Road Test: 2013 Mazda CX-9 GT

Story and photos by John LeBlanc It would be all too easy to call the CX-9 the black sheep of the Mazda family. As a large, tall and heavy three-row crossover, since its debut for 2008, the CX-9 has always challenged the Japanese automaker’s fun-to-drive brand ethos, best exemplified by its iconic MX-5 (née Miata) roadster. Five years later — with Mazda now extolling the virtues of lightweight engineering via its new Skyactiv technologies — the CX-9 stands out even more; however, at a time when every automaker seems to have a big, three-row crossover, Mazda has employed a thorough design refresh for the CX-9 for 2013. But is the large crossover still a “Mazda”? Over its five-year run, Mazda has continually tweaked its CX-9’s looks to keep it in line with the brand’s evolving design languages. The latest is the so-called “Kodo” look, first seen on the Shinari concept in 2010, and translated into the production versions of the current Mazda CX-5 compact crossover and Mazda6 midsize sedan. While those two Mazdas received all-new platforms, the 2013 seven-seat CX-9 soldiers on using a stretched version of the same chassis that underpins the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX five-seat crossovers. From the onset, the CX-9 has been one of the sleeker-looking rides in its class. The most significant exterior change for 2013 is at the front. The biggest Mazda’s front-end has been thoroughly “Kodo-ised” with a pointier beak and a thin blade of chrome that continues from the grille through the headlights. Its back-end styling has been touched-up, but the changes are less dramatic than at the front. In the CX-9 two-model lineup, pricing starts at $33,995 for the base, front-wheel-drive GS models. Standard kit is generous, highlighted by 18-alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, three-zone climate control, and heated front seats. For $3,000 more, you can get traction to all four wheels. My tester was the $44,750 GT, an all-inclusive, all-wheel-drive, top-line model that adds two-inch larger wheels, Xenon HID headlights, power moonroof, leather seating and a blind-spot monitoring system — among other details — over the GS trim. The only option on my tester was a $2,500 Navigation Package. While the variety in the three-row crossover class is vast, the CX-9 has always been one of the better-driving vehicles in its segment. In that context, the $48,590 Honda Pilot Touring and $44,399 Ford Flex Limited AWD are the Mazda’s two chief rivals. Although the “new” 2013 CX-9 doesn’t benefit from an all-new cabin, there wasn’t much wrong with the outgoing version. From its debut, the Japanese-made Mazda’s cockpit was one of the more refined and luxurious in its class. And the changes for 2013 only make it more so. A new keyless access fob replaces the older version’s awkward credit-card key, and a larger centre dash touchscreen is now easier to use. Beyond these practical improvements, as before, the Mazda’s high-quality materials and tight fit and finish are one-step above its Honda and Ford competition. Like most of these types of vehicles, passengers will prefer the CX-9’s roomier second-row seating to the cramped pair of seats in the back row. If you do need to sit in the rear, the Mazda’s swoopy rear styling not only limits headroom, but also inhibits outward rear visibility, The third-row seating in the eight-passenger Pilot is much more humane. If you’re hauling seven passengers and need to add cargo as well, the 1,588 litres of space behind the CX-9’s third row is more than the 907 found in the Flex, but less than the 2,045 available in the Pilot. With its carryover platform, Mazda wasn’t able to employ all of its new SkyActiv fuel-saving technologies to the refreshed 2013 CX-9. As such, all models use the same, Ford-sourced 3.7-litre six-cylinder that’s been employed since 2009. The V6 makes a competitive 273 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. My CX-9 GT model posted an equally competitive eight-second 0-100 km/h time — strictly average for the class. As before, the Mazda's six-speed automatic transmission is fairly responsive when you put your foot down. Up- and downshifts are surprisingly quick, mitigating the use of its steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. With similar power ratings and curb weights, it’s no surprise the Mazda crossover’s fuel economy estimates (12.8 L/100 km in the city; 9.7 on the highway) are similar to its Honda (12.3; 8.2) and Ford (12.2; 8.6) rivals. During my week with the CX-9 GT, I averaged 12.6 L/100 km; however, when it comes to how the Mazda feels from behind its leather-wrapped steering wheel, it leaps ahead of the less-enthusiastic Flex and Pilot. In most cases, buyers looking for a seven-seat utility vehicle aren’t overly concerned about clipping apexes or taking highway on-ramps at 10/10ths. But if you’re one of those rare type of buyers, the CX-9 GT is one of the more capable options in this crowded class. Driving fun in the Mazda starts with a fairly rigid suspension setup. Where a Flex or Pilot will roll, the CX-9 stays relatively flat in tight corners. Guidance through such turns is aided by a steering system that gives actual feedback as to what’s going on at road level. The CX-9′s steering is accurate, definitive and linear. Its ride is well controlled too, without the floatiness you get in a Flex or Pilot. But even with its firm ride, the Mazda is rattle-free and tight inside. The only compromise I find with the Mazda’s athletic road manners is a bit more road noise than either the Ford or the Honda. Other than that, the CX-9 comes close to some luxury crossovers with fancier badges (and much higher prices) when it comes to its composed and confidence-inspiring road manners. While the “new” 2013 Mazda CX-9 doesn’t benefit from an all-new platform or powertrain, it still competes well — and outscores in some instances— many rivals in its class. In spite of average performance and fuel economy numbers, and less-than roomy hindquarters, the Mazda crossover is easy to recommend. From its updated and aggressive styling, roomy and luxurious interior and relatively athletic road manners, the Mazda remains a good pick if you like to drive and need the capabilities of such a large vehicle.

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