Mazda CX-9 2016 Review

The mid-size SUV market has always been the primary choice for family users, as such vehicles must meet the comfort needs of daily commuting while also accommodating space requirements for multiple passengers. The 2016 Mazda CX-9, as a mid-to-large-sized SUV under the brand, garnered considerable attention upon its debut due to its KODO design language and SKYACTIV technology. This time, we got our hands on the 2016 Mazda CX-9 public edition test vehicle, with the core objective of evaluating its performance in terms of space, power, and handling to determine if it truly meets the diverse needs of family users.

From the exterior, the 2016 CX-9 fully embraces Mazda's KODO design philosophy, with overall lines that are sleek and dynamic. The large shield-shaped grille on the front, paired with chrome trim, is highly recognizable; the sharp LED headlamp assemblies on both sides seamlessly connect with the grille, visually widening the front of the vehicle. The side profile features a downward-sloping beltline that extends from the fenders to the rear, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, preventing this mid-to-large SUV from appearing bulky. At the rear, the LED taillight assemblies adopt a horizontal layout, connected in the middle by a slim chrome strip. Below that, the dual exhaust outlets on both sides add a touch of sportiness. Regarding the lighting system, the front headlights support automatic activation and height adjustment, while the taillights have clear recognition when lit at night. The overall design not only appeals to family users' aesthetic tastes but also retains Mazda's sporty DNA.

Inside the car, the interior style of the 2016 CX-9 is simple and practical, with a symmetric design for the center console, which is topped with soft-touch plastic material that feels refined. The central display screen measures 7 inches, supporting both touch and physical button operation. The interface operates smoothly and provides basic functions such as Bluetooth connectivity and a reverse camera. The steering wheel is a three-spoke design, with multimedia control and cruise control buttons integrated on the left side, offering a comfortable and easy operation. The seats are wrapped in leather material, with the front seats supporting electric adjustment and decent lumbar support, making long rides less tiresome. Regarding features, the public edition comes standard with dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, push-button start, and keyless entry. Although there aren't many extravagant features, the basic conveniences for daily use are well covered.

Space performance is one of the key selling points of mid-to-large SUVs. The 2016 CX-9 has dimensions of 5075×1969×1747mm and a wheelbase of 2930mm, which ensures a spacious interior. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, the rear seat provides more than two fists of legroom, while headroom is about one fist, ensuring even passengers who are 180cm tall won't feel cramped. The third-row seats are suitable for children or adults on short trips, with relatively limited legroom, but they work just fine for emergency use. As for storage capacity, the trunk has a regular volume of 230L, which can be expanded to 1082L by folding down the third-row seats, and up to 2017L when the second-row seats are also folded. This makes it well-suited for moving or carrying large luggage. Additionally, the interior offers several small storage spaces, such as front cup holders, a central armrest box, and door storage compartments, making it highly practical.

In terms of power, the 2016 CX-9 is equipped with a 2.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 250 horsepower and a peak torque of 420N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response is quite enthusiastic at the start; you can feel noticeable push-back with a light press on the accelerator. Acceleration in the mid-to-late stages is also strong; when overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the transmission to downshift quickly, ensuring smooth and continuous power delivery. There are two driving modes: normal and sport. The normal mode is suitable for daily commuting with smoother power output, while the sport mode enhances throttle sensitivity and delays gear shifting, which can stimulate the driving excitement.

In terms of handling, the 2016 CX-9's steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and it instills enough confidence for the driver when cornering. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, with a tuning focus on comfort. When driving over bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, ensuring passengers inside the cabin won't feel significant jolts. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, with sufficient suspension support and excellent overall stability. The braking system is also highly linear, with gradual braking at the initial stage and sufficient braking force in the later stage. The braking distance is slightly above average among vehicles in the same class.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted a comprehensive test in mixed road conditions, with 60% city roads and 40% highways, resulting in an average fuel consumption of approximately 10.2 liters per 100 kilometers. This is a fairly reasonable figure for a mid-to-large SUV with a 2.5T engine, making the daily running cost not too high. Regarding noise control, wind noise and tire noise are noticeable at high speeds but won't hinder normal conversations among passengers inside. Overall, the noise insulation is in line with the average level for this class.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 public version lie in its spacious interior, smooth power delivery, and practical configuration. Compared to its competitors like the Highlander or the Edge, its longer wheelbase provides more spacious third-row seating. Additionally, Mazda's driving dynamics make it more fun to drive. However, its shortcomings include a relatively small infotainment screen and modest smart features. That being said, for practical family users, these aren't significant drawbacks.

This car is best suited for families that prioritize spacious interiors. Whether for daily commutes, weekend outings, or long road trips, it easily meets the needs of such scenarios. If you're a young buyer looking for luxurious features or cutting-edge technology, you might find it somewhat lacking. However, for consumers who value space, performance, and reliability, the 2016 CX-9 public version is a very practical choice.

Overall, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 public version is a well-balanced mid-to-large SUV without significant shortcomings. Its performance in various aspects can meet the needs of family users. If you're considering a spacious, easy-to-drive, and practical SUV, this vehicle is worth adding to your shortlist.