I don't know if I really need a large SUV, but I feel I would like some of the luxury options that just aren't available in a smaller package, such as the power liftgate and blind spot monitoring system that are available in the Mazda CX-9. My questions are, 1) Is the Mazda CX-9 considered a gas-guzzler, or is it at the top of its segment? 2) I have had Hondas forever; is the Mazda CX-9 that much worse for reliability? I thought that the Pilot is too plain and square, so I am not thinking about that one, just like my current 2005 CR-V, which too is quite plain, but is very, very reliable.
The CX-9 does come with a power liftgate and a blind spot monitoring system. Those features are only available on higher-end CX-9 trim levels, however, with the blind spot monitoring system a $200 option on Grand Touring trims ($33,355). The power liftgate is part of a $2,500 package that also includes a DVD navigation system and rearview camera on Touring ($31,615) and Grand Touring trims. The 2009 Pilot only has a power liftgate on its Touring trim ($36,795), and there is no blind spot detection as of now.
In the land of large, three-row crossover SUVs, the CX-9 ranks a little less fuel-efficient — by about 1 mpg — than the rest of the crowd, with ratings of 16/22 mpg city/highway for front-wheel-drive models and 15/21 for all-wheel-drive models. See below for a rundown of competitors’ fuel economy.
We like the CX-9 because it’s still sporty for being a large family-hauler, and there’s lots of cargo room with all three rows folded. The CX-9 was voted our 2008 Family Car of the Year in our most recent Lifestyle awards, and the Mazda crossover outgunned the GMC Acadia and Hyundai Veracruz in a three-row crossover SUV Faceoff.
As far as reliability, we’ve seen mixed reports from consumer groups like J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports. The results are not comparable with each other because of testing differences, but J.D. Power gives the CX-9’s predicted reliability a 4.5 out of 5, while Consumer Reports ranks the SUV as Fair, which is the second-lowest rating out of five possible rankings.
Here’s what you need to consider with these reports: They are based on 2007 data, which was the CX-9’s first model year. The 2008 CX-9 has a different engine, which could affect reliability one way or another because the reports available are predicted reliability ratings based on 2007 data. Basically, if reliability is a large determining factor, look at the Honda because it’s been on its game for a long time and consistently scores well in automaker reliability rankings. The 2009 Pilot just recently hit the roads, though, so there isn’t any reliability information available on that specific model.
Fuel Economy (MPG, City/Highway): Front-Wheel Drive — All-Wheel Drive
2008 Mazda CX-9: 16/22 — 15/21
2009 Honda Pilot: 17/23 — 16/22
2008 GMC Acadia: 16/24 —16/22
2008 Ford Taurus X: 16/24 — 15/22
2008 Hyundai Veracruz:16/23 — 15/22
Learn more
If your a Honda fan and your interested in the CX-9 maybe you'll like this vehicle, too:
http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?section=summary&makeid=18&modelid=215&year=2008&myid=&bg=t
It's cheaper and gets better gas mileage, too.
Cj -- The Odyssey doesn't come with a blind spot monitoring system and the power tailgate is only available on the Touring trim that costs $40,000.
Those two features are ones that the original questioner is looking for in their next car.
I would try and wait for the upcoming Chevy Traverse. Reviews are great for the GM trio, maybe the fourth will be the best.
I would test drive the CX-9. So far most people have found it to be very reliable. I would definitely say that the CX-9 at the top of its segment.It meets or exceeds the 2009 Pilot and Highlander in almost every category.
The CX9 looks more like a cross between a mini-van and a sporty AWD wagon. All it takes is to drive the CX9 and you'll quickly understand what "Zoom-Zoom" means!! This fantastic crossover will out handle & out perform any rig in its class hands down. Its what sold me and I took over a year to decide on a family vehicle that had both room, well designed/comfortable interior, performance and reliability. As far as fuel economy they are ALL in the same ballpark so no need for splitting hairs. Fuel economy depends much on driver habits anyway. Regarding reliability well, the CX9 is made in Japan except for the motor (Ford) and although Mazda is not quite as good as Honda or Toyota they are still a high quality Japanese auto mfg to be reconned with. If you need the third row, don't want to drive a minivan, demand performance & power this is the rig for you. Nothing else comes close!! ZOOM ZOOM
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The CX-9 looks like a minivan