The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is a 250 Horsepower, 7-seater crossover that is a promise of driving pleasure and useful features for safety, comfort and communication, thanks to is responsive steering and balanced chassis. The beautiful smooth exteriors stir your spirit and emotions as you observe its stretched hood blending into its steeply inclined windshield that merges seamlessly into its fastback rear end. Open the doors and you will be greeted by a well laid out sophisticated cabin built ergonomically using best-in-class materials and neat cluster of controls that sets your pulse racing even before firing up the engines.
Exteriors
The most striking feature of the Mazda CX-9 would come as its elongated hood ending at a tapered front grille with a sharply aligned bumper on the front. The stylish LED headlights and tail lights can’t be missed and the 18-incl alloy wheels add a lot of glamor. The hood beautifully blends into the steeply inclined windshield followed by a dynamic roof that ends gracefully in a body colored rear roof spoiler.
Interiors
The CX-9’s interiors are built to wow with the classy materials and robust styling. Seemingly a bit short of cargo room at the rear, the 60/40 split fold-down and reclining 2nd-row seats with tilt and slide 3rd-row access with 50/50 split fold-down 3rd-row seats more than make up for this. The 3-zone auto climate control, multifunction commander control with the Mazda Connect infotainment system just on the base trim or sport model speak volumes of what’s in store as you go up higher trims.
Engine and Transmission
The CX-9 sport comes with a 250 horsepower, 2.5-Liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s complemented by a 6-speed automatic transmission delivering a 310 Lb-ft of torque. All the four trims of the CX-9, the Sport, the Trouring, Grand Touring and Signature come in 4WD or AWD drivetrains. The segment where the CX-9 is introduced is dominated by the V6 engines but Mazda daringly came up with this configuration probably to hinge on fuel economy.
Performance and Driving Observations
The vehicle is highly communicative, and the driver easily builds a rapport with the engine and traction in both the 4WD or AWD variants. Mazda has introduced the G-Vectoring Control in the CX-9 suspected to control vehicle dynamics. This intricate driving controller closely monitors steering wheel inputs and their speed to optimize torque for a more smooth and controlled ride. The turbo boost engine never leaves the driver high and dry for power and is almost immediate and responsive. The Hill Launch Assist which is another incorporation that assists drivers accelerate with ease when standstill on a slope make driving the 2018 Mazda CX-9 a breeze, even on undulated terrain.
Safety
The CX-9 got Mazda the top safety pick from IIHS which is the agency for evaluating vehicles for crash safety in the United States. Systems incorporated into the CX-9 such as the Rearview Camera, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System and the Smart City Brake Support complemented with technology innovations such the E911 emergency notification systems make it a safe bet for the drivers.
