Spied: 2017 Mazda CX-9

[Mazdaville]

That XC90 is going to be over $50k in a hurry after adding a few options you will surely want.

And the Q7 starts at $55k. You're in an entirely different class now than the CX-9. Those who can afford the Q7 will not be cross-shopping it with the Mazda.

I don't think you should assume that because you can afford an XC-90 or Q7, you won't cross shop it with a CX-9. That's like saying someone shopping for a CX-9 shouldn't be looking at the Signature trim. A sport CX9 is 33k and a signature CX9 is 44k, or a 33% price differential. A reasonably equipped XC90 will run you about 57k, which is a 30% difference. IMO, the Volvo is a significant step up in build quality and luxury. I'm not so sure a Signature trim offers that same kind of difference over the base model but I will test one to know for sure. A person with a 55k budget should absolutely be shopping for a 44k Mazda if there was great value to be had there.

By Mazda's own admission, they are trying to move the brand upmarket. They are trying less to compete with the Pilot (which offers much more practicality and utility) and more with the MDX. There's even a video at one of Mazda's events in Canada directly comparing the two.

 

[tex2670]

Drove one today. Touring version.....and no longer excited about owning it. Yeh it's new and beautiful, seats are amazing...fit and finish spot on, pulls nicely out of the gate but engine sounds horrible when accelerating... Absolutely horrible. To those reviewers who say it sounds like typical turbo 4...no it doesn't. It sounds like frickin civic with retarded potato canon muffler. Same interior usability...similarly crude rear seat operation...no way my 5 year old can get access to the 3rd row on its own. Not excited about this car anymore...I will get it eventually I am sure but it needs more noise reduction to isolate that retarded sounding engine

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Apology accepted.

 

[tex2670]

I think Motoman was correct in saying for $44k you should probably start considering the XC90 or base Q7. Both of those feel significantly more upscale.

They are more "upscale", but I find it hard to believe that people are going to jump from a loaded Mazda to a stripped down Audi or Volvo. No nav, no BSM, no emergency braking, etc, etc. If you are looking at a CX-9 Signature, these features must have some importance.

I had a 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L Nav. An MDX equipped similarly was $10,000 more. The same is true today.

By Mazda's own admission, they are trying to move the brand upmarket. They are trying less to compete with the Pilot (which offers much more practicality and utility) and more with the MDX. There's even a video at one of Mazda's events in Canada directly comparing the two.

Then they have failed. Again, the Signature doesn't even have all the bells and whistles as a top of the line Kia Sorrento or Hyundai Santa Fe. They are not competing with the MDX.

 

[crikey]

Now that the weather is getting warmer and I've had to use my VW GLI's A/C, I noticed that it takes a significant amount of time to cool down the vehicle. My CX-9 takes all but a few minutes. Is this due to the GLI's 4-cylinder turbo engine or is it because the CX-9 has a larger HVAC system that works faster? I think I did read that the previous gen CX-9 has 2 HVAC systems, one for the front and another for the rear 2 rows. I guess my point is, how would the new CX-9 HVAC fare in the Summer with a full-load of passengers and their cargo? Has anyone had the opportunity to observe this?

 

[Dr Kev]

They are more "upscale", but I find it hard to believe that people are going to jump from a loaded Mazda to a stripped down Audi or Volvo. No nav, no BSM, no emergency braking, etc, etc. If you are looking at a CX-9 Signature, these features must have some importance.

I had a 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L Nav. An MDX equipped similarly was $10,000 more. The same is true today.

Then they have failed. Again, the Signature doesn't even have all the bells and whistles as a top of the line Kia Sorrento or Hyundai Santa Fe. They are not competing with the MDX.

Keep in mind that the Kia and the Hyundai fail to have features that the CX-9 GT ( and Signature) have (e.g., LED headlights, heads up display, class leading torque and fuel economy). So, the comparison is not nearly as one-sided as you and the other detractors have made it out to be.

 

[tex2670]

Keep in mind that the Kia and the Hyundai fail to have features that the CX-9 GT ( and Signature) have (e.g., LED headlights, heads up display, class leading torque and fuel economy). So, the comparison is not nearly as one-sided as you and the other detractors have made it out to be.

Kia and Hyundai have HIDs instead of LEDs; 90% of people have no idea what a HUD is; and when gas prices dip $.20, suddenly no one cares about fuel economy anymore, and small car sales nosedive, and SUV sales jump. So we can agree to disagree.

 

[Drogos]

Apology accepted.

I have no clue what u r mumbling about so I'll have to go whatever on you.

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[Antoine]

Can we reduce the abrasiveness in this thread as of late, I really do not want to start quoting rules etc...We're all adults here, let's keep the conversation Fun, Friendly and Informative, thank you.

 

[mazdadude]

Got to check one out in person while picking up the new CX-5...here are my first impressions...

The hood is LONG.
The shark like overbite on the nose is interesting but not as flattering as I imagined it would be.
The overall fit/finish and quality of materials is the best I have seen on a Mazda.
The center console and shifter are placed much higher in the cabin than I would ever want, made the cockpit feel claustrophobic.
The 3rd Row appears to have the same 3rd row space as the old Mazda5 did.

 

[MrPerception]

Got to check one out in person while picking up the new CX-5...here are my first impressions...

The hood is LONG.
The shark like overbite on the nose is interesting but not as flattering as I imagined it would be.
The overall fit/finish and quality of materials is the best I have seen on a Mazda.
The center console and shifter are placed much higher in the cabin than I would ever want, made the cockpit feel claustrophobic.
The 3rd Row appears to have the same 3rd row space as the old Mazda5 did.

Didn't notice the hood as much but kept that in the back of my mind as I was taking it for a test run. Might notice it more with more time behind the wheel.
Slightly disappointed with the dash material on non-Signature models. Same material as on the dash of the CX-5, which seems to collect and hold dust and hair a little too easily. Other than that, I definitely agree on the quality of materials.
The placement of the console and shifter made it feel like I was in a car as opposed to a large SUV. I personally liked that but it is definitely a different experience than most SUV's.
Having owned a Mazda5 before, there is definitely more space in the CX-9 in the back. It isn't a spacious as a Honda Pilot, but the Pilot suffers from having the seat cushion way too close to the floor, making you sit with your knees too high. My son (5'7) sat in a more normal sitting position in the back when he tried it out. He complained about space, but had just come from a Honda Odyssey so of course there was less space haha. I never had the chance to sit in the back for myself. Maybe I'll try it when I take my CX-3 in for an oil change.

 

[sjg]

First impressions were the steering felt pretty disconnected and too overboosted.

I haven't driven the car but none of the reviews have been critical of the steering. This is the first time I heard a criticism of the steering feel in the new car but it makes me sad. I replaced my CX-9 with a Dodge Durango and I miss the steering feel of the Mazda every time I drive the car. The Dodge handles fairly well (thanks to a more balanced weight distribution) but there is almost no steering feel. It makes driving less fun and more tiring because you're constantly making small corrections with the wheel. In my CX-9 I could feel the road through the steering wheel. With the Durango, there's nothing of the sort. It's a shame if the new CX-9 has lost some of that steering feel because that was a strength of the old car.

 

[redturboeclipse]

Hey yall,

I was anticipating this vehicle so much as I have a family and need a bigger car. I have 2 kids.

One big disappointment for me is the lack of Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The infotainment is already behind and its ashame for a new car.

I narrowed down my selection to this new CX-9 and the new Honda Pilot

The honda Pilot touring AWD and the cx-9 grand touring awd. Both before taxes and any additional fees are right about $42K

strangely enough both do not have android auto an apple car play and both manufacturers have confirmed not to have it or even hint at the slightest possibility of future upgrade. honda saying the hardware doesnt support it (they confirmed this via their twitter)? although it is a native android system. and mazda saying they wont have it until their rotary control thing is perfected with the OS (this was confirmed by one of the reviews for the cx9 out on the web)

Both get similar MPG. the cx9 getting 1 mpg better. but the pilot has more HP and maybe tq? i forget.

all the reviews ive read and watched make it clear the cx9 handles nicely. But lets be honest, im a family man with a family, and im not going to be aggressively be driving this in the mountains or twisties trying to compete with the s2000s and BRZs. no normal parent carrying their kids will be driving their suv aggressive with their family to prove how much superior it is in handling. so it comes to real world usage experience.

all reviews so far have confirmed the spaciousness of the pilot. even in the 3rd row. also capable of seating 8 if you dont get captain chairs in the 2nd row. reviews from you guys of the cx9 are making it seem like it is not as roomy as the exterior of the vehicle leads to believe.

another question is, HOW BOUT REMOTE START? i mean most cars come with that now. there is no confirmation anywhere yet that the CX9 comes with key fob remote start. im not talking about that yearly paid MMS mazda remote start service where you use your phone. Honda comes with it standard remote start on the keyfob. if this cx9 does not a big loss in points from me there.

i really have to think about it. maybe ill continue to wait until new versions of the Odyssey and Sienna come out.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

all the reviews ive read and watched make it clear the cx9 handles nicely. But lets be honest, im a family man with a family, and im not going to be aggressively be driving this in the mountains or twisties trying to compete with the s2000s and BRZs. no normal parent carrying their kids will be driving their suv aggressive with their family to prove how much superior it is in handling. so it comes to real world usage experience. .

Perhaps...but the handling might give you an edge in accident avoidance as well

 

[Drogos]

I still don't get why people with 2 kids think they need 3 row cuv but I guess. ..if there is money in the budget for that...why not. I have learned long time ago to pick a car that will work fine on daily basis....yeah u might need to stick extra people in the 3rd row here and there but should u pick car based on that?....probably not. Pilot is as ugly as they come IMHO so it's not even a consideration..
that's obviously very subjective, to each it's own. Keep in mind that if u have young kids, they will be fine in 3rd row in any of those. I would look at toddlers seats harness mounting points which are lacking in my 2011. I would look at angle at which u can recline 3rd row...if at all. My cx9 doesn't alow that so these are unnaturally vertical....forget about comfy nap on longer trip for your kid. Another safety feature No one mentiones....in case of rear end collision...how far is rear gate/glass from those 3rd row seats....scary close in my car...I've seen suv rear ended by truck few weeks ago....scary as ****

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[crikey]

One big disappointment for me is the lack of Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The infotainment is already behind and it's a shame for a new car.

Agreed. Unless you have an immediate need to get either a CX-9 or Pilot, I suggest waiting for the next model year. The 2017 Pilot is right around the corner, and has a better chance of getting that feature since it's already in the Accord and the Civic (I think). Either that, or look at the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. If you can afford it, the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 are very good options, as well.

all the reviews ive read and watched make it clear the cx9 handles nicely. But lets be honest, im a family man with a family, and im not going to be aggressively be driving this in the mountains or twisties trying to compete with the s2000s and BRZs. no normal parent carrying their kids will be driving their suv aggressive with their family to prove how much superior it is in handling. so it comes to real world usage experience.

I'm afraid that you're probably not the target demographic of the CX-9. Most current CX-9 owners value driving as much as utility, and is likely the reason why they bought one. The CX-9 is the vehicle that best exemplifies this balance. I recently drove to Orlando with my uncle who owns a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L. I drove the Pilot the whole way. Even after that extended drive, I still preferred to drive my 5-year old 2010 CX-9 over his brand-new 2016 Pilot. That doesn't mean I would not consider getting a Pilot, it just means it's more enjoyable to drive a CX-9 and would choose it over the Pilot based on driving characteristics.

Also, once I drop off the kids at school, I tend to enjoy a spirited drive in the CX-9.

 

[redturboeclipse]

I still don't get why people with 2 kids think they need 3 row cuv but I guess. ..if there is money in the budget for that...why not. I have learned long time ago to pick a car that will work fine on daily basis....yeah u might need to stick extra people in the 3rd row here and there but should u pick car based on that?....probably not. Pilot is as ugly as they come IMHO so it's not even a consideration..
that's obviously very subjective, to each it's own. Keep in mind that if u have young kids, they will be fine in 3rd row in any of those. I would look at toddlers seats harness mounting points which are lacking in my 2011. I would look at angle at which u can recline 3rd row...if at all. My cx9 doesn't alow that so these are unnaturally vertical....forget about comfy nap on longer trip for your kid. Another safety feature No one mentiones....in case of rear end collision...how far is rear gate/glass from those 3rd row seats....scary close in my car...I've seen suv rear ended by truck few weeks ago....scary as ****

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why? have you seen how much space their strollers, bags, toys take up. they add up. and family trips with parents in laws that always seem to tag along? 3 row is not only useful but a necessity for many families.

pilot ugly? very subjective as you mentioned. both look nice imo and to many. many might not like the how round the cx9 is, and many will like the more utilitarian manly shape of the pilot. the looks will never be deciding factor for me i think for this round.

 

[Drogos]

Ok u lost me totally on more manly look of pilot lol. If anything stronger, more chisseled lines on cx9 look...manly. Pilot looks ok in top trim....anything else looks boring and dated even before leaving dealership

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[HerbM3]

I might be getting a Signature very soon. The price vs prestige bugs me a little, as does the lack of cooled seats (live in Florida). But I can't think of another vehicle in this range that looks as good. I like the Mercedes GLC, but it's smaller and pricier when similarly equipped. The Murano has the cooled seats and panoramic roof, but then it also has that CVT.

Can you all suggest alternatives that are NOT more than the Sig? The Pilot is not my cup of tea. The only other thing that interests me is a certified Touareg. I've seen 2016 Lux trim models with 6K-11K miles for cheaper than the CX-9 Sig sticker. Ready for you to pounce

 

[Novarq]

Test drove it yesterday (Canadian GS-L, which is similar to Touring in US).
Noise level is low (if you don't spin up the engine), it is definitely quietest Mazda, same as Sorento or Pilot, which is not bad. The engine noise at the high revs (above 3500) is higher than expected and sounds rough, but i'm willing to forgive it for a "sporty" image of this car. Steering feel is not as good comparing to my CX-5 GT, however is better than most other vehicles in this segment. On a road it feels comfortable enough with well controlled body motion, it is similar to a luxury cars like Lexus RX350 . I liked the center console (but I totally understand why some people call it enormous or claustrophobic, it is really higher than you would see even in BMW X5). Liked the crisp display and it's controller on a console. And it is a dam good looking vehicle. And that's about it on a plus side.
The rest is - seats covered with some thin plastic thingy which they call leather (that "leather" on cx-5 GT being generally less than mediocre is better than in new cx-9). Seat comfort average at best, I couldn't find a perfect position after 30 minutes behind the wheel. 2nd and 3rd rows are poorly designed, reclining, getting access to the 3rd row is hard and uncomfortable. Considering the size of a car the 3rd row is a joke (it is similar to Sorento, but Sorento is way smaller). Engine can provide a good power, but only at certain RPM and gear combination and for a short time, now I understand what MotomanTV meant by "on and off switch" talkin about that engine power. Yes you can accelerate quickly to pass, but this moment when the engine will "wake up" is kind of unpredictable. Also brakes didn't inspire confidence and reminded me more a Pathfinder (but this car had like 300 miles on it only, so maybe needed some break-in).
I really wanted to like this car, and maybe some issues are resolved in a Signature trim with supposedly better leather. But all in all I decided not to go with a purchase and give a second look at Sorento and Pilot, or probably wait for a 2017 Highlander.

 

[tex2670]

I still don't get why people with 2 kids think they need 3 row cuv but I guess. ..if there is money in the budget for that...why not.....yeah u might need to stick extra people in the 3rd row here and there but should u pick car based on that?....probably not. Pilot is as ugly as they come IMHO so it's not even a consideration..

Because people aren't restricted from buying only what they "need."

And with 2 kids, there are probably 2 sets of carpool to pick up and drop off. And the fewer kids you can haul around for carpool, the more times you are picking up and dropping off--and leaving work early to have to do it, etc, etc. It all depends on what "here and there" is. If it's once a month, then yeah. Otherwise, what a PITA having to take 2 cars to your destination frequently.