Best Reviewed
Midsize SUVs
- Best midsize SUV 2011 Mazda CX-9 *Est. $29135
- Budget midsize SUV 2012 Kia Sorento *Est. $21250
- Best luxury midsize SUV 2011 Acura MDX *Est. $42930
- Midsize off-roader 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee *Est. $30215
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- Sporty looks and performance
- Roomy, comfortable cabin
- Easy access to third-row seat
- Fun to drive
- Large rear doors
- Stiff ride
- Low towing capacity
- Cramped third-row seat
Considered by reviewers to be a fun-to-drive yet practical crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-9 wraps strong, sporty performance in attractive looks. Testers like the roomy cabin, which features three rows of seats. The second row slides and reclines, enhancing the CX-9's flexibility, whether it's carrying passengers or cargo. Available options include leather upholstery, heated power front seats, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a sunroof and a blind-spot warning system.
Available with front or all-wheel drive, the Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 that generates 273 horsepower. Reviewers praise the six-speed automatic transmission, which can also be shifted manually. EPA fuel economy for the CX-9 is about average for midsize crossovers, with all-wheel-drive models checking in at 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway. The front-wheel drive Mazda CX-9 is one mpg better in both categories.
The Mazda CX-9 draws few complaints from testers, but most critics mention a stiff ride that can become uncomfortable on rougher pavement. Edmunds.com editors also note that the large rear doors can be hard to open in parking lots and garages, and Car and Driver notes that the CX-9 has a low towing capacity.
Edmunds.com has the most credible, detailed review of the 2008 Mazda CX-9, and Consumer Reports magazine brings its usual focus on safety and predicted reliability. At Motor Trend, the Mazda CX-9 is named SUV of the year, while at Car and Driver, the CX-9 earns a place in the annual five best trucks list. Other reviews are found at Automotive.com and ConsumerGuide.com, where the 2008 Mazda CX-9 earns a "Best Buy" rating.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com praises the Mazda CX-9's roomy cabin and easily accessible third-row seat, as well as its practicality, performance and handling. Editors are less happy with the CX-9's large rear doors and stiff ride, but they ultimately call the Mazda CX-9 a compelling choice.
Review: 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports tests the Mazda CX-9, focusing mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety. Consumer Reports is unique in that it also rates predicted reliability based on reader-survey data.
Review: Mazda CX-9 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
Automotive.com describes the 2008 Mazda CX-9 as a well-rounded package, offering both style and performance. They feel it is sporty and surprisingly fun to drive, while noting that it rides stiffly on rough surfaces.
Review: 2008 Mazda CX-9 Review, Christopher Jensen and John Katz
Consumer Guide feels the Mazda CX-9 is stylish and refined. It has plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, and it is powerful and easy to drive. Editors say the Mazda CX-9 is a "Best Buy" for 2008.
Review: 2008 Mazda CX-9, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 16, 2008
5. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
The 2008 Mazda CX-9 is the winner of Motor Trend's 2008 Sport Utility of the Year competition. Editors describe Mazda's midsize crossover utility vehicle as being exciting and fun to drive.
Review: Motor Trend Names the Mazda CX-9 Its 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year, Mark Williams
6. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
The Mazda CX-9 earns praise as a roomy, agile, fun-to-drive entry. Editors say that Mazda has improved on the formula offered by the Honda Pilot.
Review: 2008 Five Best Trucks, Tony Swan, Apr. 2008
7. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
In its 2008 buyer's guide, Car and Driver claims the Mazda CX-9 is a fun way to carry up to seven people. Praise goes to the styling, interior, seats, and six-speed automatic transmission. Editors complain that like other car-based SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 does not have much towing capacity.
Review: 2008 Mazda CX-9, Editors of Car and Driver
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