2018 Mazda CX-9 2.5 SkActiv-G Turbo 4WD (MY-spec) Review

The E-segment SUV market has been consistently heating up in Malaysia in recent years. Consumers not only seek the practicality of large space but also value rich configurations and driving quality. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 2.5 SkyActiv-G Turbo 4WD, as a popular contender in this segment, highlights its turbocharged power of 231PS, 7-seat layout, and advanced safety configurations as its core selling points. This review will focus on its static experience and dynamic performance to see if it can meet family users' needs for versatility.

In terms of appearance, the CX-9 retains Mazda's family-style KODO design language, with smooth and muscular lines. The front fascia features a large shield-shaped grille with chrome decorations, offering high recognition; the sharp LED headlights on both sides seamlessly connect with the grille, visually extending the width of the front. On the side, a continuous shoulder line extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, giving a dignified and stable impression. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a smoked finish echoing the design of the headlamps, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flair. The overall design caters to the aesthetic preferences of family users without losing a sporty appeal.

Inside the vehicle, the CX-9's interior layout is simple and neat, with solid materials. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and paired with wood-grain and metallic trim, enhancing the luxurious feel. A 9-inch touch infotainment screen is positioned at the top of the dashboard, operating smoothly with support for CarPlay and Android Auto connections. Beneath it, physical buttons are retained for easy operation while driving. In terms of features, a HUD head-up display, TFT LCD instrument panel, and a 12-speaker sound system come as standard. The front seats feature 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 6-way power adjustment for the passenger, both with heating functions, which enhance comfort levels. The tri-zone automatic climate control ensures different temperature preferences can be met for passengers in the front and rear, and the rear row is equipped with independent air vents and USB ports, showing thoughtful attention to details.

Space is one of the core strengths of the CX-9. Its dimensions measure 5075mm×1969mm×1747mm, with a wheelbase of 2930mm, ensuring ample interior space. After adjusting the front seats to a suitable position, a 175cm-tall passenger still has a fist’s worth of headroom remaining; the second-row seats can slide back and forth and are reclinable, with a maximum legroom of two fists, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or adults on short trips, with legroom that is average for vehicles in this class. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk offers 230L in a standard state, which can be expanded to 810L by folding down the third row or up to 1914L when the second row is also folded, accommodating family trips or transporting large items. Additionally, the cabin is equipped with multiple storage compartments, including a central armrest box and door storage slots, offering high practicality.

In terms of power, the CX-9 is equipped with a 2.5L SkyActiv-G turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 231PS at 5000rpm and a peak torque of 420Nm at 2000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, the engine can output maximum torque at 2000rpm, providing brisk starts and responsive acceleration. Deeply pressing the accelerator provides a noticeable sense of thrust when overtaking. The transmission shifts smoothly with almost no shift shock, and its upshift and downshift logic is precise. The vehicle offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-road. In Sport mode, the throttle response is more sensitive, and the transmission delays shifts, catering to users who seek driving excitement. The Off-road mode enhances the vehicle's capabilities on complex terrains.

The handling and chassis performance exceed expectations. The steering is precise, with minimal dead spots and moderate feedback strength, providing a very confident driving experience. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension effectively filters out vibrations and maintains stability when dealing with bumpy roads. During cornering, the suspension offers good support, with body roll kept within reasonable limits, balancing comfort and handling. The full-time four-wheel-drive system performs excellently on slippery roads or light off-road conditions, efficiently distributing power and improving the vehicle’s traction.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined consumption is 9.1L/100km. In actual tests, the fuel consumption in urban roads is about 11.5L/100km, while it drops to 7.8L/100km on highways, which is in line with expectations for a 2.5T SUV. The braking performance is excellent, with a braking distance of approximately 38 meters from 100 km/h. The brake pedal provides a linear feel, and braking force output is stable.

Concerning driving comfort, the performance of the CX-9 is commendable. The cabin is well-insulated against noise, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds. Engine noise may enter the cabin during rapid acceleration but remains non-intrusive. The seats offer good support and cushioning, making long trips less tiring. Furthermore, the energy recovery system (though it is a gasoline car, the start-stop technology is seamless) and electric power steering enhance driving convenience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Mazda CX-9 2.5 SkyActiv-G Turbo 4WD lie in its ample space, rich features, and balanced power performance. Compared to similar models like the Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest, the CX-9 outshines in terms of luxury and driving quality. It also comes with more features. However, its third-row space and off-road capability are slightly inferior to the mentioned competitors. It is suitable for consumers who value family practicality, pursue driving quality, and have a budget of around 300,000 Malaysian Ringgit. It is particularly ideal for those looking for a 7-seater layout who do not want to compromise on the driving experience.

In conclusion, the CX-9 is a well-rounded E-segment SUV that caters to both the spatial and feature needs of families while offering driving pleasure, making it a noteworthy choice in its segment.