The revised CX-9 follows on company’s hot streak of stylish new models like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 sedan. New LED lights and a slinky Kodo grille revamp the face of Mazda->ke53’s largest and most expensive model.
The seven-seater CX-9 carries over its previous 3.7-liter V-6 in front or AWD configurations. Paired to the crossover's singing engine is a premium Aisin six-speed automatic with sport and manual modes. A 60 mph sprint time in the mid 7 second range shows off the CX-9’s impressive chassis design – even without the SkyActiv banner that helps build buzz around the smaller CX-5.
Refined but sporty damping helps this full-size Mazda->ke53 crossover to be quite competitive in the $35,000 large crossover segment, and the new gearstick design is a classy touch.
Mazda->ke53 is firmly in touch with premium buyer needs by the looks of the interior, and the CX-9’s revised cabin maintains the stylish vertical accent bars up the sides of the center stack. Touchscreen technology and rear-seat movies are offered in the plush Mazda CX-9, but what are its key advantages over the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander?
Click past the jump for the full review of the 2013 Mazda CX-9, including the features and pricing by trim level and a large photo gallery of the new styling.
2013 Mazda CX-9
- 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
Exterior
The CX-9’s new nose is a beautiful showcase of Mazda’s new design language, with a full-frame dark grille that meets the hood on its top edge. Along the bottom edge and into the headlight LED, the CX-9 has a 3D piece of brightwork to accent this bold design. As the chrome trim accent extends outward into the lamp graphic, it traces a line in white LEDs to the main projector ball. Bi-xenons are optional and also bring a circular LED halo around the main bulb. The effect of the grille and lighting synergy is best observed with the lights on, but noticeable with them off as well thanks to classy internal light graphics.
The facelift effectively relaunches the CX-9’s premium lines without many changes to the profile. Out back, a new raised LED taillight design mirrors the front lights. There is a ball of brake light and an arcing line toward the “flying M” Mazda wing badge. The CX-9 looks best with the 20-inch wheels that come on the top Grand Touring trim, which also bring halogen fog lights up front.
The CX-9’s new face is perhaps even more noticeable in the base Sport trim, where the lack of a front fog light actually highlights the shapely new bumper air vent.
The CX-9 is still quite handsome and wears a new generation of quality metallic paints. Some Mazda owners have complained about long-term Mazda paint quality, but the brilliant new finishes seem well above what the firm could deliver until the mid-2000s.
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Exterior Dimensions:
Wheelbase (in.) |
113.2 |
Length (in.) |
200.6 |
Width (in.) |
76.2 |
Height (in.) |
68 |
Track - Front (in.) |
65.1 |
Track - Rear (in.) |
64.7 |
Weight (Pounds) |
4317 FWD, 4552 AWD |
Drag Coefficient |
.34, Est |
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Exterior Features By Trim Level:
CX-9 Trim Level |
Sport |
Touring |
Grand Touring |
Halogen headlights |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
Bi-Xenon High-Intensity-Discharge (HID) headlights with auto on/off feature |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Auto-off headlights |
NA |
Standard |
NA |
LED daytime running lights |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Halogen fog lights |
NA |
Package Option |
Standard |
Variable-intermittent windshield wipers |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Rain-sensing windshield wipers |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Intermittent rear wiper/washer |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade |
NA |
Package Option |
Package Option |
Dual power side mirrors |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
Dual power side mirrors with side marker turn-signal lights |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Mirror memory function and "tilt-in-reverse" option |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Heated side mirrors |
Package Option |
Standard |
Standard |
Body-color door handles |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
Chrome door handles |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Power open/close rear liftgate |
NA |
Package Option |
Standard |
In-glass antenna |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Rear privacy glass |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Black roof molding |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Roof-mounted spoiler |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Dual exhaust outlets |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Wheels & Tires |
|||
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
P245/60 R18 all-season radial tires |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
P245/50 R20 all-season radial tires |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Temporary spare tire |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Optional Exterior Features:
- Clear Film, Front - Paint Protection ($595)
- Rear Bumper Guard, Stainless Steel ($150)
- Roof Rails ($250)
- Remote Engine Start ($350)
- Splash Guard Front / Rear ($150)
- Towing Receiver Hitch for non-towing prep vehicles - FWD without 2TP ($425): Offers 2,000-pound towing capacity
- Towing Receiver Hitch 3,500-pound towing capacity and Class II w/wiring harness - AWD, FWD with 2TP ($425)
- Wheel Locks ($55)
Interior
The CX-9’s cabin is still arguably the best offered by Mazda, with visibly excellent build quality and materials that are a notch above VW. The layout is thoroughly ergonomic, with logical placements for the controls and a very reachable vertical dash stack. The twin pillars arc forward and toward the windshield, a design merit that helps hide the CX-9’s raked glass and people-mover layout. A wide center console and huge amounts of shoulder room mean the CX-9 is up there with the X5 for commanding front cabin feel. The CX-9’s front seats get a lot nicer as the trim level rises, which is something worth considering to get additional movement for the front passenger seat.
In back, huge doors and a large handle on the second row makes getting in the third possible in a snap. The third row is par for the class above, with roominess and quality seats like the Acura MDX. The second row offers great legroom and a good view forward, but the sporty ride in more noticeable back there than up front.
Equipment levels are phenomenal but each trim level comes with its own unique options packages, making the perfect configuration a little tricky for buyers to price in advance.
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Interior Dimensions:
Front Seating Capacity |
2 |
Middle Seating Capacity |
3 |
Rear Seating Capacity |
2 |
Headroom - Front (in.) |
39.6 |
Headroom - Middle (in.) |
39 |
Headroom - Rear (in.) |
35.4 |
Legroom - Front (in.) |
40.9 |
Legroom - Middle (in.) |
39.8 |
Legroom - Rear (in.) |
32.4 |
Shoulder Room - Front (in.) |
59.4 |
Shoulder Room - Middle (in.) |
58.7 |
Shoulder Room - Rear (in.) |
56.9 |
Hip Room - Front (in.) |
56.5 |
Hip Room - Middle (in.) |
56 |
Hip Room - Rear (in.) |
43.7 |
EPA Cargo Volume - All Seats Up (cubic-feet) |
17.2 |
EPA Cargo Volume - 3rd-Row Seat Folded (cubic-feet) |
48.3 |
EPA Cargo Volume - 2nd And 3rd Row Folded Down (cubic-feet) |
100.7 |
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Interior Features By Trim Level:
CX-9 Trim Level |
Sport |
Touring |
Grand Touring |
Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Power windows with front one-touch down/up feature |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Power door locks with 2-stage unlocking feature |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Speed-sensing auto door locks |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Rearview camera |
NA |
Standard |
Standard |
Rear backup sensors |
NA |
Standard |
Standard |
Remote keyless entry with retractable key |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System |
NA |
Package Option |
Standard |
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Illuminated entry |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Illuminated visor vanity mirrors |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Tilt & telescopic steering wheel |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Interior illumination - front map lights (2), dome light (1), cargo area (1), ignition switch (except GT models), glove compartment, steering wheel switches and driver's side power window switches |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Delayed off interior lights (map and dome) |
NA |
Standard |
Standard |
Height-adjustable front shoulder-belt anchors |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
12-volt power outlets (3) |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Remote fuel-door release |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Rear window defogger with timer |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Storage |
|||
Front center console storage with dual cup holders |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Overhead sunglasses holder |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Front door storage pockets with bottle holders |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Front seatback pocket |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
2nd-row center armrest with cup holders |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
2nd-row center armrest with storage and cup holders |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Rear door bottle holders |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Cargo area under-floor storage |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Seating & Trim |
|||
7-passenger seating |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
6-way manual driver's seat |
Standard |
NA |
NA |
8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support |
Package Option |
Standard |
Standard |
4-way manual front passenger seat |
Standard |
NA |
NA |
4-way power front passenger seat |
NA |
Standard |
Standard |
60/40 split fold-down 2nd-row seatback with tilt and slide feature |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
50/50 split fold-down 3rd-row seatback |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Driver's seat memory |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Heated front seats |
Package Option |
Standard |
Standard |
Cloth-trimmed seats |
Standard |
NA |
NA |
Leather-trimmed seats (1st- and 2nd-row outboard seating positions) |
NA |
Standard |
Standard |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Leather-wrapped shift knob |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Power window switch panel - Black |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Full carpeting - Black |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Piano Black interior accent trim |
Standard |
Standard |
NA |
Bordeaux interior accent trim |
NA |
NA |
Standard |
Carpet floor mats |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Audio & Navigation |
|||
AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible stereo with 6 speakers |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
5.8" color touchscreen display |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
HD Radio |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Pandora internet radio connectivity |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
SMS text message audio delivery and reply |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System with AudioPilot, AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible stereo and 10 speakers |
NA |
Package Option |
Package Option |
Bose Centerpoint, Surround Sound System with AudioPilot AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible stereo with 11 speakers, 9-inch rear seat entertainment system with DVD player, 115V power outlet and game port |
NA |
NA |
Package Option |
Auxiliary-audio input jack (NA with Rear Entertainment System) |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
USB audio input port |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
SiriusXM Satellite Radio-compatible audio system |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription |
Port Installed Option/ Accessory/ Package Option |
Port Installed Option/ Accessory/ Package Option |
Port Installed Option/ Accessory/ Package Option |
Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard |
Navigation system |
NA |
Package Option |
Package Option |
Rearview back-up camera |
NA |
Standard |
Standard |
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Optional Interior Packages By Trim Level:
- CX-9 Sport - Power Driver's Seat with Heated Front Seats & Mirrors ($690): 8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, Heated cloth seats, Heated side mirrors
CX-9 Touring - Technology Package ($3,000)
- Power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade
- Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System with AudioPilot, AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible stereo with 10 speakers
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription
- Halogen fog lamps
- Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
- Navigation System
- Power open/close rear liftgate
CX-9 Grand Touring - Technology Package ($2,435)
- Power sliding glass moonroof with interior sunshade
- Navigation System
- Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System with AudioPilot, AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible stereo with 10 speakers
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription
Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Bose Audio and Sirius Package - not available with Grand Touring Technology Package ($3,245)
- DVD player with 9-inch screen
- Navigation System
- Bose Centerpoint with AudioPilot and 11 speakers
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription
- 115-volt power plug and game port
- Towing Prep Package - FWD only as is standard on AWD models ($100): Heavy-duty transmission oil cooler and radiator fan, Revised engine control module
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Optional Interior Accessories:
- Cargo Mat ($85)
- Cargo Net50
- Cargo Tray 125
- All-Weather Floor Mats 125
- Compass, Homelink, Auto Dimming Mirror for Sport, Touring ($295)
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio with 4-Month Subscription ($525)
Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes
The CX-9 is a front or all-wheel-drive crossover powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 making 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. All that power and a six-speed automatic trans is enough to hustle the large crossover to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds. While admirable, the CX-9’s performance is not at the same level as the Ford Explorer Sport, whose similar engine runs twin turbochargers (but is 400 pounds heavier).
The AWD option is an unobtrusive and mileage-focused automatic system, but does include a good level of default torque split presets.
The CX-9 is respectable in terms of mileage, as the front-drive model turns in a 17/24 EPA rating and the AWD variant drops to just 16/22.
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Mechanical Details:
Engine Size and Type |
3.7-liter 24-valve V-6 With Chain-Driven DOHC And VVT |
Peak power (Horsepower) |
273 @ 6250 |
Peak torque (Pound-feet) |
270 @ 4250 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Auto |
0-to-60 mph |
7.4 seconds |
Top Speed (mph) |
130, Est |
EPA Fuel Economy MPG (City/Combined/Highway) |
17/NA/24 FWD, 16/NA/22 AWD |
Safety
The CX-9 is a sure-footed and responsive crossover with a comprehensive safety program and a Good rating from IIHS. The CX-9 earned four stars from the NHTSA but lacks active safety technology beyond its backup camera, parking alerts and blind-spot alerts.
2013 Mazda CX-9 – Standard Safety Features:
- Advanced front air bags with seat belt-use, passenger-weight and driver's seat-position sensors
- Front side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains‡ with rollover protection
- 3-point seat belts for all seating positions
- Front seat-belt pre-tensioners with force limiters
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
- Roll Stability Control (RSC)
- Triple H body construction
- Side-impact door beams
- Collapsible steering column
- Foldaway brake pedal assembly
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
- E911 automatic emergency notification
- Rear backup sensors
- Engine-immobilizer anti-theft system, Alarm system, Keyless remote panic button (on key fob)
- Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- LATCH child-safety-seat anchors
Pricing
Mazda CX-9 |
2013 MSRP |
CX-9 FWD Sport |
$29,785 |
CX-9 FWD Touring |
$32,230 |
CX-9 FWD Grand Touring |
$34,785 |
CX-9 AWD Sport |
$31,375 |
CX-9 AWD Touring |
$33,820 |
CX-9 AWD Grand Touring |
$36,375 |
Competition
The Honda Pilot is a big challenge for the CX-9, because its boxy looks promise a more butch drive and a larger rear cabin. In reality, the Pilot's dated engine and transmission mean it struggles to keep pace with the Mazda. There is some truth to the perception that the Honda is bigger in the back, but not enough to sway a purchase one way or the other.
The Highlander is new for 2013 with a bold new nose that will hopefully make this seven-seat Toyota crossover less forgettable. The firm's smooth V-6 powers the front wheels with similar stats to the CX-9, but lacks the Mazda's lithe chassis balance and good handling feel.
Conclusion
The CX-9 makes its mark with great pricing, a sporty driving enthusiasm and interior build quality that rivals many luxury brands. Despite the Mazda needing a generous helping of options to get past $36,000, at that level it is still one of the more affordable large seven-seaters out there.
You would not know that by the slinky and stylish new grille and front lights. The LED blade and LED ring add some real beauty to this practical segment's dull shapes.
For family drivers who want a crossover with seven seats, a luxury cabin and handling confidence, the stylish Mazda CX-9 is a top choice for less than $36,000.
Category |
Rating |
Details |
Driving |
B+ |
Sporty Driving Shows Off Best Of CX-9's BMW-like Ride/Handling |
Performance |
B |
Still A Fantastic Engine And Smart Automatic Combo |
Look |
B+ |
New Grille And LEDs Look Great Next To Honda Pilot's Lights |
Value |
A |
Excellent Value In Lower Trims, Which Keep Same Mechanical Package |
Overall |
B+ |
A Family Crossover That Dad Won't Mind Driving |