Mazda's second generation of its three-row crossover first joined us in 2016. In those six years, competition in the segment has become fierce, with the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade both arriving with family-sized aplomb. The Mazda CX-9 is holding its own, though, with its effortlessly premium-like interior and consistent approach to making all of its vehicles fun to drive - even the big ones. We spent a week with the now-six-year-old family hauler and then had a good think about what we still love about the CX-9 and what makes us think about other ways of getting the kids to school and the whole family away at the weekend.
Love: Driving The CX-9
Usually, after we drive an SUV and get out saying loudly to anyone that'll listen, "that should not drive that well," it is usually a Porsche or BMW. However, Mazda also has that ingrained dedication to not coming up with just "good enough" dynamics for its larger and more family-oriented vehicles. While you can feel its weight and can't ignore its width, the CX-9 is agile enough to hustle a backroad or pick through a tight city shortcut. While it won't match smaller cars in corners, the steering is light and precise, and the chassis is tight and composed with a well-tuned suspension.
Hate: Tiny Trunk And Tight Third Row
With the third row down, the CX-9 has an appropriate amount of space for a family. However, when you split the difference between extra passengers and cargo space, there isn't much room for either. To us, that makes the CX-9's third row for when you're in a pinch and somebody else's kids need to get home. A family of six or seven inevitably needs that cargo space, and it'll leave people frustrated on just a day out at the theme park. However, if your life is all about running two or three kids around and that cramped third row will come in useful once in a while it will come in handy. The seats fold flat, making the cargo area great for bulky items and big grocery shopping trips.
Love: That Premium Interior
Mazda's second major strong point is its interiors. While they rarely get fancy, your next-door neighbor with a base model BMW or Audi will experience a little buyer's remorse. It might not even be brief if they're not into the badge more than the Bavarian approach to the drivetrain and technology. The point is, it's a level up on most mid-to-premium level brands in build quality, materials, and style, although Hyundai and Kia aren't messing around anymore. Third row aside, there's also plenty of space for tall adults, including leg room for the middle row. It's not an excessive amount of living space but aligns with the just-right overall design of the CX-9. Go for the now-entry-level Touring trim, and if you have two kids or drive adults around regularly in the middle row, two captain's chairs are standard instead of a bench seat for three. Adding to the refinement inside, cabin noise is minimal.
Hate: The Technology
Hate is too strong of a word, really, but Mazda's infotainment is average at best. While it includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto as standard, and HD radio and a wireless charger up front it's a missed opportunity to have wireless phone charging but not wireless CarPlay or Auto. Instead, if you want to charge your phone and use one of those services, you're going wired. The good news is that the interface for the infotainment is quick, bright, clear, and intuitive through the center console-mounted rotary dial and its surrounding buttons.
Love: The Style
This comes down to pure opinion because we think Mazda has hit just about every note right in its current styling language through the majority of its range. While it may not suit the smallest car, the MX-5, perfectly, even the most ardent of Mazda-haters can't deny the sedans and crossovers are handsome cars that manage to grab the eye and hold it without fussy cues or randomly added accouterments. The subtle indentation in the side removes any idea of it being a slab of vehicle, even on the large CX-9. The headlights and rear lights are contemporarily slim and sculpted and, we believe, will make sure that the vehicle ages well.
Hate: The Transmission
The CX-9 comes with a six-speed automatic that regularly, if not all the time, feels like it needs another gear. Transmission programming is something Mazda needs to iron out across the range, as while it feels like the CX-9 needs another gear, the much smaller CX-30's six-speed feels like it has one or two gears too many as the computer controlling it is always changing gear. The CX-5 is a much better balance between the two, but it can still be fussy at times. We suspect it just feels like the CX-9 needs another gear and, in reality, needs more intensive testing and programming to be perfect. Making up for that is the fact Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system is now standard.
Hate: No Real Base Model
The big news this year for the Mazda CX-9 is that the base model has been dropped and pricing has changed. Now, Mazda wouldn't have done this lightly, and it may be just for a year until the next generation appears. This generation is six-years-old, so that's likely. At the end of a cycle, sales are going to be at their lowest and Mazda likely isn't selling many base models. That doesn't mean it's not a shame there isn't a sub-$40,000 CX-9 available as a seven-seater. The entry-level trim for the CX-9 is the Touring at $38,75, which comes standard with two captain chairs in the middle row. Given the space issues we discussed above, this is perfect for a two-adult and two-children family. For a middle-row bench seat, you have to, counter-intuitively, spend $41,500 on the Touring Plus model.
Love: The Whole Package
As enthusiasts, we gravitate to the CX-9 as it is genuinely a cut above the competition to drive. Subjectively, we like the infotainment system for its simplicity and the CX-9 is a well-balanced get-things-done kind of family vehicle. We don't have three kids, so the now base model Touring is perfect, but we understand the frustration for those seeking a sub-$40,000 five-seater that can take another two kids when pressed. We think the Mazda holds its own against the competition, but it's very much on Mazda's own terms. If you don't like those terms, check out the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.