The 2017 Mazda CX-9 was given an incredible and much-needed redesign. The CX-9 has been on the market since 2006, and aside from a few minor detail updates, it has never received a true redesign. However, that has now occurred, and it has been a great success. The large Mazda SUV, which seats seven people, is a shining example in its class.
Mazda put their KODO design ideas to work, and the CX-9 has benefited greatly as a result. KODO, according to Mazda, is all about the emotional connection between car and driver. They try to “bring their vehicles to life” when designing in order to recreate the bond between horse and rider. This translates into a lot of curves and swirly lines in practice. To be sure, new Mazda models look fantastic, even if you’re too practical to compare a car to a horse.
Exterior design
Mazda has stated that the 2017 Mazda CX-9’s exterior is a schoolboard example of what is to come in the coming years. The new CX-9 has been dubbed the “trailblazer” of a new generation of Mazda models, which is fine with us.
Starting with the front, the first thing we notice is the massive grille and small, elegant headlights. They are joined by a chrome outline that runs beneath the grille. The grille is identical to that of the Mazda Koeru concept, but the headlights are more conventional than the Koeru’s superwide slits.
The bumper is brand new and has never been seen before. A chrome line connects the air vents to the bumper, adding depth to the entire lower fascia. The body metal above the bumper is slightly puffed out, and there is also a small rectangular air vent there.
The hood is slightly curved, but when viewed from the side, it is not as puffy as the Koeru concept car. A slightly curvy line runs from the front side window all the way to the rear fender on the side. Although this line is not as voluptuous as the one on the 2017 Mazda CX-3, it still gives the car a calm appearance. The side skirts have a chrome stripe.
Mazda also reduced the size of the taillights to elegant, slim units at the rear of the vehicle. Another chrome stripe connects the units and adds a touch of class between the taillights. The rest of the rear resembles the Mazda CX-5, and while it is attractive, it is not revolutionary.
The CX-9 SUV is available with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, as well as seven different exterior colors.
Interior design
The aluminum dashboard insert and the free-standing infotainment screen from the Mazda6 review are both familiar interior details. However, there are numerous new details that give the 2017 Mazda CX-9 a distinct and premium feel.
The top section of the dashboard differs from that of other Mazda models. The air conditioning vents are also different. The aluminum and wood touches in the door panels appear to have upgraded the entire interior. The redesigned center console also appears more modern and serene. The dashboard on the driver’s side is more traditional Mazda, particularly the gauge cluster and three-spoke steering wheel.
Mazda invested in soundproofing the floor to make the cabin more quiet. They used over 50 pounds of deafening materials.
The 2017 Mazda CX-9’s infotainment screen can be either seven or eight inches in size, and it is controlled by Mazda Connect. For Pandora and Aha by Harman Kardon music streaming, this system employs Bluetooth and a cable. A BOSE sound system is available as an option on the CX-9.
Engine specs
The engine available is a 2.5L four-cylinder SkyActiv. It has a six-speed automatic transmission and a horsepower rating of 250. The 2017 Mazda CX-9 has excellent fuel economy, ranking among the best in the segment. All-wheel drive is also available as an option.
Although the vehicle is not currently available in Europe, Mazda’s Vice President of European Sales has stated that he would like to see the CX-9 available in Europe as well. Because Mazda has more vehicles on the European market, they could put the engine from, say, the CX-5 in the CX-9 and make it Europe-ready. However, the current batch of CX-9s has almost all been sold in North America, and there aren’t enough left for Europe.
Tech specs
Hill Launch Assist, a rear view camera, the Remote Keyless illuminated entry system, and cruise control are all standard on the CX-9. SMS text message audio delivery and reply are also standard on Mazda Connect.
In addition to these standard features, Mazda includes the iActiveSense system on the 2017 Mazda CX-9. High Beam Control, Smart City Braking Support, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Distance Recognition Assist, and Forward Obstruction Warning are among the active safety features. Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring are new and improved features for the CX-9.
Price and sale date
The 2017 Mazda CX-9 went on sale in July of last year. It is now on display in showrooms throughout North America.
The following are the starting prices for the CX-9 editions: Sport costs $31,520, Touring costs $35,970, Grand Touring costs $40,470, and Signature costs $44,315.