2013 Mazda CX-9 Video Review

It might surprise you that one of the first full-size, seven-seat crossovers on the market was from Mazda. Yes, the same company who builds the MX-5 Miata and Mazda6 midsize sedan also builds a seven-seat crossover named the CX-9. Introduced in 2007, the CX-9 was a very capable seven-seat crossover with a bit of an ace up its sleeve; it was a very fun vehicle to drive around in. Six years on, Mazda thought it was time to give the CX-9 a bit of a change.

Outside, the CX-9 is mostly the same as the model we had since 2007. The only real items of change are a new front and rear end that feature Mazda’s KODO design language to help make the CX-9 a bit fresher. The CX-9’s interior gains a new infotainment system with a 5.8-inch touchscreen, navigation from TomTom, HD Radio, and the ability of SMS messages to be read out loud.

Under the hood, the 2013 CX-9 still utilizes a 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 with VVT engine producing 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. That is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which can route power to either the front or all four wheels. Fuel economy for the 2013 CX-9 is rated at,

• CX-9 FWD: 17 City/24 Highway/19 Combined
• CX-9 AWD: 16 City/22 Highway/18 Combined

The 2013 CX-9 starts at $29,795 for the base Sport front-wheel drive model and climbs up to $36,375 for the Grand Touring all-wheel drive model. Competitors to the CX-9 include the Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander.