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2008 Mazda CX-9 Road Test

What is it about crossover vehicles that's so appealing? I had to ask this

It's been a while since Mazda has done a seven seater, but they made sure and did it right. (Photo: Mazda)

question out loud to myself as I climbed into the driver's seat of the new 2008 Mazda CX-9. I did so more out of respect for the automaker than disdain. I must admit that my philosophy has always been “less is more.” I don't quite get why we need cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans and now a combination of all three in the crossover segment. Can such a creation really be all things to all people? Well, in the case of the CX-9, it comes pretty darn close.

This highly regarded specimen won the Motor Trend Sport/Utility Award for 2008, and I was curious to understand why. My first clue was appearance – yes you can judge this book by its cover! It's a knockout. I received several compliments from friends and passersby who said they loved the look of this car. Really and truly, it is one of those rare finds that stands out from the crowd. It's definitely not like a typical boxy SUV, too big to be a car (although it gets its start from the Mazda 6 platform), way too robust and sexy to be a minivan, and yet it has characteristics of all three. Starting with the bold front grille and shrewd looking angular headlamps, the CX-9 looks like a no-nonsense “I'm here to make a statement” leader of the pack. Allow your eyes to follow that severely slanted extra large front windshield,

Interior and exterior are well thought out, and have a little flash to them. (Photo: Mazda)

and you know that no wind will stand in its way. Here is where Mazda excels at promoting speed and sporty appearance through its stylish and functional aerodynamic design. This theme continues along the side panels with long doors and windows that give a sleek and uncluttered line to the body. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels on the Sport and Touring models look very appropriate, but what about those gorgeous 20-inch alloys on the GT? Like a bodybuilder on steroids, these muscles add that something extra to an already attractive package. And what a nice butt – tight, tailored and simple, with two large chrome tailpipes – yeah baby! This is one vehicle I would take the time to wash and wax myself, rather than sending through the automatic car wash.

Have I got your attention? Well, let's move on inside and get acquainted with the CX-9's other attributes. After all, it's not just a pretty face. This crossover is deceptively large, with seating for seven. It doesn't look all that big from the outside, but because of the extra long wheelbase (113.2 inches) there is substantial legroom in all three rows. Head room is

Second row seating design makes getting into the third row a bit awkward at times. Otherwise, it's a comfortable bench. (Photo: Mazda)

ample, too, except in the third row, due to the slanting roof line. Adults of all sizes will find the first two rows of seating to be sufficient and extremely comfortable for long trips. Like most SUVs and crossovers, the two seats in the third row are perfectly fine for children, but not so great for grownups, except on short jaunts. Getting into the third row is fairly easy by virtue of the forward moving second row seats. There is, however, a bit of an obstacle in the form of a large wheel well to climb over. I noticed this more acutely when I was wearing a skirt.

With all the seats in their upright position, the remaining cargo room is scant, with more height (30.9 inches) than length (19.0 inches), making it difficult to stow many groceries or other open bags. With the third row and second row down, however, the cargo volume goes from 17.2 cu ft to a vast 100.7 cu ft. There are many configurations for hauling whatever you might have picked up at IKEA or Home Depot. The middle row splits 60/40, while the third row splits 50/50. And if you picked up more than you could possibly fit inside the vehicle,

Importantly, the third row folds away flat, leaving a nice big cargo area. (Photo: Mazda)

don't despair, as the towing capacity is good for most light hauls at 3,500 lbs.

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