Initial Quality – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study, the Mazda CX-9 received an Initial Quality Power Circle Rating of 3 out of 5.

Performance and Design – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution And Layout Study, the Mazda CX-9 received a Performance and Design Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.

Predicted Reliability – The Mazda CX-9 is too new to have been included in our J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study. However, based upon the performance of all Mazda models during the past three years in both our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, the CX-9’s Predicted Reliability Power Circle Rating is 4.5 out of 5.

Fuel Economy – EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Mazda CX-9 are 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway with FWD and 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway with AWD. During our test driving, the CX-9 with AWD averaged 16.1 mpg.

Safety – The 2009 Mazda CX-9 gets 5-star crash test ratings in both frontal and side-impact testing. The CX-9 also received a 4-star rollover rating with FWD and with AWD. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Mazda CX-9 a Good rating in frontal offset impact tests, a Good rating in side impact tests, and a Marginal rating in rear impact tests.

Environment – According to the EPA, the 2009 Mazda CX-9 AWD consumes 20.1 barrels of petroleum annually, resulting in a carbon footprint rating of 10.8 tons of air pollution per year. The CX-9’s national air pollution score is a 6 out of 10, and its California/New England air pollution score is a 7 out of 10.