2013 Mazda CX-9

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Mazda CX-9
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 273 @ 6250
  • Torque: 270 @ 4250
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The revised 2013 Mazda CX-9, from what the images are showing us, will boast a much more refined face than the previous generation and Mazda’s new “KODO – Soul of Motion” design. The grille is no longer split into an upper and lower segment, and is only underlined in chrome instead of surrounded by it, giving the face a more adult, yet sporty look. We also see the elimination of the oddly shaped fog lamps on the 2012 model and they are replaced by a much more elegant-looking pair of circular fog lamps with a brow-like line over top of them. The lower lip has also been given a little more shape, giving the fascia a better underline, which increases its refined appearance.

The headlights were yet another big revision from the 2012 model, as Mazda has stretched the front and rear edges of the lights away from one another and rounded the edges a little, giving it a more mature look. The front-most edges of the headlights meet up with the chrome strip that underlines the revised grille, giving the CX-9 the luxurious look that it has lacked its entire life.

From the looks of it, we are not going to see any revisions to the sides of the rear end of the CX-9 in 2013, but that could change once Mazda releases additional images.

Interior

Mazda gave us very little information to go off of for the interior, but we do know that there will be enhancements in craftsmanship and the interior design. From the sounds of it, Mazda is moving toward the soft-touch interior material for the CX-9’s interior in an effort to give it a more luxurious appearance and feel, which is something it definitely lacked in the 2012 model year. Let’s just hope Mazda didn’t go overboard.

You will also get an all-new infotainment system that will boast the latest audio, navigation, and speech-recognition systems in what Mazda calls its Human Machine Interface (HMI).

For now, this is all that we have on the interior. There will be tons more info to come, once we see the final model in Australia.

Safety Features

Safety features are the top priority in family SUVs and Mazda is proving that it will stay true to this need by adding in a forward object warning system, lane departure warning system and a high-beam control system.

We are certain that the 2013 CX-9 will boast many more safety features, which we will outline for you following its official release.

Engine and Drivetrain

Under the hood and in the transmission department, we have a complete carryover from last year’s model, as the 2013 CX-9 will feature the same 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or all four wheels. Since there are no changes expected, you can anticipate the same 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway mileage from last year.

Last year’s CX-9 boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity with the towing package installed or with AWD and a 2,000-pound capacity in front-wheel drive without the kit. Again, with no major structural changes, we expect the same towing numbers.

Pricing and Release Date

There is no pricing or release date available yet, but anticipate a late 2012 or early 2013 addition to the Mazda USA lineup. Mazda did announce that it would hit the Aussie market in late 2012. We anticipate the pricing to remain in the $30,000 range, like it did last year, but don't be surprised to see a mild jump in pricing.

Competition

The closest competitor to the CX-9 will be the 2013 Honda Pilot. Hands down, no question about it, the CX-9 crushes the Pilot in looks. The Pilot looks as if it was ripped straight from the 1960s and just mildly upgraded to somewhat resemble a modern vehicle. It definitely ranks near the top of worst redesigns ever made. However, it is still a formidable foe in every other way.

Coming in at a base MSRP of $29,420, the Pilot will likely be about the same as the CX-9 but it boasts an established driveline, while Mazda is in the process of still building its driveline. The Pilot falls behind with its 250-horsepower engine mated to a 5-speed automatic and its 2,000-pound maximum towing capacity at the base level, with the towing package equipped. At the top end, the Pilot hauls up to 4,500 pounds, putting it above the top-level 2012 CX-9.

The Pilot also falls a little short in the mpg game, given the CX-9 makes the improvements we anticipate seeing over last year’s model. Even if there are no improvements in mpg, this remains a draw between the Pilot and CX-9.

On the inside, we don’t quite know what to expect from the CX-9. We do know that the Pilot went a little too far on its interior, loading up the center stack with buttons, keeping that goofy-looking center-stack-mounted gear shifter and making the overall fit and feel of the interior not much better than a late-1990s Accord. If the CX-9 steps up the way we expect it to, it’ll knock the Pilot out of contention in the interior styling.

We need to wait and see how much of an increase we will see in the 2013 CX-9's pricing, if there is any, and make our final decision then. On paper, we say the CX-9 is a good choice over the Pilot, but we need to wait for the official details and we need to get some seat time to make a true comparison.