2016 Mazda CX-9

The cabin design has been also redone, and the CX-9 now comes with the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system. Although the cabin feels nice to look at, the space is a bit on the congested side, especially in the third-row seats. With a starting price of $31,520, it is placed in a very competitive segment, where rivals like the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the aging Dodge Durango make for a good alternative.

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is offered in four trim levels, which are Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. It falls in a price range that extends from $31,520 for its base variant and goes up to $44,315 for its top-rack variant. The first three are offered with a choice of FWD or AWD, while AWD is standard on the Signature trim. The SUV utilizes a 2.5-liter turbocharged powertrain that puts out 227 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. 

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The Touring trim hits the sweet spot as it comes with the most desirable features and can be upgraded to include many of the Grand Touring's add-ons, considering you want to spend the extra cash. Powertrain and transmission are the same in all the trims, so spending upwards of forty grand doesn’t make sense on the Mazda CX-9.

The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged powertrain dishing out 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Fill it with premium fuel, and the CX-9 can put out 250 hp with the same torque figure. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the front-wheel-drive is standard. Its power is enough for city driving, but it doesn't feel adequate for highway passes. The Mazda CX-9 with 310 lb-ft of torque can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 7.5 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 15.9 seconds, which is above average performance. 

The rivals not only cost less than the Mazda CX-9 but also put out more power from their V6 engine. Among them, the Honda Pilot sprints the fastest 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and covers the fastest quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds, which is 1.3 seconds quicker in the 0-60 mph run and 1.1 seconds quicker in covering the quarter-mile compared to the CX-9. When comparing the top speed, the Dodge Durango comes out to be the fastest at 151 mph.

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 has an EPA estimated gas mileage of 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined, which is great fuel economy for the class. The CX-9 AWD models earn 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is still a great figure for this segment. The fuel tank capacity of the CX-9 is 19-gallon, which is on par with the segment.

None of the rivals can match the gas mileage of the CX-9 in this comparison. Among the rivals, the Honda Pilot is the most fuel-efficient and returns 18 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The Dodge Durango comes with the biggest fuel tank capacity of 24.6-gallons and returns a combined range of 517 miles.

The interior design of the Mazda CX-9 screams class and minimalism. The dashboard layout is simple yet ergonomically done. Everything is seamlessly integrated into the dash to give it a one-piece look. Inside the cabin, the Mazda CX-9 has a three-row seven-passenger seating configuration, where the third row is good for kids only. The cabin is well-isolated from the exterior road-noise, while the wind and engine noise is barely noticeable even at high speeds. The seats are well-bolstered and provide comfort all day long. Headroom and legroom are adequate for an average-sized individual in the first two rows. 

The Mazda CX-9 has 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 38.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.2 cubic feet with both the second and third rows of seats folded. The cabin of the Mazda CX-9 feels cramped compared to the rivals. The Honda Pilot, in terms of overall cabin space, takes the lead and has adult-friendly third-row seats, which is a plus in this segment. It didn’t stop here as it also offers the best 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats up. Key interior features include:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Keyless entry
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Fabric upholstery
• Available auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Available leather upholstery
• Available power-adjustable front seats

How intuitive is the Mazda CX-9’s infotainment system?

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 comes with the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system that runs on a 7.0-inch standard touchscreen, while there is also a bigger 8.0-inch touchscreen option available. The infotainment system is controlled via a rotary knob at the center console to ensure minimal driver distraction. Standard features include a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, HD Radio, etc. Available features include navigation, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, etc. Key infotainment features include:

• Mazda Connect infotainment
• 7.0- and 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Six speaker sound system
• HD Radio
• Auxiliary input ports
• Available Bose premium sound system
• Available satellite radio

Every aspect of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 is engineered to maximize driving dynamics and efficiency. The "Soul of Motion" design philosophy of Mazda emphasizes organic design and the idea of movement even at rest. With the use of lightweight materials, the curb weight of CX-9 falls at 4,054 lbs, which is almost the lowest in its class. The tapered stance does make it look smaller than other rivals. A pair of exhaust outlets in the rear emphasize the streamlined design.

When compared to the rivals, the Mazda CX-9 offers the highest ground clearance of 8.8 inches. The longest SUV is the Dodge Durango at 201.2 inches, the widest is the Honda Pilot at 78.6 inches, and the tallest is again the Dodge Durango at 70.9 inches. Being the longest SUV, the Dodge Durango has the longest wheelbase of 119.8 inches, a full 4.5-inches longer than the CX-9’s wheelbase. Key exterior features include:

• 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• Power liftgate
• Available Sunroof
• Available LED fog lights
• Available automatic wipers
• Available adaptive headlights

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 scores well in the safety tests conducted by both NHTSA and IIHS. The CX-9 scores an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA, while it receives a ‘Good’ score on most of the categories by IIHS. The 2016 CX-9 is equipped with features like Smart Brake Support, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning. Key safety features include:

• Side-impact door beams
• Smart Brake Support
• Child-safety rear door locks
• Dynamic Stability Control w/ Traction Control System and Trailer Stability Assist
• Roll Stability Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

You will love everything about the 2016 Mazda CX-9, whether its design, fuel economy, thoughtful interior, and of course, the handling. This Mazda offers a well-built class-leading interior, plush ride, and a well-engineered inline-four engine that cements CX-9's image as a driver's car. Although if you are looking for a family hauler with sufficient cargo space, then you are better off with the Honda Pilot.