Date: May 2017

Mileage: 3,400

With 3,400 miles on its clock, this is our first full report on this 2017 Mazda CX-9, our Drivers’ Choice Large Utility of the Year. Our all-wheel driver has a 227-horsepower turbo-4, which may not seem like much for a 4,300 pound vehicle, but none of our team feels it’s lacking under the hood. Plus, we’re getting an excellent 25.4 miles per gallon. The CX-9 also scores points for handling. It's very nimble for a 3-row, 7-passenger crossover. But, it’s in long distance comfort where it really excels.

Date: July 2017
Mileage: 7,000

We’re four months into our Long-Term Road Test of the 2017 Mazda CX-9. Our Driver’s Choice Best Large Utility seldom sits on the lot. The odometer has ALREADY rolled a total of 7023 miles. The all-wheel drive 227-horsepower turbo-4, is living up to our first impressions, and continues to generate praise among our staff. Ample torque is always there when you need it; a “diesel like low-mid punch” said one staffer. It’s a solid driving experience… even in wet weather. In fact, it did fine in very muddy road conditions going up a grade. The CX-9 is easy to maneuver and does not feel like the average family hauler.  The seats are supportive; the center stack controls are easy to reach; but the dash top display screen will overheat and become jittery if left out in the hot sun. We love the sleek and sporty lines of this redesigned 3-row 7 passenger crossover. This time around mileage was 24.1 miles per gallon, although our overall average is 24.7. We’ll see how that holds up for what will be a very busy summer driving season for the 2017 Mazda CX-9.

Date: August 2017
Mileage: 12,000

5-months into our Long Term road test of the 2017 Mazda CX-9, and the odometer is zoom-zooming toward the 12-thousand-mile mark.   It just returned from a 16-hundred-mile trek to Kenosha, Wisconsin and back.  The all-wheel drive 227-horsepower turbo-4 carried our driver and a load of gear with ease. Who needs a V6? The 6-speed automatic transmission was quick and unobtrusive even in stop-and-go traffic. The A/C was certainly up to the challenge of this summer’s sizzle.  And the infotainment system remains simple and intuitive. Fuel economy is very consistent. Our overall average is nearly steady at 24.7. There have been no mechanical faults so far, making us feel even better about our Drivers’ Choice Best Large Utility pick.

Date: November 2017
Mileage: 16,200

Another 42-hundred miles and 3 months have zipped by in our 2017 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover. It’s a staff favorite for long journeys… just now returning from a trip down the Ocean. This big ute proved impressively nimble on the two lane roads leading to the dunes. But then, it is a Mazda!

Even when it’s not pointed at the waves, the all-wheel drive 227-horsepower turbo-4 continues to impress our tough crowd with its low end torque. 

We’ve mentioned the dash top display screen will overheat if left out in the hot sun, but the technology is easy to figure out, providing good feedback, and every knob and button seems to be right where they should be.

As for fuel economy our overall average is a good 24 even.

Date: February 2018
Mileage: 21,000

We’ve been at the wheel of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 3-row crossover for a year now… racking up some 21-thousand miles. The most recent period covered over 2,000 miles of mostly out-of-state travel. 

Through it all, the CX-9 lived up to Mazda’s more-fun-to-drive mission. With great all-wheel drive grip, and a gutsy 227-horsepower turbo-4 engine. Indeed, the CX-9 makes a great case for smaller turbo 4’s where V6’s used to dwell. There is some slight turbo lag and lag for transmission kick-down…but not much. 

The bit stiffer than normal ride of the CX-9 inspires confidence when interstate driving becomes survival of the fittest. And the forward collision system gives prompt warning without being intrusive. 

This time around regular grade fuel economy remained consistent with our overall average at 23.9.

 

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.5L Turbo I4
  • Horsepower/Torque: 250/310 lb-ft.
  • Trim Level: Signature AWD
  • Price as Tested: $45,555