Mazda CX-9: Comprehensive Review of Design and Driving Experience
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Mazda CX-9: A Comprehensive Review of Design and Driving Experience
It has been seven years since Mazda introduced its CX-9 crossover, and after some updates, it still feels like a family vehicle. This is evident from the number of CX-9 vehicles seen on the streets of Dubai, prompting us to investigate the reasons behind its popularity in the UAE.
Exterior Design
The CX-9 boasts a simple yet elegant design. Mazda has targeted average families who may not be interested in flashy cars but seek to blend into their community. Perhaps this explains why we didn’t notice many CX-9 vehicles until we tested one. Compared to its competitors like the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, it stands out with a much more attractive silhouette reminiscent of the old Acadia. Mazda has attempted to align it with other SUVs by introducing a new front grille. The result is a vehicle that appears conventional, which is not always a negative attribute.
Interior Space
In our opinion, the highlight of the CX-9 is its spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating up to 7 passengers, even in the third row. Folding down the third-row seats reveals a generous cargo area. The trunk is made of reinforced plastic, which is acceptable, as we don’t expect luxury from a non-German vehicle. We had the fully equipped model featuring electronically adjustable leather seats with heating options, which provided exceptional comfort during long trips from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah, leaving us feeling refreshed upon arrival.
- Additional features include:
- Automatic headlights
- Rearview camera
- Navigation system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Climate control
Overall, it comes equipped with all the practical features needed. The only downside, in our view, is that the size of the numbers on the dashboard could have been larger for better visibility.
Driving Experience
This section surprised us during our test drive. We didn’t feel like we were driving a 7-passenger vehicle. The steering wheel gives the impression that you're operating a smaller car, allowing for easy maneuvering in tight, crowded streets without hesitation. The 3.7 V6 engine performs smoothly, providing good torque. However, we found the brakes to feel a bit light. We are accustomed to stronger brakes that stop the car quickly. In this case, we had to press the brakes firmly to stop in time, as a light press didn’t suffice. But this can vary from driver to driver based on individual preferences. Regarding fuel consumption, it was as expected, averaging 18 L/100 km on highways. This was a point where we anticipated better results from Mazda. Nonetheless, driving the vehicle was enjoyable, feeling more like a sporty hatchback than a crossover.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-9 is the largest vehicle from Mazda and remains true to the brand's reputation—offering a good Japanese car at a reasonable price. It is spacious, comfortable, and visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for families.
