First Test: 2013 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

With 2013's Kodo-inspired face-lift, the Mazda CX-9 finally gets the looks to match its sporty personality. The new face marks the second refresh of the three-row, seven-passenger crossover since its 2008 debut -- the first was just two years ago. But one thing is notably absent from the 2013 CX-9: the Skyactiv technologies we enjoy on other Mazdas. While the CX-9's 42.8-inch front overhang remains (unlike the front-drive 2014 Mazda6 sedan, which has a long dash-to-axle ratio and rear-drive proportions), the rear sloping and smiling minivan-esque face has been replaced with an aggressive, forward-facing five-sided grille. The sleek eagle-eyed headlights are bisected by the grille's chrome surround, and the redesigned lower front fascia now has round foglights. Around back, the taillights receive new graphics similar to those on the 6 sedan, and the outgoing model's trapezoidal exhaust tips have been replaced by round tips that mimic the new front foglights. Satin chrome 20-inch alloy wheels complement our Grand Touring tester's Meteor Gray paint.

 Interior changes are few. Sand is added to the color list for 2013; the shifter knob has been redesigned; and the gauges now feature white characters over a dark background for better daytime visibility. The navigation system has been updated with a new 5.8-inch screen, and the volume and tuning knobs have moved from the top to the bottom of the infotainment system for a shorter reach. Rear backup sensors, standard on Touring and Grand Touring models, are new for 2013. The optional Bose audio system provides quality sound, though entering addresses into the TomTom-based navigation system (both are part of the $2435 GT Tech Package, along with Sirius satellite radio and power moonroof) can be frustrating. While in motion, the voice command feature is the only way to input an address, which took less time than trying to do it manually when parked. Our 2013 CX-9 Grand Touring AWD tester rang the register at $30,605 including the GT Tech Package and destination.

Mazda claims the CX-9 offers seating for seven adults with 40.9 inches of front, 39.8 inches of second row, and 32.4 inches of third-row legroom. The second row slides fore and aft up to five inches. This 5'10" scribe can fit in the third-row with the second row only a few inches forward, though it may not be comfortable for anyone over 5'4" on a long road trip. The front door and center armrests are higher and softer than those in most vehicles. Fully extending and lowering the steering wheel allows for proper 9 and 3 o'clock hand positions while being able to rest your arms on the armrests without obstructing the gauges.

  For 2013, the CX-9's mechanicals are unchanged, including the Ford-sourced 273-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 270 lb-ft of torque and its six-speed automatic transmission. During the daily commute, the CX-9 never felt underpowered while passing or when traffic quickly picked up from a crawl to highway speeds. At the dragstrip, the 4516-pound all-wheel-drive CX-9 hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 15.9 seconds at 88.0 mph. Those times are slightly off compared to the last 2011 CX-9 GT AWD model and front-drive 2012 CX-9 GT models we tested. Our 2011 all-wheel-drive tester accelerated to 60 in 7.3 seconds and hit 89.5 mph in 15.6, while the 200-pound-lighter 2012 front-drive tester accomplished the runs in 7.1 seconds and 15.6 seconds at 90.2 mph. The 2013 CX-9 stopped from 60 mph in 116 feet, tying the previous all-wheel-drive model and besting the front-driver by 4 feet.

Visibility from the helm is good out front and to the sides, with the Blind Spot Monitoring System (standard on Touring and Grand Touring) filling in any visual gaps. Since its arrival in 2008, the CX-9 has been praised for its sporty driving experience (it won the 2008 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year award), and the refreshed model is no exception. The CX-9's perfectly weighted and direct steering and confidence-inspiring suspension combine for a fun-to-drive experience befitting of a much smaller vehicle. Even with its athletic feel, the CX-9's ride is never punishing. Despite its size (200.6-inch length, 113.2-inch wheelbase, and 76.2-inch width) the CX-9 is nimble, with an impressive 37.4 foot turning circle that is among the best in its segment.

 

  At the track, the all-wheel-drive CX-9 pulled 0.78 g on the skidpad and lapped the figure eight in 28.1 seconds at 0.62 g average. Again performance numbers are slightly off from the last 2011 CX-9 GT AWD model we tested, which posted 0.81 g and 27.5 seconds at 0.61g, and similar to the front-drive 2012 CX-9 GT model, which posted 0.79 g and 28.3 seconds at 0.61 g. Despite the performance differences, slight variations in test numbers are common among the same models. Mazda hasn't indicated if and when the CX-9 will receive any of its Skyactiv technologies, but this latest refresh and bold new mug should keep the seven-passenger crossover fresh for a few more years. After six years on the market, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 finally gets the face it deserves to match its impressive balance of roominess and sportiness. With the recent introductions of the two-row 2013 CX-5 crossover and 2014 Mazda6 sedan and the CX-9's second refresh out of the way, the automaker is busy adding the full suite of Skyactiv technologies to the third generation of its best-selling compact Mazda3 sedan and hatch. Sometime after that model debuts we may see an all-new three-row crossover -- hopefully with an available Skyactiv diesel engine.

Courtesy of motortrend.com