2010 Mazda CX-9 Price and Specification

2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda’s medium-size CX-9 looks a lot like its smaller stablemate, the CX-7. Blink and you wouldn’t pick it until you drive up alongside where the 9’s size becomes more apparent.

The whole differentiation thing got harder with a recent mid-life upgrade to both vehicles which ushered in the new smiley face, five-point grille and other changes inside and out.

A range topping GT version of the CX-9 has been added with everything except the kitchen sink for $63,186.

The GT is the only car in medium sports utlility vehicle territory to get 20-inch alloys as standard equipment. They make it look a little like “puss in boots” but big wheel nuts will like it.

The GT has plenty of kit for luxury motoring including satellite navigation, seven leather-clad seats in three rows, three-zone climate control, cruise control, a reversing camera, premium audio, large info screen and xenon headlights.

Bluetooth is also included in the package along with heated mirrors and keyless entry/engine ignition.

Nothing much has changed under the bonnet to the vehicle that was launched in 2007. It runs a 3.7-litre petrol V6 with 204kW/367Nm output driving mostly the front wheels through six-speed auto offering sequential change mode.

2010 Mazda CX-9 improves

2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda’s CX-9 seven-passenger crossover SUV debuted in 2007 and it is one of the more nicely styled vehicles of its ilk. Its sculpted lines flow better than some of its utilitarian competitors and it has undergone several appearance changes for 2010 inside and out.

Most noticeable is a new grille and front-end design as well as new taillights and mirrors. We tested the 2010 CX-9 Grand Touring, the highest trim level, which wears 20-inch wheels and has a nicely appointed interior with some new upgraded features.

The CX-9 has a solid, refined feel with nimble handling that belies its not-so-insignificant proportions. With optional allwheel drive, only the front wheels are powered until slippage is detected, then up to 50 percent can be routed to the rearwheels; the CX-9 proved sure-footed in snowy conditions.