2007 Mazda CX-9 First Drive

Mazda CX-9 – First Drive: Mazda is moving upscale with its all-new seven-passenger crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The 2007 Mazda CX-9 is one of the few vehicles produced by this Japanese automaker that has been developed specifically for the North American market. Designed with three rows of seating to separate it from the smaller two-row CX-7, Mazda's new crossover is powered by a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V6 and is the largest vehicle ever developed by Mazda. Base prices begin at $26,032, while optional all-wheel drive adds $1200; fully-equipped versions top out at $37,000. The CX-9 competes with import models such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, as well as the GMC Acadia.

The Basics: Origins

The all-new, seven-passenger 2007 Mazda CX-9 fills the position in Mazda’s lineup previously occupied by the MPV minivan. Built on a variation of the Mazda6 sedan platform, the CX-9 shares its architectural roots with other new crossovers from Ford Motor Company, including the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. The V6 engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with sport shift. The crossover segment is growing rapidly, expected to hit three million units in 2010, say industry analysts. The full-size CX-9 expands Mazda’s offerings in this lucrative segment. Mazda says that although similar in appearance, CX-7 and CX-9 remain distinct models, supported by their differing platforms.

The Basics: Model Mix – Standard Features

The CX-9 comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models in front or all-wheel drive, all powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Sport models come standard with 18-inch wheels, LED taillights, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, three-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, 60/40-split reclining rear seat, and a single-CD six-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input jack. Touring models add heated seats and side-view mirrors, Bluetooth capability, second-row center armrest storage, leather first and second row seats, and power front seats (8-way driver, 4-way passenger). The Grand Touring package add 20-inch wheels, bright exterior trim, side-view mirror marker lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless starting, driver’s seat memory, wood trim and electroluminescent gauges with blue lighting.

The Basics: Model Mix - Options

Options for all 2007 Mazda CX-9s include a power glass moonroof, remote engine starting, rear cargo net and organizer, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and integrated compass, six-CD ten-speaker Bose audio system, rear seat DVD entertainment with a 9-inch screen, Sirius satellite radio and six-disc CD changer (if not already fitted). Touring and Grand Touring buyers can also choose a touch-screen DVD-based navigation with voice command. Accessories such as wheel locks, a moonroof deflector, front and rear splash guards and a roof rack are also available.

The Basics: Pricing

The 2007 Mazda CX-9 Sport starts at $29,630, including the $595 destination charge. Touring versions begin at $31,730, while Grand Touring CX-9s initially ring up $33,270. All-wheel drive is an additional $1,200, and the moonroof adds $1,760. Rear seat DVD entertainment costs $2,560; navigation requires an additional $2,100 on Grand Touring models or $2,317 on Touring models. The towing package runs $525, and Sirius satellite radio costs $430. A fully loaded, Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive stickers for about $41,500. An Assistance Package for the Touring and Grand Touring models combines navigation, a power rear hatch, rearview camera and keyless entry (Touring only) and adds $2,500 to the Grand Touring and $2,717 to the Touring model.

What’s New: Outside

Though some may feel that the CX-9 looks a bit too much like the CX-7, Mazda designers would tell you that they tried to avoid the utilitarian look that defines many of today’s crossovers. Instead, smoothly flowing front fender and hood contours, a steeply angled front windshield, flared wheel arches, window swaths framed by chrome and a subtly declining front-to-rear roofline create a poised- but aggressive- stance. The front fascia brings familiar Mazda visual cues, such as the pentagonal grille and slim headlights. A chrome accent strip above the grille is mirrored out back by a chrome piece atop the license plate frame. Semi-clear plastic taillights mimic the Lexus RX, while trapezoidal dual exhaust outlets are a stylish touch. Standard 18-inch and available 20-inch wheels suggest muscularity and performance.

What’s New: Inside

The interior of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is very appealing, with a clean and geometric execution. The door panels and center stack are visually connected to the upper dashboard by angled “posts” that appear to support the dash and also segment driver and passenger space. Circular gauges in the instrument cluster contrast with the rectilinear HVAC vents, dash-top information center and gearshift console. Designers say the blue illumination sets a “cool mood,” and ambient lighting in the door trim and ceiling casts a comforting glow on the cabin. The seats appear both comfortable and sporty. With its long wheelbase, Mazda says the CX-9 has the roomiest third-row seat in its class.

What’s New: Under the Hood

Every 2007 Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine yielding 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, and 249 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Backing the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, feeding power to either the front wheels only or all four corners, if optioned. The available Active Torque-Split All-Wheel-Drive uses a computer-controlled coupling connected with the rear differential to adjust torque distribution, sending up to 50 percent to the rear should front traction be lost. Both the Mazdaspeed6 and smaller sibling CX-7 also use this AWD system. Front and rear disc brakes are ventilated, connected to MacPherson front and multilink rear suspension. Rack-and-pinion steering translates directional inputs from the driver.

What’s New: Safety

The 2007 Mazda CX-9 features Roll Stability Control (RSC), a safety system designed to sense impending rollover and use the brakes and engine to try and prevent it. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) also combine with ABS brakes to prevent spins and wheelspin, respectively. Curtain airbags cover all three rows should a collision occur. Front passengers benefit from side-impact airbags and anti-whiplash headrests. Supporting these systems is the body structure’s Advanced Impact-Energy Distribution and Absorption System.

Driving: Test Car, Location

We drove two different versions of the all-new 2007 Mazda CX-9, selecting both a front drive Grand Touring model $37,530 (including $595 destination) and an all-wheel-drive model sticker priced at $1,200 more. Our 150-mile course began in the city traffic of Washington, D.C. and its surrounding capital beltway freeway, and led us to the rural Virginia countryside, with narrow and twisty two-lanes that gave us a great opportunity to try out the CX-9’s manual-mode shifting and the traction capabilities of the all-wheel-drive version on both clear and snowy roads.

Driving: Performance

The most notable feature of the 2007 Mazda CX-9 is that this crossover stays true to Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” tagline and sporty roots despite its large package. Mazda has given its version unique suspension tuning and a sporty feel to its six-speed automatic programming, especially in its quick-shifting manual mode. Its steering is linear and well-weighted, and carving turns on tight roads is a precise action. Large, well-modulated brakes provide mannered stopping power. All-wheel drive traction operates seamlessly and brings up to a 50/50 traction split from front to rear.