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2007 Mazda CX-9: The SUV Devolution Continues
In Miller Lite’s “Man Law” ads, some of the more recognizable men in current pop culture meet to determine the rules of conduct for guys worldwide. And as funny as the commercials are, men’s tendency for homogeneity of thought make the concept somehow believable. After driving the 2007 Mazda CX-9 crossover, I get the feeling there’s a group of guys in a room somewhere, making similar determinations about SUVs – but with much less testosterone.
 This past summer, near $4-a-gallon fuel prices almost sounded the death knell for the monstrous SUVs we love so much. Those extortionary prices have since subsided, making it safe for Hummers and Escalades to roam the streets again, but their aftershocks are still being felt. Waves of “crossover” vehicles continue to flood the market, promising the space, utility and versatility of an SUV, with the convenience, fuel economy and drivability of a car. The 2007 CX-9 is Mazda’s latest entry, bearing a resemblance to its smaller sibling CX-7 and sharing many structural and mechanical components with it and the new Ford Edge crossover.
Generally speaking, Mazda has done well with the CX-9. To the end of versatility and utility, the CX-9 features seating for up to 7 passengers, a third row seat that is relatively easy to access, and enough towing capacity to pull a small boat. Inside, three-zone automatic climate control provides comfort for passengers throughout the cabin and at the pump, 20 plus mpg highway numbers make fill-ups comfortable as well.
Continuing in Mazda’s mold of “family first, fun always,” the CX-9 is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and six-speed automatic transmission that provide spirited performance in daily driving and highway situations as well. Designed primarily for family use, the CX-9 is equipped with the latest safety technology including standard electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags and an advanced roll stability control system that monitors vehicle parameters to help keep your CX-9 upright. As a result, the CX-9 is sure footed on smooth roads, but did suffer noticeable body lean in hard cornering and a washboard ride quality on bumpy roads.
 Like most other crossovers, the CX-9 is styled like a bulked up station wagon. Jeweled headlamps, integrated fog lamps (standard on GT) and aggressively flared fenders are nice touches, but they can’t spice up this glorified grocery getter. The trouble with the CX-9 and other crossover vehicles is that while meeting the practicality and utilitarian quotients of the SUV buyer, they’ve checked their character at the door. Yes the CX-9 - available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring/GT trims – can be had with navigation and 20-inch rims (GT). Yes, leather-trimmed seats and a premium Bose surround sound audio system add some welcome panache to this whip. And yes, Mazda’s advanced keyless entry and remote start system is a cool feature to show off to your friends. But the CX-9, which like all Mazdas claims to have “the soul of a sports car,” feels devoid of any soul at all. Station wagons are becoming as rare as a Rex Grossman touchdown pass. And with Ford and GM soon leaving the minivan game, that market segment may be heading towards a similar fate. But crossovers like the CX-9 are poised to assume the role of the vehicle that makes the most sense to purchase, but inspires the least emotion in its purchasers.
 Crossovers are the auto industry’s fastest growing market segment, and the CX-9 has all the elements to compete. It’s a nice looking, nice performing, feature-laden vehicle that meets all the prerequisites for the new age family vehicle. If you’re in the market for a practical whip with luxury amenities, the CX-9 is worth a look. But if you plan on comparison shopping, don’t expect much to distinguish it from the pack.
The CX-9 starts at $29,035 for the Sport and tops out just south $37,000 for a fully equipped GT.
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