Test Drive: 2012 Mazda CX-9 GT

 

2012 Mazda CX-9 GT. Click image to enlarge

First Drive: 2007 Mazda CX-9 Test Drive: 2008 Mazda CX-9 GT Test Drive: 2010 Mazda CX-9 GT Inside Story: 2010 Mazda CX-9 GT   Manufacturer’s web site Mazda Canada

Review and photos by Jonathan Yarkony

Photo Gallery:
2012 Mazda CX-9

There is no shortage of vehicles out there promising the functionality of a minivan in a more marketable package. The Mazda CX-9 is one of them. Seating for seven, crossover styling, and Mazda driving dynamics instead of the functional but dull MPV minivan that it replaced; it’s a proposition that I can’t argue with. Unfortunately, it comes at the expense of a low cost of entry and fuel efficiency. Convenient then, that Mazda has a true “mini”-van in its Mazda5, with seating for six, pricing that starts in the low 20s, and fuel efficiency to rival many compacts. But you’ll have months to hear about what I think of the Mazda5 during our Long-Term Test of a Mazda5 GS, so let’s get back to Mazda’s large family hauler, the CX-9.

Right from its launch in 2007, Mazda got the CX-9 styling right. It has all the design cues of Mazda SUVs at the time, with a swoopy profile and angled headlights, with the cheerful grille opening emphasized for the 2012 facelift. Its curvy styling also masks its 5,101-mm length, longer than a Honda Pilot (4,861 mm) or Ford Explorer (5,006), but short of the Chevrolet Traverse(5,207 mm).

2012 Mazda CX-9 GT. Click image to enlarge

These are all long, cumbersome vehicles, and the CX-9 is no exception, but it is redeemed by surprisingly rewarding and accurate steering, blind spot monitoring, and backup cameras to aid in various driving situations. The CX-9 also features dynamic and rollover stability control systems, the former to allow greater driving capability and the latter to reduce the risk of rollover. Further safety equipment includes active head restraints for front passengers, front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS and brakeforce distribution, LATCH anchors on second row seats (the sliding seats also made securing the tether on the seatback easy). While it achieved 5 Stars in most categories from the older NHTSA test, and Good ratings for front and side impact tests, it didn’t earn a Top Safety Pick.

Between the dynamic stability control, 20-inch wheels that are part of the GT package, and traditional hydraulic steering, this big crossover handles like a big, sporty crossover. Powering all four wheels (only the base CX-9 GS is front-wheel drive) is a 3.7L V6 making 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The automatic transmission features six gears and a sport mode with manual gear selection.

2012 Mazda CX-9 GT. Click image to enlarge

The engine makes all the right V6 noises, and the transmission is up to its task, and I found it illuminating that the info cluster between the speed and tach gauges always displayed the current gear, even in regular D mode. This is not a fast car, but it can stay ahead of most traffic, get up to highway speeds quickly, and even has a fair bit of punch and quick gear-downs when reaching for more power to make a highway passing move. However, it is at the expense of fuel economy, racking up 12.9 L/100 km shuttling this 2,068-kg ute over 625 km of mostly highway cruising around the GTA environs. Transport Canada suggests 12.8 L/100 km in city driving and 9.0 for highway driving in their fantasy figures (converted US EPA estimates are 14.7/10.7/12.4 city/highway/combined).

Shifting that much mass around is never cheap, and changing directions isn’t easy, but while the CX-9 exhibits some body roll, it is better controlled than competitors like the Traverse and Pilot. Suspension is luxury-class forgiving (reminded me a lot of the Acura MDX I drove recently), with muted thumps and well-controlled body motions that kept the CX-9 moving along at a brisk pace. It could even be called fun to drive, but won’t quite set your heart racing with thrilling responsiveness.

2012 Kia Sportage Recognized by USAA as “Best Value” for Second Consecutive Year

–USAA’s “Best Value” List Focuses on Cost, Safety and Reliability – 2012 Kia Sportage tops all other utilities in the Small SUV category – Sportage lauded for affordability, crash test scores, build quality and fuel economy. 

IRVINE, Calif., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — United Services Automobile Association (USAA), a leading financial services provider to the U.S. military and their families, honored Kia Motors America (KMA) by naming the 2012 Kia Sportage to its second annual “Best Value” vehicles list, which identifies the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories that give consumers the most bang for their buck. The Sportage rose to the top in the Small SUV category, recognized for offering a competitive price and low insurance costs as well as being one of the Small SUV Top Safety Picks for 2012 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“The Kia Sportage being named to USAA’s ‘Best Value’ list for the second year in a row is not only indicative of this utility’s affordability factor, but also validates it as one of the most well-rounded offerings in its segment,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “The Sportage is the ideal vehicle for anyone who seeks a lively crossover that’s comfortable and offers an abundance of safety features and amenities.”

“Best Value” automobiles offer the best financial value of all vehicles USAA evaluates as part of a broader rating system called USAA Preferred, which uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicles’ cost, safety and reliability, among other key factors. There are nearly 80 cars, trucks and minivans that are currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles, and the “Best Value” list represents the vehicles that rose to the top of each category.

“The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category,” said Steve Thompson, an assistant vice president at USAA. “The Kia Sportage rose to the top as a vehicle that offers these key elements, making it a great buy for the value-minded consumer.”

For more information about the USAA Best Value list, and the specific automobiles featured, visit http://www.usaa.com/bestvalue .

Kia’s Unprecedented GrowthKia Motors is one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(1) and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking(2). Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company’s best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan.* Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – http://www.kia.com . For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com .

About USAA USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 9 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their eligible family members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit USAA online today.

About the Best Value List USAA Preferred “Best Value” vehicles are typically those vehicles ranked highest in each vehicle category AND obtain “Good/Acceptable” crash test ratings from IIHS and represent vehicles which are determined to be the best financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model. The model relates MSRP to vehicle features (engine type, drive train, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, number of airbags, transmission, body additions, curb weight, horsepower-to-curb weight, height and vehicle category), fuel economy, insurance cost, additional warranty cost, depreciation, and IIHS Top Safety Pick to determine the value. In providing this analysis, USAA does not consider factors other than those disclosed. For more information, visit http://www.usaa.com/bestvalue .

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally-sourced parts. (1) Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study(2) Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis

SOURCE Kia Motors America