New 2008 Mazda CX-9 Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 33 CX-9 reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mazda CX-9's car-like exterior makes it one of the most attractive models in its class. The Washington Post says "Some people thought it was a slick minivan, while others saw it as a slick SUV. But nearly everyone who had anything to say about its appearance gave the CX-9 high marks for styling."
Cars.com writes "Mazda took the right approach with the new seven-seat CX-9 crossover by giving it a sporty look that both reaffirms Mazda's brand image and is likely to appeal to more buyers than conventional SUVs do." The nearly 200-inches-long CX-9 is the largest Mazda vehicle, but several note it hides its heft well. New Car Test Drive states "it doesn't look big from the outside, although it is about a foot longer than the Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander ..."
The Detroit Free Press praises the CX-9 as "among the most attractive vehicles in its class, with Mazda's distinctive grille and wheel arches and a sharply raked windshield." Meanwhile, the Detroit News likes the "sporty look," stating "its steeply-angled windshield and mean face, which is dominated by the wide bumper and narrow headlights, make it look more sinister than friendly." 4x4 Review has the ultimate praise, commenting "Without sacrificing versatility or efficiency, the CX-9 strives for the sophisticated appearance of a vehicle costing two to three times as much."
One of the only complaints about the CX-9's appearance comes from the Detroit Free Press, which finds the Grand Touring's large 20-inch tires off-putting, especially compared to the base model's 18-inch option. The review notes "putting the wrong set on a car is as bad as wearing two left shoes. ... In fact, anybody considering the CX-9 -- an attractive, if pricey, new seven-seat SUV--should test drive models with both tire sizes before buying."
Exterior Trims
Sport base model
The base CX-9's exterior features include 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, P245/60 R18 tires, body-color door handles, body-color front and rear bumpers, a body-color roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets with bright finish, a body-color liftgate garnish, halogen headlights, body-color side view mirrors, an intermittent rear window wiper/washer, and a rear step bumper.
Touring
The Touring adds driver and passenger heated side view mirrors.
Grand Touring
The highest trim level adds 20-inch aluminum-alloy bright finish wheels, upgraded P245/50 R20 tires, bright door handles, a bright liftgate garnish, fog lights, auto on/off Xenon High-Intensity headlights with manual height adjustment, and body-color side view mirrors with side marker lights.
