24/06/2008 02:21. Its polished manners and smooth competence overshadow the fact that the CX-9 is not really a standout in any one particular area. Among third-row-equipped crossover-utility vehicles, the CX-9 is neither the biggest nor the smallest, the fastest nor the most economical, the sportiest nor the most luxurious.

You may think that the CX-9 is simply an enlarged version of the CX-7, Mazda's five-seat crossover, but that's really not the case. The two siblings differ substantially under the skin, most obviously in the engine compartment, where the CX-9 uses a V-6 as opposed to the CX-7's turbocharged four-cylinder. The 3.5-liter V-6 is a Ford unit, and we found it to be quieter and more refined... // Automobile Magazine