The Mazda CX-9 is a full-size crossover SUV to be built by the Japanese automaker Mazda alongside the smaller Mazda CX-7. It will offer third-row seating, replacing the Mazda MPV minivan for North America. The CX-9 was unveiled on April 13, 2006 at the New York International Auto Show. It will be manufactured at Mazda's Ujina 1 plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan and will go on sale in early 2007. The CX-9 competes with the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, the all new 2007 Hyundai Veracruz, the redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot, as well as GM's Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. The CX-9 went on sale in February 2007. The CX-9 will also be sold in Australia, replacing the MPV minivan there.
The CX-9 is built on the stretched Mazda6 platform. Although it is similar in appearance to the smaller Mazda CX-7, the CX-9 will share little of that vehicle's platform components. It is a front-wheel drive vehicle with an optional four-wheel drive system.
The 2007 CX-9 is the first Mazda to use the 3.5 L Ford "Cyclone" V6, called the "MZI" in Mazda guise. The 2008 Mazda Cx-9 uses a 3.7 liter V6 engine. Mazda states that the new engine will generate 273 horsepower and 270 ft•lb torque. The new engine went into production in June 2007 at Mazda’s engine plant in Japan. The CX-9 will use an Aisin sourced 6-speed automatic transmission with a console-mounted shifter in a complex Mercedes-Benz-like gate.
Standard safety equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Roll Stability Control, front side impact airbags and 3 row side Air Curtains. The CX-9 will offer options such as DVD navigation system, Handsfree Bluetooth phone link, Backup Camera, rear entertainment system with Bose 5.1 surround sound.
