When the original CX-9 was first released back in 2006, Mazda changed the game with this crossover blending the best of SUV space and ruggedness with the performance and handling of a sporty car. It was definitely a trend setter back then and now, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 builds upon this strong foundation and delivers on all fronts to keep the latest CX-9 ahead of the curve. A bold and elegant exterior, a modern and tasteful interior and a powerful and sporty performance are just a few of the great features you can look forward to in the 2018 CX-9.
BOLD AND SLEEK EXTERIOR
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 strikes the perfect balance between bold and elegant, employing curves in all the right places to give the vehicle some presence and character. These curves are nicely accentuated by sleek lines, sharp contours and pleasing overall proportions, making the CX-9 stand out in the saturated mid-sized SUV market.
The bold yet refined front end of the 2018 CX-9 integrates the sleek and narrow LED headlights with the bold, beefy grille and the lower air intakes and ties it all together with chrome highlights on the key features.
The side view of the CX-9 really showcases the narrow headlights and bold grille, while also revealing the sloping roofline and a pleasing overall shape. The rear end perfectly ties together the entire sporty appearance, with round and narrow tail lights, dual exhaust, a shark fin antenna and a rounded body design.
To summarize, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is pretty much a head-turner from every angle. Adding to the stand-out-of-the-crowd factor is the intense red colour unique to Mazda. By far my favourite colour of all the available brands and colours, Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal Metallic is such an intense and satisfying red that owners will naturally strive to keep the exterior in immaculate condition to show off this colour.
ELEGANT AND REFINED INTERIOR
While you may already be convinced to buy a 2018 Mazda CX-9 from the exterior alone, I guarantee that stepping into the cabin will solidify any lingering doubts! The elegant and refined interior uses great quality materials, some of the latest convenience and technology features, a unique and eye catching design, all put together in a high quality build.
The comfortable interior comes with all the latest features including 4 USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, 3 zone climate control, height-adjustable power rear lift gate, a windshield projected display and so much more. The top of the line Signature model has even more luxurious features, higher quality materials and a two-tone brown and black leather colour combination, pushing the interior up to the same levels as the premium brands.
The interior of the 2018 CX-9 provides all the necessary functionality to be a daily driver. The ergonomic interior has controls placed in logical locations, while there are plenty of storage areas in all rows. Reclining 2nd row seats add to the comfort factor for longer drives, while the 3rd row seating offers versatility when hauling more passengers. While the 3rd row is a bit tight for adults and the trunk space is a bit small when the 3rd row is in use, it’s still a great option to have, adding to the versatility of the interior.
SPORTY PERFORMANCE
Like a lot of things in life, looks can only get you so far and for vehicles it ultimately comes down to how well it drives. Thankfully the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is no slouch in this department! Contrary to the popular trend of using a V6, the 2018 CX-9 opts for a 2.5L turbo charged four cylinder engine, outputting a hefty 250hp. This little turbo charged beauty packs a powerful and responsive acceleration, making the CX-9 feel lighter on its feet than other SUVs with clunky V6 engines. The CX-9’s four cylinder engine is paired with a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode and all wheel drive for all models except the front wheel drive entry level GS.
All the engineering eventually comes together to give the driver a top notch, exhilarating and pleasurable driving experience. The 2018 CX-9 successfully delivers powerful and responsive accelerations, great steering feedback, athletic handling that’s surprising for an SUV of its size and great manoeuvrability. Even when the performance is dialled back to cruising, the CX-9 provides a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride for all passengers.
All this combines to create an SUV that’s practical and perfect for everyday use while still being fun enough to function as a weekend ride. Even though its towing capacity of 3500 lbs is on the lower end compared to other SUVs like the 2018 Chevy Traverse or the 2018 GMC Acadia, it’s still enough to get the job done for most applications. As expected the fuel economy for a four cylinder, puts the CX-9 towards the top of its class with posted consumptions of 11.5 L/100km in the city and 8.9 L.100km on the highway.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has it all, with sporty performance making it a pleasure to drive and a comfortable and luxurious interior, making it a pleasure to be driven in. With a starting price of only $36,400, the 2018 CX-9 offers the best combination of value, performance, convenience and quality. The bold exterior will draw you in, the refined interior will get you excited and the driving performance will win you over. You really need to take a 2018 CX-9 for a test drive to get the full experience!
