2008 Mazda CX-9

The beauty of the CX-9 is that it's a true driver's machine.

The beauty of the CX-9 is that it's a true driver's machine.

Road conditions were such that, if we'd been in California, the road would have surely been shut down. Despite all this, the CX-9 was as surefooted as a mountain goat. Tire slippage? Drifting? Traction control going berserk? No, no, and no. Bottom line: The CX-9 is a great winter SUV for all but the absolute worst conditions.

As an enthusiast's three-row sport/ute, says Jurnecka, "the CX-9's combo of strong power and positive handling combine to betray its real size and weight." Jurnecka was also fond of the posh cabin and overall appeal. "The interior materials are beautiful and lend a true upscale feel to the CX-9 that puts it on par with the products of some of Europe's better automakers. I'm not convinced many people need a crossover this large, but this is the one to have if you do."

The CX-9'S silky-smooth ride and power delivery, says Truck Trend art director Thomas Voehringer, "make it my personal, rolling therapist. Throttle tip-in is light and responsive without the aggressive overreaction many 'scoot/utes' possess. The powerband is strong and fluid as you watch the digital display tick off the gears. Shifting can best be described as smooth-even under full power, gear selection is seamless."

Well, after three days of testing 11 vehicles at the dragstrip and skidpad, in and around greater Los Angeles, and on the twisty, high-elevation roads that squiggle through the mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, we're here to report that the CX-9 is not only Mazda's finest demonstration of infusing sports-car qualities into an SUV, but also Motor Trend's 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year.

Despite the sleek, flowing body that suggests tight quarters, the CX-9 boasts a spacious interior for seven, highlighted by more second-row legroom than in the Enclave, Highlander, Tribeca, or Veracruz, and more third-row legroom and cargo room behind that row than you'll find in the last three.

The CX-9's AWD was reassuring on the few gravel roads we meandered onto, its side mirrors are big, it has plenty of power, the six-speed is a silky wonder, and the interior is relentlessly attractive. The dash's design reminds me of deco furniture-very handsome.

Likewise, the CX-9 has very little of the typical minivan or crossover body roll, and the all-wheel-drive system seems quick and smart enough to keep us out of trouble.

The Mazda CX-9 spins the traditional `ute' in a new direction, said MacKenzie. "It's a sleek, elegant, sophisticated vehicle that is comfortable going to midtown, the market or the mountains."

The CX-9 superbly balances roominess and utility with rewarding performance and handling. It's a lot of fun to drive, and the ride is compliant without being overly cushy.

Road conditions were such that, if we'd been in California, the road would have surely been shut down. Despite all this, the CX-9 was as surefooted as a mountain goat. Tire slippage? Drifting? Traction control going berserk? No, no, and no. Bottom line: The CX-9 is a great winter SUV for all but the absolute worst conditions.

"As an enthusiast's three-row sport/ute," says Jurnecka, "the CX-9's combo of strong power and positive handling combine to betray its real size and weight." Jurnecka was also fond of the posh cabin and overall appeal. "The interior materials are beautiful and lend a true upscale feel to the CX-9 that puts it on par with the products of some of Europe's better automakers. I'm not convinced many people need a crossover this large, but this is the one to have if you do."

"The CX-9'S silky-smooth ride and power delivery," says Truck Trend art director Thomas Voehringer, "make it my personal, rolling therapist. Throttle tip-in is light and responsive without the aggressive overreaction many 'scoot/utes' possess. The powerband is strong and fluid as you watch the digital display tick off the gears. Shifting can best be described as smooth-even under full power, gear selection is seamless."

Well, after three days of testing 11 vehicles at the dragstrip and skidpad, in and around greater Los Angeles, and on the twisty, high-elevation roads that squiggle through the mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, we're here to report that the CX-9 is not only Mazda's finest demonstration of infusing sports-car qualities into an SUV, but also Motor Trend's 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year.

Despite the sleek, flowing body that suggests tight quarters, the CX-9 boasts a spacious interior for seven, highlighted by more second-row legroom than in the Enclave, Highlander, Tribeca, or Veracruz, and more third-row legroom and cargo room behind that row than you'll find in the last three.

"The CX-9's AWD was reassuring on the few gravel roads we meandered onto, its side mirrors are big, it has plenty of power, the six-speed is a silky wonder, and the interior is relentlessly attractive. The dash's design reminds me of deco furniture-very handsome."

"The CX-9 superbly balances roominess and utility with rewarding performance and handling. It's a lot of fun to drive, and the ride is compliant without being overly cushy."

Likewise, the CX-9 has very little of the typical minivan or crossover body roll, and the all-wheel-drive system seems quick and smart enough to keep us out of trouble.

"The Mazda CX-9 spins the traditional `ute' in a new direction," said MacKenzie. "It's a sleek, elegant, sophisticated vehicle that is comfortable going to midtown, the market or the mountains."

The Mazda CX-9 offers a swift and stylish alternative to a mid-size SUV or a minivan. The CX-9 is a crossover, meaning a vehicle with SUV-type ride height and carrying capacity, but with significantly better fuel economy, ride quality, and handling than a truck-based SUV.

The one down-side of the CX-9 is a stiff ride on rough surfaces, the price of its sporty handling. Still, if you don't need the heavy-duty ruggedness a truck-based SUV, and if a minivan just doesn't suit your style, then maybe the CX-9 is for you.

Climbing into the Mazda CX-9 reveals some surprises. The first is that it is so easy to climb into the front seats. The second is that the seating position is as high as in most SUVs, providing the driver with a good look down the road. The third surprise is the amount of room inside.

The Mazda CX-9 is an impressively well-rounded package offering practicality, good standard safety equipment, style and sporting road manners, at the price of a stiff ride.

The Mazda CX-9 offers a swift and stylish alternative to a mid-size SUV or a minivan. The CX-9 is a crossover, meaning a vehicle with SUV-type ride height and carrying capacity, but with significantly better fuel economy, ride quality, and handling than a truck-based SUV.

The one down-side of the CX-9 is a stiff ride on rough surfaces, the price of its sporty handling. Still, if you don't need the heavy-duty ruggedness a truck-based SUV, and if a minivan just doesn't suit your style, then maybe the CX-9 is for you.

Climbing into the Mazda CX-9 reveals some surprises. The first is that it is so easy to climb into the front seats. The second is that the seating position is as high as in most SUVs, providing the driver with a good look down the road. The third surprise is the amount of room inside.

The Mazda CX-9 is an impressively well-rounded package offering practicality, good standard safety equipment, style and sporting road manners, at the price of a stiff ride.