Disclosure: I was provided the 2015 Mazda CX-9 for the purpose of this review. Technical specifications were provided by the manufacturer, but the opinions expressed are my own.
Dad approved. That might be the first time I’ve uttered the words. But in any case, undoubtedly sincere when it comes to driving the 2015 Mazda CX-9 AWD. It’s a dinosaur in terms of the aging platform, but you see, the CX-9 functions unlike any car I’ve ever owned. I literally burst into joy sitting in the generous rear cabin, where I could freely move my legs. The V6 DOHC purs smoother and louder than Jibs (the family cat), welding my white-knuckle grasp to the steering wheel and sinking of the pedal. Yeah, it was a fun week.
2015 Mazda CX-9 Exterior
Back in high school, during the “weekend cruise”, we had a term for cars that whooped ass on the pavement while appearing deceptively tame. Those vehicles were known as sleepers. The 2015 Mazda CX-9 is a sleeper. On the surface, the CX-9 is an ordinary midsize-SUV, well-suited for stay-at-home parents to cram full of the weekly grocery. It’s plain, but not ugly. It doesn’t look tough, but it has presence. Grey is my preferred color palette, so the “titanium flash” screamed for my attention on the walk-around. I wanted this car.
2015 Mazda CX-9 Interior
There was a giddiness to my demeanor while sitting in the captain’s chair of the 2015 Mazda CX-9. I’m a sucker for a cockpit that surrounds me with soft cushiony surfaces and quality trim. In that respect, the CX-9 is a poor man’s Lexus. Owners get the flash without the price (by the way, my fully loaded test car retails for under $40K). I could spot Mazda’s mix-matching of newer options with the platform’s aging, yet solid set pieces. Differing colors from console to instrument cluster adorn the cabin, but the differences are subtle enough not to detract.
The biggest win here is Mazda’s wonderful use of space. The 2015 CX-9 is smaller than my Buick Enclave, yet somehow, yet some magical way, I sit comfortably in the rear seating. It’s that small win of having leg room that speaks to me as a potential buyer. The car was growing louder. I was addicted.
2015 Mazda CX-9 Technology
The luxury included with the Grand Touring edition is worth its weight in gold. We’re technology enthusiasts, our family’s well-being is dependent on the tech sector. I appreciate simplicity that doesn’t sacrifice functionality. Mazda’s headunit and the dash-mounted info hub received my stamp of approval. Navigating the rich full-color touchscreen is fluid, the options and layout make perfect sense. The Bose 10-speaker system sings, although, par for most vehicles nowadays. If I had to get picky (or selfish), the CX-9 doesn’t include push button start…frowny face.
2015 Mazda CX-9 Driving Perfomance
Drive performance is the department I felt satisfied with until I educated myself on fuel and safety performance. The CX-9 is quick, like very quick; it’s a sleeper. But that speed comes at a very disappointing cost: fuel consumption. Rated at a paltry 16 MPG city, it might make more sense to step down to the 4-cylinder option.
Safety ratings were also a concern. 3 stars out of a possible 5 in frontal collision sent my wife screaming into the woods. Is the 2015 Mazda CX-9 on my short list? No, absolutely not.
Overall Experience
If you can see past the imperfect safety ratings and ridiculous fuel economy, the CX-9 is the sleeper dinosaur fit for any stay-at-home parent. Build your Mazda CX-9 today! I can’t have one, but maybe you can…
