|
|
- Style-level Rating
-
-
 7.9
/ 10
Overall Ratings
8.2 / 10 Dynamics
8.5 / 10
Engine Performance- The 3.5-liter V6 engine is quite strong, yet is never coarse or rough-feeling.
9.0 / 10
Transmission Performance- Shifts are decisive, yet smooth. Gear spacing is very good. The manual mode is quite responsive to driver requests, and the shifter position and stroke are quite natural. This level of performance could be considered good in a sport coupe, let alone a crossover SUV.
8.0 / 10 Brake Performance- The pedal is firm and quite easy to control. Stopping power is quite good for a vehicle of this size and weight.
9.0 / 10 Steering Perfomance- The driver always gets a clear sense of the road. Whether driving straight or turning, the feel is precise and direct. Effort neither too heavy in a parking lot nor too light at speed. Much better than others in this class.
8.5 / 10 Handling- Body roll is well controlled, and there is a good sense of coordination. The CX-9 drives much smaller and more nimbly than its physical size suggests.
7.0 / 10
Off-road Performance
7.0 / 10 Towing Performance
9.0 / 10 Fun-to-Drive- While this class of vehicle doesn't usually register on the fun-meter, the CX-9's combination of steering, handling and powertrain prowess gives the nimble feel of a smaller vehicle.
7.8 / 10 Comfort
7.0 / 10 Ride Comfort- Float and heave are thankfully absent, and most impacts are damped out quite effectively. But the ride can be firm and just a little bit busy on some surfaces. Generally, the feeling is consistent with a sport-tuned suspension.
7.5 / 10
Wind Noise- Generally quite good. There is some from the neighborhood of the windshield header, but it isn't objectionable.
7.5 / 10 Road Noise- The door seal effectively shut out excessive tire-born road noise. There is a slight amount of ring creating on some concrete surfaces, but most people won't notice.
8.0 / 10 Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access- For an SUV, the CX-9 is easy to get into. Even our tallest drivers were able to fit well and get comfortable. The seats themselves have good holding ability in corners, but don't feel too hard or confining.
8.0 / 10 Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access- The second-row seat is also quite easy to climb into. The fore-aft slide adjustment works smoothly and is easy to use. The only downside is the ultralong rear doors. In the hands of children, they are door ding machines.
8.0 / 10 3rd Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Access is excellent for a midsize crossover, as the second row slides forward and tips out of the way with a single handle. The opening created is quite wide. And while 6-footers in all three rows might be tight, the third row in this crossover isn't simply for kids. Average-size adults can ride here just fine.
8.5 / 10 Driving Position- The basic driving position is good. A telescoping steering wheel with a generous adjustment range makes it even better. A wide range of test-drivers was able to settle in comfortably.
7.7 / 10 Function
7.5 / 10 Headlight Illumination- Good basic illumination and logical controls.
6.5 / 10
Visibility- Forward visibility is good, but the rear quarter view is compromised by the styling and resulting small rear windows. Good-size rearview mirrors help, but there are still blind spots. Opt for the proximity sensors if you can. A backup camera would be even better.
8.0 / 10 Instrument Panel Layout- The gauge package is complete, logically laid out, and pleasing to look at and use.
7.5 / 10 Climate Control System Layout- The Sport model's climate control system is simple to use and works well. Our main complaint is the large separation between the control knob and the temperature display, which requires your eye and your hand to go to different places.
7.5 / 10 Audio System Layout- Main functions are laid out clearly around the central volume knob. Still, we'd rather see a knob than push-buttons for tuning. The same display separation complaint we have with the climate control applies here, too.
8.0 / 10 Secondary Control Layout- All of the secondary controls such as headlight and wiper stalks are simple and straightforward. There are no surprises, and prolonged study of the owner's manual is not required to make it all work.
7.0 / 10 Interior Storage- We're surprised, frankly, that the CX-9 and its large central tunnel don't have a big storage bin in the center console. Smaller sibling CX-7 is much better in this regard. The door pockets are unremarkable, too. But at least the glove compartment is decent-sized.
8.5 / 10 Standard Cargo/Trunk Space- With the third seat in use, there's a useful amount of storage. With it stowed (and it stows easily into the floor), space is above average for the crossover class.
9.0 / 10 Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)- Tipping the second row down is also a simple task. In max cargo configuration, a CX-9 will hold as much as a Chevy Tahoe. And the seat-folding procedure to access that space is easier by far.
7.5 / 10 Cupholders- Nothing extraordinary here. It has them, and they work.
7.9 / 10 Design/Build Quality
9.0 / 10 Exterior Design- The CX-9 styling is sleek and sporty. And it somehow manages to look a lot smaller than it actually is. Those looking for trucky SUV design cues need to look elsewhere.
8.0 / 10 Interior Design- Inside, the look is modern. There is a lot going on, but the feel is harmonious rather than busy. Except for the remote radio and A/C temperature display, function has not been compromised in the name of style.
8.0 / 10 Interior Materials- The design theme requires the use of many different textures and materials. It works well together, and the general quality level is above average.
7.5 / 10 Interior Control Tactile Feel- The basic operational feeling of the controls is pretty good. There isn't anything groundbreaking here, but it works.
7.5 / 10 Squeaks & Rattles- We didn't have the CX-9 in our possession long enough to learn how it would hold up in the long haul. But during its short stay with us, we didn't have any issues.
7.5 / 10 Panel Fitment & Gaps- Adjacent parts line up well, inside and out. We didn't find any glaring problems. But our CX-9 didn't stand out as superior either.
Consumer Ratings are also available for this style.
See the 2007 Mazda CX-9 Consumer Ratings |
|
|
|
