The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-size crossover utility vehicle with three rows of seats and seven-passenger capacity. It is not, as many people assume, a longer version of the compact Mazda CX-7 CUV. Though the two models share styling themes, the larger CX-9 is constructed upon a different platform, uses a different powertrain, and has a larger interior. Mazda prides itself on building vehicles that are fun to drive, so the CX-9’s suspension, steering, brakes, and powertrain are designed to produce a smile on the driver’s face. Though the CX-9 shares its basic underpinnings with the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX (Ford, until recently, owned a controlling interest in Mazda) its sheetmetal, interior, engine, and other parts are exclusive to the Mazda. The CX-9 debuted for the 2007 model year, received a more powerful engine for 2008, and gets minor enhancements for 2009.

Here is what changed on the 2009 Mazda CX-9:
• Standard trip computer on all models
• Sport model gets standard Bluetooth connectivity
• Grand Touring model gets standard auto-dimming rearview mirror with a Homelink universal transmitter
• AWD models come standard with trailer tow preparation
• Sirius satellite radio with a free 6-month subscription now included with Moonroof, Bose Audio, and Rear Seat Entertainment option packages
• Heated seats and outside mirrors are part of the Sport Power Seat option package
• New color: Liquid Silver (as seen in photos)

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 is available in three trim levels with front-wheel or all-wheel drive: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Choosing the Touring model adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, heated side mirrors, auto-off headlights, unique door panel trim, a nicer headliner, and a second-row armrest with cupholders. Touring trim is also the path to the optional navigation system, power rear hatch, and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry and Start smart card.

Select the CX-9 Grand Touring in exchange for the keyless entry and start smart card plus 20-inch wheels with a polished finish (seen in the photos), bright-finish exterior trim, fog lights, Xenon headlights with manual leveling, side marker lights embedded into the side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, memory settings for the driver’s seat, silver and wood-pattern interior accents, electroluminescent gauges with blue interior accent lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink garage door opener, and an anti-theft perimeter alarm. The Grand Touring is also exclusively equipped with Mazda’s blind spot monitoring system as standard equipment.

Options are typically bundled into packages or sold as accessories through the Mazda dealer. All three versions of the Mazda CX-9 can be equipped with a power moonroof, remote engine starting, a Bose Centerpoint audio system, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, Sirius satellite radio, and extra-cost Pearl White paint. Sport models can be equipped with heated side mirrors, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat. The Touring can be fitted with Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System. Touring and Grand Touring models are available with a navigation system, rearview camera, Bluetooth streaming audio, and a power rear hatch.

Mechanically, the Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine making 273 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 270 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4250 rpm running on regular unleaded fuel. Power is put to the ground through the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Mazda, along with BMW, is unique in the industry for providing manually-shifted transmissions where the driver taps the selector up to engage a downshift, and down to engage an upshift. When prepped for towing, the CX-9 can tug a trailer weighing up to 3,500 pounds.

Mazda includes several safety features as standard equipment. The CX-9 is equipped with dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors protecting all three rows of seats. Additionally, every CX-9 includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, traction control, and stability control with rollover sensing.

J.D. Power and Associates says the Mazda CX-9 competes against other midsize multi-activity vehicles, a long list containing many choices. A selection of models equipped with three rows of seats like the CX-9 includes the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, and Toyota Highlander.