The 2017 Mazda CX-9 received an amazing and much needed redesign. The CX-9 has been on the market since 2006 and besides a few minor detail updates, has never had a true overhaul. However, now that finally happened and it turned out great. The large Mazda SUV with room for seven passengers is a big example for its segment.
Mazda put their KODO design ideas to work and the CX-9 has really benefited from it. According to Mazda, KODO is all about the emotional bond between car and driver. When designing they try to “bring their vehicles alive” to recreate the bond between horse and rider. In practice this means a lot of curves and swirly lines. Granted, new Mazda models look fantastic, even if you are too down to earth to compare a car to a horse.
Exterior design
Mazda has stated that the exterior of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a schoolboard example of what is to come in the upcoming years. They named the new CX-9 the trailblazer of a new generation Mazda models and that’s fine for us.
Starting at the face of the car, the first thing we notice is the giant grille and small, elegant headlights. They connect with a chrome outline that runs under the grille. The grille looks exactly like the one on the Mazda Koeru concept, however, the headlights are more conventional than the superwide slits on the Koeru.
The bumper is brand new and unseen before. A chrome line connects the air vents with the bumper and gives the whole lower fascia depth. The body metal above the bumper is slightly puffed out and a small rectangular air vent is present there as well.
The hood is slightly curved, but when looking at the side of the car, you can see it’s not as puffy as the Koeru concept car. Also, on the side a slightly curvy line runs form the front side window all the way to the rear fender. Although this line is not as voluptuous as the one on the 2017 Mazda CX-3, it still adds a calm expression to the car. A chrome stripe is present on the side skirts.
At the back of the car, Mazda toned the taillights down to elegant, slim units as well. Between the taillights another chrome stripe, connecting the units and adding a touch of class. The rest of the rear looks a lot like the Mazda CX-5 and although it has a lovely appearance, it is not revolutionary.
The CX-9 SUV is available with 18 or 20-inch wheels and in seven different exterior colours.
Interior design
Familiar details in the interior are the aluminum dashboard insert and the free-standing infotainment screen from the Mazda6 review. However, there are plenty new details that really give the 2017 Mazda CX-9 an individual and premium feel.
The top part of the dashboard is unlike other Mazda models. The air conditioning vents look different too. The whole interior seems upgraded with the aluminium and wood touches in the door panels. The redesigned centre console also looks more modern and tranquil. The driver’s side of the dashboard is more conventionally Mazda, especially the gauge cluster and three-spoke steering wheel.
The cabin is also going to be more quiet, Mazda invested in soundproofing the floor. They used more than 50 pounds of sound deafening materials.
The infotainment screen of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 can either be a seven or an eight inch screen, operated by Mazda Connect. This system uses Bluetooth and cable for functions like Pandora and Aha by Harman Kardon music streaming. Optional on the CX-9 is a BOSE sound system.
Engine specs
Since the Mazda CX-9 is currently not available on the European market, there is only one engine to discuss here.
The available engine is a 2.5L, four cylinder, SkyActiv. It reaches 250 HP and has a six speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency is very high, one of the best for vehicles in the 2017 Mazda CX-9 segment. Also, all wheel drive is optional.
Although the car is not available in Europe, Mazda’s Vice President of European Sales has claimed that he would like to see the CX-9 go on sale in Europe too. Since Mazda has more cars on the European market, they would be able to put the engine from for example the CX-5 in the CX-9 and make it Europe-proof. However, the current batch of CX-9s are almost all sold in North-America and not enough are left for Europe.
Tech specs
Standard on the CX-9 is Hill Launch Assist a rear view camera, the Remote Keyless illuminated entry system and cruise control. Also standard on Mazda Connect is SMS text message audio delivery and reply.
Besides these standard features, Mazda also offers the iActiveSense system on the 2017 Mazda CX-9. This consists of active safety features, such as: High Beam Control, Smart City Braking Support, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Distance Recognition Assist and Forward Obstruction Warning. New and updated for the CX-9 is the Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring.
Price and sale date
The 2017 Mazda CX-9 has already gone on sale last July. It is now available in showrooms acroos North-America.
These are the base prices for the CX-9 editions: Sport $31,520, Touring $35,970, Grand Touring $40,170, Signature $44,015.
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[…] will be a three-row SUV, like it is now. Another stylish SUV with room for seven passengers is the 2017 Mazda CX-9, a big competitor for the current and upcoming […]