The 2012 Mazda CX-9 SUV Review

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 SUV is an impressive large crossover SUV featuring a handsome cabin design that can seat three rows of adults comfortably with the driver given a car-like seating position. Like other vehicles in the Mazda line, the ride is smooth and sporty even for a vehicle of its size and weight.

The Mazda CX-9 SUV can seat seven passengers and comes in three trim levels. The Sport is the entry level and includes automatic climate control for three zones, 18-inch alloy wheels, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel that is leather wrapped, remote keyless entry, full power accessories and an audio system with six speakers, a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and an auxiliary audio jack. The next level up is the Touring version which adds leather upholstery for the first two rows of seats, mirrors and power front seats that are heated and automatic headlights. The top-of-the-line Grand Touring model adds automatic wipers, 20-inch wheels, fog lights, keyless ignition and entry, interior accents of wood memory settings for the driver seat and a blind spot warning system. There is a wide range of options for the Mazda CX-9 SUV that include a navigation system with a rearview camera, power tailgate, sunroof, an entertainment system for the rear and an upgraded audio system that includes 10 Bose surround sound speakers with satellite radio, six-CD changer and an audio display in the dashboard.

The engine in the Mazda CX-9 SUV is a 3.7 liter V6 that can produce 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. You can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive but the standard transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. Acceleration for the Mazda CX-9 SUV is swift with the ability to go from zero to 60 mph is 7.4 seconds on a front-wheel drive model and 8.5 seconds for the all-wheel drive model. Fuel economy for the Mazda CX-9 SUV front-wheel drive version is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined and while the all-wheel drive version is rated at 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined. The Mazda CX-9 SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The Mazda CX-9 SUV provides a comfortable ride for long highway driving provided by a compliant suspension that can absorb the bumps and potholes in the road and responsive steering that enables the vehicle to handle curves and corners with ease. Its agility on the road is comparable to other vehicles in the line and makes driving a large crossover SUV a pleasure.

The interior of the Mazda CX-9 SUV is stylish and elegant, designed with a visual flair and made of high-quality materials. Seating is comfortable for passengers in the first and second rows with the second rows being able to recline and slide so as to provide additional legroom. The same cannot be said for the third row which lacks some headroom and is accessible from either the rear doors or the second row of seats being folded down. Cargo capacity is rated at 101 cubic feet with the second and third row of seats folded down.