The presentation, timed to coincide with the second coming of the Mazda CX-9 in Russia, took place not just anywhere, but on the Turkish coast – one of the most popular all-inclusive destinations for our compatriots. Despite the tourist season not yet being open, the sun is blazing hot. In its rays, a line of shiny CX-9s with Russian plates arouses keen interest among locals preparing for the tourist season. There aren't many new cars here in general, and you won't find anything like our huge crossover even with a search during the day.
There have been no fundamental changes in the architecture and design of the Mazda CX-9, and the main innovation is the design, which now corresponds to the new Mazda KODO philosophy. Two models have already been drawn in this vein - the CX-5 crossover and the Mazda6 sedan.
Like the Honda Pilot and Hyundai ix55, the Mazda CX-9 crossover is the choice of a pragmatist. All these models were created for the American market, where size really matters, and the figure opposite the fuel consumption column takes a back seat. In Russia, fans of American mastodons prefer used Dodge Rams or Chevrolet Tahoes, and relatively recently sales of the new Ford Explorer started on the market, which is now one hundred percent a road crossover, and therefore a direct competitor to the CX-9.
Despite the fact that the Mazda CX-9 was created for the American market, the front seats here are not shapeless stools, but quite comfortable seats with noticeable lateral support.
In general, there are plenty of offers, but demand is low. Therefore, the CX-9 was returned to Russia rather for assortment and to fill the empty niche that formed after the Mazda CX-7 left the stage. Still, among the few offers of large seven-seat crossovers with a powerful engine, the Mazda CX-9 is a rather interesting proposition, especially since during the latest update the crossover has noticeably prettier and acquired many new options.
There are few changes in the design, but that was enough to align the CX-9 with the new KODO style format. New headlights and taillights, modified bumpers, radiator grille and alloy wheels – now in the appearance of the big Mazda, common features with the new Mazda6 and CX-5 are unmistakably caught.
The design is laconic in a passenger-car way, and the driver's seat is turned into a real cockpit - you would never say that you are in a 5-meter machine. The trim of the door panels is made with leather inserts, the leather on the seats has suede inclusions.
The interior has transformed even less: new decorative inserts, a slightly changed instrument panel, as well as different leather upholstery with suede inclusions hinting at premium quality and a different gearshift knob for the automatic transmission.
It is pleasant to be in the Mazda's cabin. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the interior wins over with quality, and the driver's seat is organized almost like in the dynamic Mazda6: there is no feeling that you are in a five-meter SUV. The front seats are comfortable and have lateral support not typical for this class, the diameter of the plump steering wheel is small in a passenger-car way, and the seating position itself is quite low. You can guess about the outstanding dimensions only by the wide central tunnel and the massive console of the front panel.
It is spacious in the back, but there are no additional amenities except a separate climate control unit. Climbing into the third row of seats is difficult, although sitting there is quite tolerable.
With all its fundamental nature, both outside and inside, the Mazda CX-9 looks stylish and bright. The slant-eyed Asian fashion, which the philosophically minded Japanese called KODO – the soul of motion, suited the nine. The ceremonial makeup easily hides the huge dimensions of the car, and this is one of the main differences between the Mazda and other large crossovers. And given that the Mazda CX-9 was originally created for the undemanding American market, you can't fault the build quality.
The Mazda's element is long straights. On the highway, the crossover is stable and comfortable. The list of options has added a mass of electronic assistants, including automatic high beam control and a blind spot monitoring system.
There is plenty of space in the second row. Even three adult passengers will be comfortable here. The sofa adjusts longitudinally, and on the central console there is a simple but still separate climate control unit. Those who are not tall can also enjoy a ride in the third row, but getting there is a thankless task.
The trunk volume is enviable. Even with the third row raised, there are 267 liters of space, and with the rear row folded, the CX-9 owner has all 928 liters at their disposal. If you fold down both rows, the CX-9's cargo area can hold 1.9 cubic meters! It's just a pity that when folded, the middle row seats form a substantial step.
The trunk is huge, the side walls are without protrusions. You can only complain about a small step that forms if you fold the second row of seats. The trunk door is equipped with an electric drive.
The American roots of the CX-9 dictate the choice of power unit: no diesels, only a V-shaped gasoline engine under the hood. In the case of the Mazda CX-9, it's a 3.7-liter six-cylinder with 277 hp and a maximum torque of 367 Nm. The engine is accompanied by a 6-speed automatic with manual shifting capability and an all-wheel drive system with an electronic clutch in the rear wheel drive.
The new optics with LED daytime running lights, the bumper that underwent plastic surgery, and the changed radiator grille clearly suit the new Mazda CX-9. The successful design hides the external dimensions. 20-inch wheels and bi-xenon headlights are offered already in the base.
The 90 km/h limit, strict fines, and endless police patrols in the bushes: our 430-kilometer route from Bodrum to Antalya is an ideal road for the Mazda CX-9. On new road surface and at cruising speed, the crossover glides no worse than an ocean liner, relaxing passengers with excellent ride smoothness and silence in the cabin. At the same time, the suspension clearly used European patterns: rocking on asphalt waves is minimal, and nose dives are noticeable only during sharp braking.
Winding serpentines are clearly not the Mazda CX-9's forte, but among its competitors, the Japanese woman has the most car-like handling. The price for this is the suspension's excessive attention even to small potholes and bumps.
The CX-9 predictably holds the road well and does not float on a straight line. Of course, in terms of responsiveness and sharpness of the steering wheel, the 2.0-ton giant is far from the driver-oriented Mazda CX-7, but in its weight category, the nine is good. As soon as the new asphalt is replaced by a road riddled with cracks and potholes, passengers start to shake, and the cabin fills with noise from the 20-inch tires. What can you do, that's the price for near-passenger-car handling.
The traditional set: multimedia system, climate control, electric seat adjustment, rain and light sensors, keyless entry system, and many other options. All this the Mazda CX-9 already has in the base configuration, and for an additional charge, an advanced Bose audio system, sunroof, navigation, and a set of safety systems are offered.
On dirt roads, the stiff suspension and 20-inch wheels also contribute. The car is somewhat harsh and requires special attention to large potholes and bumps. It is also better to avoid serious off-road excursions in the Mazda. Neither the 204 mm ground clearance nor the impressive overhangs contribute to this, and the plug-in all-wheel drive here is more for more confident driving on winter roads. And why would you need it? After all, the CX-9 will handle curbs in courtyards without problems, and nowadays that is the main requirement for a crossover. 99% of modern crossover and SUV owners have seen real off-road only on TV!
At the rear, the main difference from the previous model is the new taillights.
The 277-horsepower six-cylinder pulls well. The Mazda eagerly launches from a standstill and does not falter during overtaking, so given the mass and dimensions, the claimed 10.1 seconds to 100 km/h is a good result. If you drive calmly, the 6-speed automatic pleases with smooth, timely shifts and downshifts in time. The driver's wallet also rejoices at calm driving in the Mazda CX-9. If you don't rush anywhere, you can easily lower the average fuel consumption figure on the onboard computer to 11 liters per 100 km.
But as soon as the driver decides to have traffic light races or drive on the highway with the pedal to the floor, you need to prepare for a quick visit to the gas station, because the 76-liter tank in this mode will barely last 300 km.
By the way, now the Mazda CX-9 has received all the safety systems available in the new Mazda6 and CX-5. These include automatic high beam control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. However, this entire package is only available for an extra charge, and the base price of the CX-9 in Russia with good equipment is 1,919,000 rubles. If you add 50,000 rubles, navigation and Bose audio appear in the options list, and another 75,000 rubles will allow you to equip the crossover with the above-mentioned safety systems and a power sunroof.