Road Test: 2015 Mazda CX-9 GT
Story and photo by John LeBlanc
SPRINGBROOK, P.E.I. – “Compromise ” is a great descriptor for the majority of family road trips. In most cases, Ma and Pa would prefer to be at an all-inclusive resort with nary a child in sight, whereas the kids would rather spend every single freakin’ day at the local amusement park, riding the roller coaster enough times to make their sodium- and sugar-filled lunch makes a second, unauthorized appearance.
“Compromise” is also the key requirement for buyers seeking a new midsize crossover with the seating capacity of a minivan, the fuel economy of a family sedan and the all-weather capabilities of a four-wheel-drive SUV — all wrapped in a stylish package. To minimize compromise on all fronts, I borrowed a 2015 Mazda CX-9 GT for a two-week family holiday this summer on Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island.
It would be all too easy to call the CX-9 the black sheep of the Mazda family. Introduced in 2007, then refreshed in 2010 and again for 2013, the front- or all-wheel-drive, seven-passenger, four-door CX-9 crossover is not only the Japanese automaker’s largest vehicle, it’s also the final product from Mazda’s former relationship with Ford, employing a stretched version of the same platform that underpinned the previous-generation Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX five-seat crossovers.
In the CX-9 two-model lineup, pricing starts at $35,890 (including freight and pre-delivery inspection fees) for the front-wheel-drive GS. The standard kit is generous, highlighted by 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control and heated front seats. For $3,000 more you can get traction to all four wheels. My tester was the top-of-the-line $47,890 GT, an all-inclusive trim that adds two-inch-larger wheels, Bi-Xenon HID headlights, power moonroof, navigation, upgraded audio system, backup sensors, rear cross traffic alert and a blind-spot monitoring system — among other details.
Our four-member, three-generation holiday group picked up the Mazda right after our flight from Ottawa touched down at the airport just outside the island’s provincial capital of Charlottetown. Right off the bat, we tested the CX-9’s cargo capabilities, with luggage and gear (including three sets of golf clubs) and a full pantry’s worth of food. With its third row and 40 percent of the second-row seating folded, the Mazda accommodated every necessity, with room to spare.
It only takes about five hours to drive from one end of P.E.I. to the other, and it’s a relatively stress-free place to drive. With a limited number of four-lane highways, trips at over 100 km/h speeds rarely occur. So instead of putting heavy-duty mileage on the Mazda, we took a lot of short trips — whether we were exploring the Seacow Head Light lighthouse just west of Central Bedeque, picking up a dinner of mussels at Carr’s Wharfside Market in Stanley Bridge, exploring the long stretches of open beach at Greenwich National Park or hitting the links at the French River Golf Course, the CX-9 GT handled it all with aplomb, particularly from the driver’s seat.
Mazda hasn’t yet employed its all-encompassing SkyActiv fuel-saving technologies in the ageing CX-9, but an all-new model is expected to debut for 2017 this fall. Until then, all models use a Ford-sourced 3.7-litre six-cylinder gas engine that’s been around since 2009. The V6 makes a competitive 273 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, and allows for an equally competitive eight-second zero to 100 km/h time.
During our two weeks with the CX-9 GT, however, we averaged an uncompetitive 12.8 L/100 km. That figure is shy of newer, more fuel-efficient rivals like a 2016 Kia Sorento SX+ V6 AWD I recently tested. Of course, Mazda’s long-rumoured North American diesel would fix this problem in the next CX-9.
But the Mazda more than makes up for its less-than-frugal ways with its sophisticated moves. When it comes to how the Mazda feels from behind its leather-wrapped steering wheel, it leaps ahead of less-enthusiastic rivals. In most cases, buyers looking for a seven-seat utility vehicle aren’t overly concerned about clipping apexes or pushing it to the limit on back roads. But if you’re one of those rare buyers, the CX-9 GT is one of the more capable options in this crowded class.
For example: the Mazda’s six-speed automatic transmission is very responsive when you put your foot down. Up- and downshifts are surprisingly quick, with the chosen gear indicated in the driver’s instrumentation, whether in manual mode or not. And despite its aging chassis, the CX-9 is lighter than most competitors and is supported by a rigid body structure.
The result? Where a Nissan Pathfinder will roll in tight corners, the CX-9 will stay relatively flat. Guidance through such turns is aided by a steering system that is accurate, definitive and linear, giving actual feedback as to what’s going on at road level. The CX-9′s ride is well controlled too, without the floatiness you get in a larger SUV such as the Ford Explorer. And even with its tight suspension, the Mazda is rattle-free and hushed inside, coming close to some luxury crossovers with fancier badges (and much higher prices).
The CX-9 GT kept this driver happy, but I also had few if any complaints from my three passengers. From its debut, the Japanese-made Mazda’s cockpit was one of the more refined and luxurious in its class; its high-quality materials and tight fit and finish are one step above its mainstream competition. As with 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. The only blemishes were a relatively small touchscreen interface and a TomTom nav system that didn’t know where some of P.E.I.’s provincial parks where.
Just as Canada’s smallest province is one of the most highly regarded destinations for a family road trip, the 2015 Mazda CX-9 GT was equally popular. Sure, the Mazda crossover is getting a bit long in the tooth, yet it still competes well. With its updated and aggressive styling, roomy and luxurious interior and athletic road manners, the Mazda remains a good choice if you like to drive and need the capabilities of a large vehicle. For uncompromising crossover buyers who love family road trips, the Mazda promises to answer your needs.