or All-wheel drive options. CX-9 seats 7 passengers and Traverse can accommodate up to 8 passengers. 3.6L V6 Engine of Traverse significantly more powerful than CX-9 and offers better acceleration despite weighing more.

Toyota Highlander Vs CX-9

The Toyota Highlander offers a more spacious cabin, a larger cargo capacity and the reliability if Toyota. However, the CX-9 offers significantly more power, is more efficient, has sportier driving dynamics, and looks considerably more expensive. We think the CX-9 is a better buy.

The CX-9 flawlessly merges practicality with fun. It looks far more appealing than any three-row SUV at similar price range and the interiors can put far more expensive cars on notice. The fuel efficiency is impeccable and all these come with the decent reliability of the Mazda brand. So, if you want a three-row SUV but do not wish to put up with all the boredom associated with it, the CX-9 is a decent choice.