2015 Mazda CX-9

The elder statesmen of the Mazda lineup, the CX-9 mid-size SUV looms large above the plucky Mazda2 sub-compact car and almost aloof next to the CX-5 compact SUV. Yet while bold may not be CX-9’s repertoire, being decisive is. With seating for seven in its multi-configuration three rows, the 2015 CX-9 is mostly a carryover model but now is outfitted with a new recreational accessories package and available with a Titanium Flash Mica finish.

“CX-9 is the anchor of Mazda’s full line of vehicles, the able-bodied sentinel ready to take on tasks large and small,” said Jim O’ Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “As with any Mazda, precision and handling are principle elements, and our mid-size SUV is no different. For 2015, CX-9 continues to offer consumers unmatched dynamics, reliable safety and appealing design.”

Mazda’s biggest vehicle also is one of its most refined, delivering ample room and amenities while serving a perfect platter of power and personality. Available in three trims (Sport, Touring and Ground Touring), the 2015 CX-9 boasts the model line’s only V-6 engine and is an all-season pro with an available Active Torque-Split All-Wheel-Drive system.

Big Heart, Compact Footprint
A brawny MZR 3.7-liter V-6 engine powers this mighty mid-size SUV with engine performance topping competitive SUV imports. Maximum output is 273 horsepower at 6,250 rpm for effortless acceleration and passing performance. The torque curve keeps 250 lb-ft at 3,000 to 6,000 rpm and peaks at 270 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.

The state-of-the-art 60-degree short-stroke V-6 includes advanced features such as a die-cast aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminum cylinder heads for reducing vehicle weight. The valve train includes chain-drive dual overhead camshafts for minimal maintenance, four valves per cylinder with direct-acting bucket-type actuators and variable intake valve timing. The throttle is electronically controlled for immediate driving responsiveness.

Two close-coupled catalytic converters clean the exhaust without hindering power. Computer-aided engineering analysis was used extensively to configure the cylinder block casting, to shape intake and exhaust ports and to design the high-volume exhaust system fitted with three large mufflers. Very low back pressure is one reason why the vehicle’s power curve is still ascending at the 6,500 redline. In addition, the forged-steel crankshaft is fitted with induction-hardened journals and a full complement of counterweights. Engineering details also extend to a roller-chain cam-drive sprocket lined with rubber for additional noise reduction.

The 2015 CX-9 is outfitted with a single transmission option – an Aisin-supplied six-speed Sport AT automatic with a manual mode. Broad ratios maximize flexibility by providing nimble launching and quiet cruising speeds. The top two gears are both override ratios to further aid in acceleration and fuel economy performance.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on CX-9 models while an optional Active Torque All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system is available for all trim levels. This AWD system rapidly adjusts to changing traction needs by monitoring wheel slippage, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and available driveline torque. In normal driving situations, 100 percent of the driving torque is delivered to the front wheels. During aggressive acceleration, or when one front wheel poses an increased risk of slipping, a controlled percentage of the available torque is directed to the rear axle.

A power take-off device integrated with the vehicle’s transaxle spins a drive shaft attached to an active coupling built into the rear differential. Commanded by a control module, the servo-controlled multi-plate coupling can route from zero to up to 50 percent of the available torque to the rear.

The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating for CX-9 is 17 city/24 highway/19 combined mpg for FWD models and 16 city/22 highway/18 combined mpg for those equipped with AWD.

Four-Season Fashion
Receiving a facelift in 2013, CX-9’s appearance has always been and continues to be a classic, sophisticated style. Being dressed with elements of Mazda’s new-generation KODO “Soul of Motion” design language, CX-9 embodies the familial face with poised elegance. Its fascia features the brand’s “signature wing” five-point grille with chrome highlight. The slight squint of the angular head lamps expresses a look of concentrated determination, and when paired with recessed fog lights (Grand Touring), the vehicle’s appealing demeanor becomes even more apparent.

A steeply raked windshield highlights the vehicle’s swift ability, continuing its wind tunnel-friendly path across the expansive roofline highlighted by pack-and-go baggage-friendly roof rails and cross bars, which are new-for-2015 additional package features. Previously available as a la carte add-ons, the Recreational Accessory Package – which includes items such as roof rails, cross bars, a cargo net and stainless rear bumper guard – is now standard equipment combined into existing packages available for Touring and Grand Touring models. At no extra cost to consumers, these added-value accessories are fashioned seamlessly into the already clean lines of the CX-9 for an even more refined and easily accessible look.

Encased within muscular fenders are standard 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in P245/60R18 all-season tires. Hardly diminutive, CX-9’s stature offers a unique blend of approachable prominence. Its presence is further enhanced in Grand Touring models which feature 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels dusted in a stain chrome finish. Grand Touring vehicles are outfitted with P245/50R20-sized all-season tires.

Available in seven suits for work and play – Blue Reflex, Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black, Liquid Silver, Meteor Gray, Titanium Flash Mica, Zeal Red – CX-9 presents a commanding calm; one that flows throughout the vehicle’s every panel, from its confident front end toward its suitably proportioned rear. Utilitarian in purpose, this mid-size SUV turns the scuttle of everyday errands into a runway sashay fashion week.

Crafted for Comfort
When considering interior amenities, CX-9’s 113.2-inch wheelbase presents an advantage of not only occupant comfort but visual and functional appeal as well. Overall dimensions include 200.6 inches of length (best among imports), 76.2 inches of width and 68.0 inches of height (sans roof rails). Without a moonroof, this results in a generous 139.4 cubic feet of passenger volume with headroom volumes of 39.6 inches, 39.0 inches and 35.4 inches in the front, second and third rows, respectively. When equipped with an optional moonroof, compromise to the cranial orbit is minimal with 38.4 inches of headroom while the second- and third-row dimensions remain unchanged.

Knees and toes have enough room to stretch with leg room dimensions of 40.9 inches for front-row occupants. Second-row dwellers enjoy 39.8 inches of depth while third-row residents receive an area of 32.4 inches. Translation: all seven seating positions experience ample accommodations instead of cramped quarters.

In addition to roominess, the 2015 CX-9 earns even more kudos for its seating versatility. The 60/40-split fold-down second row comfortably accommodates three passengers and offers approximately 5.0 inches of fore-and-aft travel in addition to a manual-operation reclining backrest.

Because life is full of the unexpected, CX-9’s seating design and configuration offers the flexibility to adapt to changes in headcount and cargo volume as quickly as they happen. Functionality and operational ease are key elements to how seat releases were developed. For example, releasing the second-row seat in order to enter the third row requires only a simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and slide it forward.

In terms of cargo space, a clever strap attached behind the third-row seats’ backrest serves as both a release for folding the seats down as well as a means for pulling back them up. With the third-row seats up, CX-9 offers 17.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space. When a larger cavern is needed, both second and third rows fold flat to provide up to 100.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity from the rear hatch and up toward the front-row’s seat backs. Even with larger wheel-and-tire combinations than key segment competitors, CX-9’s cargo capacity behind the front row remains an import segment best.

However, interior comfort cannot be defined solely by volume and stowage. CX-9’s organized and efficient overall interior layout also is complete with handsomely crafted materials and soft touch points. Suitably fitted along door panels and serving as an eye-catching border for the center console, elegant piano-black trim accents are exhibited in Sport and Touring models while a high-quality Bordeaux is represented in Grand Touring vehicles. Such detail is striking but not opulent. A leather-wrapped shift knob is standard, providing an intuitive and satisfying fit for moving between gears on CX-9’s sport-shift automatic transmission.

Behind-the-wheel readability also is an important factor. To help minimize visual fatigue and other sensory distractions, a white-on-black color-contrast combination is used for the meter cluster as well as the center console buttons and information screen. This allows for clear readouts during the brightest part of the day and a non-garish display during starless dark nights. Also, no manuals are needed to master operational switches and knobs. Some controls are presented in a repetitive manner, namely radio and phone operations, to offer consumers familiar options when adjusting vehicle settings to their preference rather than forcing adaption to the preference of the vehicle.

Packaged With Purpose
Available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims, all 2015 CX-9 models offer three-zone automatic climate control air conditioning, cruise control, anti-pinch power windows with one-touch up/down operation for front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry with a retractable key, a trip computer, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control operations, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth®-enabled hands-free audio and phone connectivity, a 5.8-inch full-color in-dash multi-information display (MID) touch screen, auxiliary jack and USB connection ports as well as enhanced audio features such as HD Radio™ Technology, Pandora® and audio receipt/delivery of smartphone-compatible messages.

Sport-specific standard features include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, P245/60R18 all-season tires, an AM/FM/CD head unit with six speakers and black sport cloth seats. One available Sport trim package offers an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, heated front cloth seats and heated outside mirrors. Previously a manual adjustment, the lumbar support was upgraded to power-operated for the 2015 model year.

Moving up to the Touring model, standard amenities include leather-trimmed upholstery in black or sand, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto on/off headlights, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), rear backup sensors and a rearview camera.

Safety features such as BSM, RCTA and rear backup sensors put CX-9 ahead of the mid-size SUV pack as these technologies are in limited availability amongst segment rivals.

An available package is the Touring Technology Package, which offers a premium 10-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, a TomTom-based in-dash navigation system with real-time traffic, a power lift gate, fog lights, a moonroof, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a complimentary four-month subscription. New for 2015 is the added pairing of the Recreational Accessory Package. The embedded package includes roof rails, cross bars, a cargo net and a stainless steel rear bumper guard.

Grand Touring models command a grander presence with an upgrade to 20-inch satin chrome-finish aluminum alloy wheels matched with P245/50R20 all-season radials. This trim adds chrome exterior door handles, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an anti-theft alarm, fog lights, exterior mirrors with turn indicators, power outside mirrors with memory and an automatic tilt-down feature, a power lift gate, auto on/off bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with manual leveling, LED daytime running lights, a three-position memory driver’s seat and a HomeLink® auto-dimming rear mirror.

Three package options are available for Grand Touring vehicles. The Grand Touring Technology Package includes a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System with AudioPilot, a TomTom-based in-dash navigation system with real-time traffic, a moonroof and SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a complimentary four-month subscription.

A Rear Seat Entertainment Package offers a nine-inch-screen DVD player, an upgraded 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System with AudioPilot, a TomTom-based in-dash navigation system with real-time traffic, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a complimentary four-month subscription and a 115-volt outlet located in the rear cargo area. The Rear Seat Entertainment Package cannot be combined with the Grand Touring Technology Package. For 2015, both packages include features of the Recreational Accessory Package.

The final option – and only available on Grand Touring models – is the Towing Prep Package. While CX-9 FWD vehicles all are equipped with 2,000 lbs. of towing capacity, the Towing Prep Package increases that pull strength to 3,500 lbs. Included are a heavy-duty transmission cooler and radiator fan as well as a revised engine control module. To complete the kit, a towing receiver hitch accessory must be purchased separately. AWD vehicles receive the Towing Prep Package as standard equipment. Recreational accessories are not included as part of this package.

Standard Safety
All 2015 CX-9 models are equipped with standard safety features such as six airbags (advanced dual front, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), Roll Stability Control (RSC), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear side crumple zones, side-impact door beams, a “crushable” brake pedal assembly, three-point safety belts and adjustable headrests for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), rear backup sensors and a rearview camera are standard equipment on Touring and Grand Touring models only and not available on the Sport.

Lastly, all Mazda vehicles come with the Mazda Certified Roadside Assistance Program. Using either the toll-free number or free Mazda Assist app for iOS- and Android-operated mobile devices, owners and their family members can contact roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which covers every part of the vehicle (except those subject to normal wear), a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.