What Changed for 2009:

• Trip computer and Bluetooth hands-free communication now standard equipment
• Sirius satellite radio added to selected option packages
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink added to Grand Touring model
• Heated seats and heated outside mirrors available on Sport models
• Trailer tow prep standard with all-wheel drive (AWD)

Overview
Mazda introduced the CX-9 crossover SUV for the 2007 model year. The CX-9 is larger than Mazda’s other crossover SUV, the CX-7, adds a third-row seat for 7-passenger capacity and, to enhance passenger comfort, the second row slides fore and aft up to 5 inches. The CX-9 also comes with a larger and more powerful engine than the CX-7, allowing it to tow up to 3500 pounds when properly equipped. The CX-9 has 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 100.7 cubic feet with the second and third row folded down.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Mazda CX-9 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring versions, each with front- or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment on Sport models includes cloth upholstery; tri-zone automatic climate control; tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack; theft-deterrent system; trip computer; and 18-inch alloy wheels. Touring models add leather upholstery for the first and second rows; heated front seats and outside mirrors; 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support; 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat; Bluetooth wireless cell phone linking; and Mazda’s Smart card keyless ignition system. Grand Touring models have memory for the driver’s seat; rain-sensing wipers; electroluminescent gauges; silver and woodgrain interior trim; Xenon automatic headlights; fog lights; HomeLink universal garage door opener; auto-dimming rearview mirror; and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Options on the various CX-9 models include a sunroof; DVD-based navigation system; rear backup camera; power rear liftgate; Sirius satellite radio; remote engine starting; universal garage door opener; towing package; Bose Centerpoint sound system with 10 speakers and a 6-disc CD changer; and a rear DVD entertainment system with 9-inch screen. The rear DVD entertainment system also includes the Bose Centerpoint sound system with 11 speakers and 5.1 surround sound.

Powertrain
For 2009, the Mazda CX-9’s powerplant remains an all-aluminum, 24-valve, dual overhead cam, 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 273 hp at 6250 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. It is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shiftgate. EPA fuel-economy ratings are 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway with 2WD and 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway with AWD. The CX-9’s available AWD system is meant more for enhanced traction in inclement weather than for serious off-roading, according to Mazda.

Safety
The 2009 Mazda CX-9’s standard safety equipment includes dual front air bags; torso-protecting front side air bags; head-protecting side curtain air bags with rollover deployment; tire-pressure monitor; 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution; and electronic stability control with roll stability control. Grand Touring models also have a new blind-spot monitoring system.

In tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the CX-9 earned 5-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in frontal impacts, 5-star ratings for front and rear occupants in side impacts, and a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The CX-9 has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received a “Good” rating for frontal offset and side-impact crash tests.

Technology
Mazda’s blind-spot monitoring (BSM) system, which is standard on the CX-9 Grand Touring, uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects on the side and behind the vehicle. It warns the driver of objects in these areas by illuminating warning lights in the side mirrors. If a turn signal is activated to the side that has a BSM light on, the light will flash and the system will sound a beep. The system does not work when the vehicle is traveling below 20 mph, Mazda says.