The Mazda CX-9 is an endangered species – about to get replaced by a more moderen, plusher CX-90.

Now six years outdated, the current-generation CX-9 has served because the Japanese model’s flagship in markets like Australia and North America for a while, and has lengthy been considered a benchmark for unibody massive household crossovers.

On check we have now the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD, absolutely the most cost-effective variant cash should buy right this moment. At $47,600 plus on-road prices, it’s quite a lot of metallic in your cash irrespective of the way you have a look at it.

With area for seven, an exterior design that also appears to be like sensible six years since its launch, and a high quality cabin that has stood the check of time, the CX-9 makes a case for itself as inexpensive household transport.

Even on the backside of the vary, there’s loads of options and area that would sway you from shopping for a mid- to high-spec various from the phase under.

Till the CX-90 lobs in August, the CX-9 will stay high canine within the Mazda line-up.

Are you higher off nabbing considered one of these earlier than the top of its run? Or, must you watch for the even greater, much more costly new CX-90?

How a lot does the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD value?

Pricing for the CX-9 vary kicks off at $47,600 earlier than on-road prices or the entry-level CX-9 Sport FWD we have now right here on check.

If you’d like one with all of the goodies you’ll be pushing $75,000 earlier than taxes, which is some huge cash. The upcoming CX-90 will vary from $74,385 to $95,185 – or over $100,000 in your drive-way for the flagship variant totally optioned.

The CX-9 competes with varied well-known massive SUVs within the mainstream phase, together with the likes of the Kia Sorento (from $50,790 drive-away) and Toyota Kluger (from $51,120).

Different rivals embrace the Hyundai Palisade (from $65,900) and Nissan Pathfinder (from $71,490), however their respective beginning costs in Australia are extra in keeping with high-spec variations of the CX-9.

If you happen to’re in search of turbo-diesel energy as an alternative of the CX-9’s completely turbo-petrol providing, Mazda additionally gives the marginally smaller CX-8 D35 (from $49,060) which simply launched in facelifted type.

2023 Mazda CX-9 pricing:

• Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD: $47,600
• Mazda CX-9 Sport AWD: $51,600
• Mazda CX-9 Touring FWD: $55,200
• Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD: $59,200
• Mazda CX-9 GT FWD: $64,700
• Mazda CX-9 GT SP FWD: $65,200
• Mazda CX-9 Azami FWD: $67,900
• Mazda CX-9 GT AWD: $68,700
• Mazda CX-9 GT SP AWD: $69,200
• Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD: $71,915
• Mazda CX-9 Azami LE AWD: $75,165

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD like on the within?

The bottom CX-9 definitely is sort of pared again in comparison with increased grades, however the fundamentals are nonetheless good.

The place increased grades have the newer and bigger 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment show, the CX-9 makes do with a piddly little 7.0-inch display working the traditional MZD Join interface.

The material seat trim and extra primary analogue gauges are additionally a reminder that you just’re within the base grade, however there’s an honesty to the extra primary CX-9’s appointments.

Even in its barest type, the CX-9 is a reasonably good place to sit down by class requirements. There’s a pleasant ratio of soppy plastics and padded leatherette rests in your arms and elbows, and the graceful leather-based on the steering wheel feels pretty.

Talking of tactility, you’ll be exhausting pressed to search out clean buttons if you happen to low cost the place the heated seat and steering wheel controls would usually sit, and the whole lot operates in typical Mazda – chunky, with a satisfying motion.

Consolation up entrance is nice because of the nice adjustment within the driver’s seat and steering wheel, in addition to the availability material trim and plentiful bolstering.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’re long-legged like myself, you’ll discover older Mazda merchandise just like the CX-9 are sorely missing in seat base cushion size. It could get tiresome on longer stints, because the seat doesn’t help you as much as behind the knees.

I do know that sounds oddly particular, but it surely’s a standard grievance I’ve had throughout a number of Mazda fashions together with the CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9. The brand new stuff just like the Mazda 3 and CX-30 have rather more supportive seats, and these older pews aren’t even that uncomfortable.

Props to Mazda to together with a color head-up show as normal, which tasks a primary array of knowledge together with pace, cruise management and help system information, along with pace signal data.

As famous earlier, the small 7.0-inch base infotainment system stands out like a sore thumb, particularly when there’s a bigger 9.0-inch MZD show on the Touring after which a good higher 10.25-inch Mazda Join system in increased grades.

The massive bezels make it look smaller than it’s too, and the grainy decision is likewise sub-par in comparison with the majority of the phase.

At the very least loading occasions are pretty fast, and it’s a easy and straightforward interface to make use of day-to-day. This method has been round for yonks, so if you happen to’re a earlier Mazda proprietor from the final decade or so that you’ll little doubt know your approach across the interface.

It’s pretty properly featured too, with embedded satellite tv for pc navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to DAB+ radio. Sound high quality from the usual six-speaker audio system is evident too, if missing the readability, depth and bass of the thumping 12-speaker Bose association normal from the GT grade up.

With a hefty 5075mm lengthy physique and 2930mm wheelbase, the CX-9 has loads of area to supply within the second and third rows. It’s was the benchmark till the Hyundai Palisade and newest Nissan Pathfinder got here alongside.

There’s acres of area, significantly within the outboard seats, and the flat flooring means you’re not brief modified if you happen to get the center seat.

Even the bottom CX-9 will get a 3rd zone of local weather controls with directional air vents, although weirdly there aren’t any face stage vents within the third row such as you’ll discover in nearly any competitor.

The second row additionally slides and reclines, and permits for simpler entry into the third row. A fold-down centre armrest, bottle holders within the doorways, ISOFIX and top-tether factors, in addition to map pockets behind the entrance seats all function.

As famous earlier, the CX-9’s third row has lengthy been a benchmark for area, however the lack of roof-mounted or face-level air vents and small home windows aren’t a match for the likes of the Hyundai Palisade.

Even at 6’1 I can match within the third row in cheap consolation for brief journeys, and youngsters can be very happy again right here. There are storage nooks and cup holders too.

Dad and mom can be completely satisfied to know the curtain airbags totally lengthen into the third row of seating, and each seats have top-tether factors.

I’ll have an interest to check the CX-9’s rear lodging to the upcoming CX-90, which is bigger once more.

With the third row in place, the CX-9 gives 230L of cargo capability, increasing to 820L with it folded – although this measurement is to the roof, not the cargo cowl line.

For reference, the Kia Sorento gives 187L/616L in seven-seat/five-seat configurations, and expands to 2011L with each rear rows of seating folded. Underneath the boot flooring is a space-saver spare wheel.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

As has been the case since launch, the Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Outputs are quoted at 170kW (5000rpm) and 420Nm (2000rpm). All fashions are fitted with a six-speed computerized transmission as normal, with front-wheel drive normal (as examined) and all-wheel drive optionally available.

Gas consumption, in the meantime, is rated at 8.4L/100km on the mixed cycle for FWD fashions (9.0L/100km AWD), with idle stop-start know-how additionally fitted throughout the vary.

Mazda quotes CO2 emissions of 197g/km, with 91 RON common unleaded appropriate with the CX-9’s 72-litre gasoline tank.

How does the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD drive?

The CX-9 has lengthy been praised for its assured on-road really feel blended with eager dynamics – not a lot has modified.

Mazda’s 2.5-litre turbo 4 is a keen unit that has diesel-like shove, with all 420Nm on faucet from 2000rpm. It outmuscles V6-powered rivals, and if you happen to’re too eager from a standstill you’ll gentle the entrance tyres up.

It’s a reasonably frequent trait of high-powered front-wheel drive automobiles, so if you happen to’re after extra assured acceleration and grip in all situations you’re greatest to splurge $4000 for all-wheel drive.

When you’re transferring, the CX-9 FWD will fortunately putt across the metropolis and ‘burbs, making it a cushty, relaxed companion to drop the youngsters in school, do the weekly store, in addition to heading out of city on a street journey.

Mazda hasn’t skimped on consolation or refinement within the base grade, if something it’s probably the most stress-free variant to spend lengthy intervals of time in because of its chubby tyres and smaller wheels – a minimum of when it comes to NVH and trip consolation.

Whereas it has correct, fluid steering and a comparatively pointy entrance finish, the CX-9 is about as much as provide a managed stage of physique lean in corners and has the type of enjoyable, chuckable dynamics the remainder of Mazda’s vary is thought for.

It’s positively one of many extra partaking massive household SUVs to drive, and gives ample efficiency as well.

Price noting is the two.5-litre Skyactiv-G motor’s tendency to get just a little loud underneath exhausting acceleration, with that very same buzzy notice that’s frequent to the model’s high-compression four-cylinder engine line-up.

To be sincere although, you’ll be able to drive this in a reasonably relaxed method 95 per cent of the time and never be left wanting for extra.

As famous earlier, the CX-9 is a pleasant cozy factor on the town or on the freeway, and whereas the cylinder depend is just 4 in comparison with plenty of rivals that provide six, the turbocharged petrol eats up freeway miles with its low-down torque.

If there was one principal criticism I had of the drivetrain, it’d be the dearth of 1 or two extra gears for motorway jaunts.

The CX-9 will sit round 2000rpm in sixth when travelling at 100km/h, which is way from laboured or unrefined, however having a seventh or eighth like most rivals would loosen up issues even additional – we’ll have to attend for the CX-80 and CX-90 for eight-speed autos, in addition to clean inline-six engines.

In any other case, the gentle however resolved trip isolates the cabin from the bumps and undulations of Australia’s nation freeways, and street and wind noise intrusion is stored impressively hushed.

Mazda has additionally decked out even the bottom CX-9 with a full suite of driver help programs to maintain you on the street.

Commonplace adaptive cruise management with cease/go takes the load off longer stints on the freeway in addition to navigating site visitors jams, whereas blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert make lane modifications and merges into small gaps that a lot simpler given the CX-9’s 5075mm lengthy physique will be exhausting to guage at occasions with the magnified aspect mirrors.

Maybe the largest omission from the bottom Sport’s spec sheet is the dearth of a 360-degree digicam, which stays unique to the flagship Azami.

Given you’ll be able to choice this tech on a base Mazda 3, it appears odd that the model hasn’t made a encompass parking digicam extra broadly out there on a bigger automobile that’s extra more likely to be round babies and pets in tight city environments.

What do you get?

CX-9 Sport highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Metal non permanent spare wheel
• Auto LED headlights
• Auto high-beam
• Halogen daytime working lights
• LED tail lights
• Rain-sensing window wipers
• Heated and power-folding aspect mirrors
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 6-speaker sound system
• Head-up show
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-based-wrapped gear shift knob
• Material upholstery
• Electrical parking brake
• Push-button begin
• Off-road traction help (AWD solely)

Is the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD secure?

The CX-9 wears a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based in 2016 assessments in opposition to older standards.

It acquired an general rating of 35.87 out of 37, plus Good rankings for whiplash and pedestrian safety.

Commonplace security gear contains:

• 6 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection (day, night time)
  • Ahead, Reverse
• Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Lane departure warning
• Lane hold help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digicam
• Tyre stress monitoring

How a lot does the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD value to run?

The CX-9 is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with servicing required each 12 months or 10,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

Mazda CX-9 service pricing:

• 12 months or 10,000km: $378
• 24 months or 20,000km: $424
• 36 months or 30,000km: $378
• 48 months or 40,000km: $424
• 60 months or 50,000km: $378

Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first. The mileage intervals are shorter than the 15,000km gaps turning into more and more frequent, one thing to contemplate if you happen to do quite a lot of driving.

Gas consumption for the two.5-litre turbo has by no means actually been a powerful level, but it surely’s nonetheless on par if not just a little higher than naturally-aspirated V6 options available on the market.

We noticed 8-9L/100km with a skew to freeway and freeway stints, climbing to round 11L/100km with extra high-traffic city commuting thrown in.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD

There’s nonetheless life within the outdated woman.

There’s an all-new alternative on the best way, however even a number of years on from its preliminary launch the massive Mazda continues to be among the best household SUVs on the market.

The strong foundations of this entry-level Sport present the core elements that make increased grades so good, and even this base specification has loads to supply for not some huge cash relative to the phase.

Whereas the Touring and GT are arguably the candy spots of the vary because of their fascinating gear additions – bigger screens, entrance parking sensors and powered entrance seats – they each require vital funding over this base Sport ($7800 and $17,100 respectively, ouch).

All advised, there’s no disgrace in getting one of many final CX-9s if you happen to can’t watch for the CX-90, or aren’t ready to spend a hefty premium on the brand new mannequin – the entry level can be $75,000 earlier than on-road prices, which is about the identical as a top-spec CX-9.

I’d additionally urge you to have a look at the marginally smaller and lately refreshed CX-8, which will be had with a extra environment friendly and torquier twin-turbo diesel and options the bigger 10.25-inch infotainment show and wi-fi smartphone mirroring as normal.

The CX-8’s flagship standing in Japan additionally means it has some nicer cabin trims than the US-leaning CX-9 which isn’t offered in Mazda’s dwelling area.

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