The launch of the Mazda CX-9 in 2007 almost sent a shockwave through the auto industry, more precisely the full-size SUV/CUV segment, with bold lines and shapes that broke the conservative styling mold. Today’s growing trend toward more organic designs has forced Mazda designers to revise the big CX-9 in order for it to remain fresh and up to date.
What better way to bring this 7-passenger crossover in line with the rest of the lineup than to add the brand’s latest styling cues? Since every new Mazda introduced over the past two years has gained a big fat grin, I wasn’t surprised at all to see the new chrome-ringed grille with what looks like the automotive equivalent of dental braces greeting me with a smile as I approached my tester in the parking lot.
While no longer as captivating as the original, the new model is positively improved and more upscale. At $47,450, the 2010 Mazda CX-9 GT stands halfway between similarly-sized crossovers like the Hyundai Veracruz Limited ($47,299) or Honda Pilot EX-L ($45,020) and smaller but higher-end alternatives such as the Lexus RX 350 ($46,900) and Volvo XC60 3.2 AWD ($44,495).
The interior could put a lot of cars to shame with superb styling and material selection… until you take a closer look and feel the textures. The dashboard is actually made of hard plastics and nothing more. Sure, you’ll find soft-touch panels on the doors, but considering the market segment, Mazda could have upped the ante. Likewise, overall build quality disappoints.
The instruments and gauges are easy to read and the driving position feels like that of every other Mazda. The steering wheel offers a nice grip, which goes along well with the ergonomic layout and intuitive controls. Among new-for-2010 features are standard heated seats and, in GT trim, a host of amenities including available navigation and parking assist with rearview mirror-integrated display.
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| The 2010 Mazda CX-9 GT AWD no doubt remains an extremely interesting choice as far as medium-to-large SUVs and crossovers go. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
What better way to bring this 7-passenger crossover in line with the rest of the lineup than to add the brand’s latest styling cues? Since every new Mazda introduced over the past two years has gained a big fat grin, I wasn’t surprised at all to see the new chrome-ringed grille with what looks like the automotive equivalent of dental braces greeting me with a smile as I approached my tester in the parking lot.
While no longer as captivating as the original, the new model is positively improved and more upscale. At $47,450, the 2010 Mazda CX-9 GT stands halfway between similarly-sized crossovers like the Hyundai Veracruz Limited ($47,299) or Honda Pilot EX-L ($45,020) and smaller but higher-end alternatives such as the Lexus RX 350 ($46,900) and Volvo XC60 3.2 AWD ($44,495).
The interior could put a lot of cars to shame with superb styling and material selection… until you take a closer look and feel the textures. The dashboard is actually made of hard plastics and nothing more. Sure, you’ll find soft-touch panels on the doors, but considering the market segment, Mazda could have upped the ante. Likewise, overall build quality disappoints.
The instruments and gauges are easy to read and the driving position feels like that of every other Mazda. The steering wheel offers a nice grip, which goes along well with the ergonomic layout and intuitive controls. Among new-for-2010 features are standard heated seats and, in GT trim, a host of amenities including available navigation and parking assist with rearview mirror-integrated display.
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| The interior could put a lot of cars to shame with superb styling and material selection. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |