Mazda CX-9

The dual-tone black and brown cabin of the Mazda CX-9 feels solidly put together with tight fit and finish levels and high-quality leather upholstery. However, the layout of the cabin has begun to show its age. This three-row cabin of the CX-9 has supremely comfortable Nappa leather seats in all three rows, with the second row offering a 60:40 split theme and the third row offering a 50:50 split theme. However, the space in the third row feels premium.

The driver’s cockpit of the Mazda CX-9 feels too simple for a vehicle of this class, with the three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel having an analogue dial-based instrument console behind it. The centre console looks plain too, with a standalone 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system sitting at the top, which feels a bit dated. 

The chrome surrounds for the AC vents and a wide design for the lower centre console with buttons for the 12-speaker BOSE audio system and three-zone automatic climate control looks elegant as well. Other features which grace the cabin of the CX-9 are a sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, a push start-stop button, an electric tailgate, rain-sensing wipers and rear AC vents. 

The Mazda CX-9 ditches the conventional upright stance of an SUV for a more laidback crossover-ish look, which makes it look elegant and poised. The long wheelbase and curves all around make the CX-9 look planted and elegant.

At the front, the Mazda CX-9 welcomes one with its imposing wide grille, which has five horizontal chrome slats within it and chrome touches on the sides. These side chrome garnishes extend towards the bird’s eye-themed headlamps, which have LED projectors and daytime running LEDs. More chrome can be seen at the bottom of the front bumper, which stretches from corner to corner of the bumper. 

The Mazda CX-9 has a poised stance when viewed from the side, which only becomes even better with the presence of 20-inch machined alloy wheels and curves over the front and rear fenders. The rear profile of the CX-9 has a raked windscreen and a wide design for the boot lid, which is further graced by the presence of LED combination tail lamps joined by a thick chrome garnish line. The chrome garnish and dual exhaust ports at the bottom of the rear bumper complete the rear profile of the CX-9.

The mileage delivered out by new Mazda CX-9 measures 11 kmpl which is decent enough for a drive housing with a large powertrain. This figure given is for driving the vehicle in combined cycle and is appreciable for the vehicle.

Despite its size and height, the Mazda CX-9 exhibits minimal body roll, with a fantastically tuned suspension setup – Macpherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear – working its magic here. The higher-spec variant also comes with all-wheel drive system, though there are no drive modes on offer in the CX-9.

The standard powertrain offered in both the variants of the Mazda CX-9 is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. With a maximum power output of 253 PS and a maximum torque output of 434 Nm, the engine feels punchy and refined in the Mazda CX-9.

The Mazda CX-9 is decently equipped with sophisticated safety features under its i-Activesense suite of ADAS features, which comprises lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert and front and rear smart city brake support. Other safety features offered in the Mazda CX-9 are six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, dynamic stability control, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera. 

The Mazda CX-9 offers the versatility of a three-row utility vehicle with the driving prowess at its best. Despite its high ride height, the CX-9 handles and drives well. However, the cabin needs some updates to its design and equipment list.