2007 Mazda CX-9

Crossover utility vehicles are all the rage. These trendy substitutes for the family station wagon are rapidly transforming the multi-purpose vehicle market place. Mazda thinks that crossovers have a bright future. So much so that they have fielded two new CUVs. First the 5-passenger CX-7, and now the seven passenger CX-9.  Not only is the CX-9 the largest Mazda yet, but it promises something no rival CUV can. A little Mazda zoom-zoom.

The 2007 Mazda CX-9 is a larger mid-size CUV that takes square aim at mainstream family drivers who haven’t forgotten the joy of the winding road. Available in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim, this big Mazda shares much of its unit-body genes with the sporty Mazda6 sedan and 5-passenger Ford Edge CUV.

To that impressive foundation Mazda added long, low styling that runs away from the utilitarian look of most crossovers. Toned down from the very aggressive CX-7, the CX-9 still arrives with a rakish face flanked by diamond-cut headlights; HIDs are available, muscular fenders, and arrow-like profile. 

Standard details include side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and thin-spoke 18-inch cast wheels. Our Grand Touring edition came with 20-inch aluminum rims.

And out back the CX-9 finishes off with a hatchtop spoiler, squat dual chrome exhaust, and on our CX-9, an optional tow hitch for a 3,500 pound trailer rating which will be pulled by Ford’s muscular new 3.5-liter twin-cam Duratec V6, also used in the Edge and Fusion. Here it’s rated at 263 horsepower and a capable 249 pound-feet of torque. 

Momentum channels through an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with a standard manual shift mode and to either a front-wheel drive setup, or Mazda’s optional Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive. Shared with MazdaSpeed6 and CX-7, it sends up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels when needed.

In terms of efficiency, the CX-9 is par for the course.  Government Fuel Economy ratings are 16 city/22 highway with AWD. Expect to get 18 in normal driving on regular gas.  The AWD CX-9 has a moderate Energy Impact Score of 19 barrels of oil per year.

In terms of performance, our CX-9 launched with less enthusiasm than expected, not really taking hold until second gear, but progress was also far smoother than with the old Duratec. Still accelerated from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds is very spirited for a CUV, as is a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds at 93 miles-per-hour.  Shifts felt positive and well timed.

But any vehicle with true Zoom-Zoom had also better be able to handle a fast steering wheel. The CX-9’s compliant chassis and all-independent suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars did not disappoint. 

The big Mazda maintained composure well through our switchbacks. Understeer was moderate and predictable, as steering was a bit slow on response. The somewhat stiff riding suspension is augmented by standard stability control with roll mitigation. For a 4,500 pound CUV, the CX-9 handled very well, and overall we liked it even better than the CX-7.

The four-wheel vented disc brakes come with ABS.  Fade-free stops from 60 to 0 averaged a slightly long 136 feet and were straight as a board. The key to CX-9’s 3-row packaging is its long 113.2-inch wheelbase.  That’s two inches longer than the Edge.

The seven-passenger cabin is racy styled, sophisticated, and spacious. Handsomely trimmed, the T-shaped instrument panel has excellent ergonomics. Hooded overlapping gauges provide the desired sporty aura.

Standards include tri-zone automatic air-conditioning for comfort, and side curtains at all three rows for safety.

Touring trim adds heated leather power front sport seats. Our Grand Touring edition included the available moon roof and 6-CD Bose sound system. Navigation and DVD entertainment were lacking, but available. Those in the second row have their own climate controls, and the 60/40 split seats adjust fore and aft.

A single handle slides and tilts each seat section to provide reasonable access to a 50/50 third row bench. But, with limited legroom, it’s still best for children.

An optional power lift gate gives way to a modest 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats upright, and 100.7 cubic feet with all seats down. Plus, there is a handy under floor storage compartment. 

Base sticker for the well-equipped front-drive CX-9 Sport is $29,630. Our top level all-wheel drive Grand Touring model starts at $34,470 with plenty of room left for more options.

Capturing the “soul of a sports car” inside a cavernous utility is no easy feat. The 2007 Mazda CX-9 gives it a real go.  And, while its abundance of sporting character may be a little much for some, it’s great to see it’s not another cookie-cutter CUV.  For those whose needs include carting around the kids, and still getting some thrill out of driving, the CX-9 is a mighty fine tonic.