Road Test: 2018 Mazda CX-9 GT

Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Mazda Canada

Specifications:

Price: $49,445 (As tested)

Engine: SKYACTIV-G 2.5L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4

Trans: SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed Sport mode automatic

Power: 227 hp@ 5,000 rpm

Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,367 lbs./1,981 kg

Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 11.5/8.9

New for 2018: The 2018 Mazda CX-9 remains relatively unchanged after undergoing a complete redesign a couple years back, save for standard G-Vectoring Control on all models as well as some new standard safety features.

Segment Competitors: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Volkswagen Atlas, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander

The Skinny: This current generation of the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is truly one of, if not the best looking large crossover available today and backs up its good looks with a great ride, a very luxurious interior and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. All of those things I’ve just mentioned are surely what you hope to find in a large crossover but when it comes to the CX-9, you get a luxurious feel that isn’t matched by many of its competitors. The powerplant provides enough power while still maintaining exceptional efficiency numbers and the entire interior, especially the driver’s cockpit, is easy to figure out and would even be on par with some of the large luxury crossovers available today.

Pros: In addition to the good looks, which I’ve mentioned many times thus far, Mazda continues to find a way to provide a driving experience that’s much more enjoyable than that of a typical large crossover.

Cons: Still have a hard time getting used to Mazda’s ‘control knob’ for the infotainment system.

The Verdict: As I’ve mentioned, there is plenty to like about the Mazda CX-9 and very little to dislike and when you add that to the fact that it is very competitively priced with a starting MSRP of just $38,420 then you’ve got a vehicle that will garner some attention for buyers of three-row large crossovers which seems to be just about everybody these days.