Mother Proof's view

I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews of Mazda’s three-row crossover, the CX-9, so this mama was super excited to try it out. Well, I must be either hard to please or just plain dense, because I wasn’t blown away by the 2009 Mazda CX-9.

The CX-9 is a pretty nice family-mobile, but it won’t be featured in any mommy fantasies of mine. It’s like that perfectly nice woman you always say hello to, but whose name you can never remember. It’s not that you don’t like her; there just isn’t any real connection to make her memorable. I felt that same disconnect with the CX-9. I can’t think of any other way to describe it except as “nice.”

Driving the CX-9 was pretty smooth, but it felt heavy in turns and during acceleration. Trying to turn the CX-9 in tight quarters, like a parking lot, was cumbersome. It reminded me that the CX-9 really is a large crossover. The V-6 engine did the job admirably, even for this speedy mama. What really disappointed me, though, was the low-end 15.3 combined mileage that I got during my test drive. The CX-9 gets an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg city/highway. Granted, I live in the hills and rarely get onto the highway, but I expect more from a crossover.

Don’t get me wrong: The CX-9 is a great family car with some really terrific features. It just didn’t light my fire. My main problem with it was that the interior’s layout didn’t fit me. I found myself leaning way over and reaching to do simple things like change the temperature or use the touch-screen, but those problems could be limited to me. Overall, the CX-9 is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a seven-passenger ride.

For 2009, there are no major changes to the CX-9. There’s a new Liquid Silver exterior color, and Black Mica is no longer available. Some of the CX-9’s cooler features, like Bluetooth connectivity, are now available in the base-level Sport trim.

Exterior

I have to admit that the CX-9 is a good-looking car. Somehow, it doesn’t look as big as it is. It’s vaguely egg-shaped, but strategically placed chrome and subtle lines create an elegant look that suggests a much heftier price tag.

The CX-9 is a crossover, so it rides at sedan height, which makes getting in and out of it a breeze. The front has Mazda’s smiley-face look. The grille, xenon headlights and front bumper all work together to pull the eye out to the car’s corners. The CX-9’s profile was sleek but not sporty. The CX-9 seems to lean back on its wheels, like it’s in no hurry. Chrome trim around the tinted windows and on the door handles, as well as big, shiny 20-inch wheels, contributed to the CX-9’s rich look. From the rear, the CX-9 looks sportier, with dual chrome-tipped exhaust.

The doors open easily and close with a solid thud that speaks of security and safety. My kids had no problems opening them or getting in and out of the CX-9. A grab handle even offered assistance to those climbing into the third row. The rear cargo door is easy to manage and opened high enough to avoid bonking my head.

There’s a rearview camera available, but it seems to be angled straight downward. That’s great for making sure there aren’t any obstacles in your path, but it doesn’t help much when backing up.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

Interior

The inside of the CX-9 looked good, too. Rich two-tone leather seats and simulated wood trim were luxurious and lovely to the touch. Those front seats were eight-way adjustable and heated, which made my tushy happy during my chilly testing period. The steering wheel tilts, telescopes and had controls for the stereo and cruise control system. The instruments were easy to read and easy on the eyes, thanks to cool blue and red electroluminescent gauges.

A covered set of cupholders handled a variety of beverage containers, and a deep cubby at the bottom of the center stack was a great place to stow your cell phone or other small items. A deep bin in the center console housed both an AUX port and a charging point. I love it when manufacturers do that because I can plug in my iPod and phone and keep the cords out of my way. Nobody likes messy cords running all over the place!

The Bluetooth connection had a clear sound, but there was a slight delay between calls connecting and the Bluetooth engaging. Bluetooth didn’t pick up until I had begun worrying that I’d lost the call. I did love the keyless entry and ignition system that let me leave the credit-card-shaped keyfob in my bag and start the car with the push of a button.

The CX-9 seemed to be really wide; the touch-screen and climate controls seemed far away, and I found myself leaning out of my seat to reach them.

The backseat was just as roomy; its configuration would make it difficult to fit three child-safety seats across the second row, especially since there were only two sets of Latch anchors in the second row. The seat belts are easy to use for little hands because the receptacles were set nice and high and weren’t wiggly. The rear armrest folded down to provide two pop-out cupholders and a small storage bin that was great for holding books or crayons. To keep everyone comfy in the second row, there were vents and controls for the three-zone climate-control system.

The third row was great for carpooling and even functional for full-sized folks. The second row can slide forward to provide more legroom for those in the back row. In a spectacular example of “what were they thinking,” there were big, deep, partially covered grooves in the second-row floor area for sliding that seat. The mind boggles at the grunge-collecting possibilities. Still, it made getting in and out of the third row fairly easy, so it’s kind of a trade-off.

Cargo space was functional and plentiful in the CX-9. With the third row in place, there was plenty of room for backpacks or a midweek grocery run. With the seats down, there was room for a major road trip or a couple of Saint Bernards. I liked the grocery bag hooks in the very rear cargo area, but there were only a couple, and each held a bag or two. Another of my fave features was the under-floor storage, which houses not only the spare tire and tool kit, but also a plastic bin for anything you’d like to keep out of sight or off the carpet.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample/Galore

Safety

The CX-9 shows its commitment to safety and my family with a ton of airbags, including side curtain airbags that protect passengers in all three rows, as well as stability control with anti-roll control. Stability control and traction control work together to keep you on the road and moving in the right direction. Antilock brakes come with electronic brake-force distribution; all of these features are standard.

There are a couple of optional safety features available on the CX-9. The rearview camera comes with the Navigation package, available in the Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The really cool blind spot warning system is only available on the Grand Touring model. The system uses sensors on the sides and rear of the crossover to warn you if there’s a car in your blind spot. If you engage your turn signal while there is a car in your blind spot, the CX-9 sounds a warning beep, just in case.

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: The wide, flat reclining seats mean you can install a variety of child-safety seats correctly.

In School: There’s tons of cupholders, and room for all your kids’ friends.

Teens: The second row slides back to create more legroom when you need it.