Mazda’s flagship model, the 7-passenger crossover was updated for 2013.
The CX-9 featured a completely redesigned front and back, following the Mazda’s new Kodo design.

At the front, the new headlights looked more like an eagle’s eyes, while at the back, the updated taillights contributed to the more modern look of the CX-9, along with the dual exhaust and the bigger bumper.

The CX-9 was built on a platform similar to the Ford’s Explorer. Actually, the CX-9 had the underpinnings of a Ford, wrapped under a Japanese package.

Available in two trim levels, the GS and the GT, the CX-9 had a starting price of around $34,000, respectively, $47,000. Not the cheapest crossover on the market at the time.

The GS trim level came with a standard front-wheel-drive system, while the GT offered a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Standard 20-inch alloys came with the GT trim level, while the GS offered 18-inch alloys.

The approach on the inside was rather simple, with clear control for everything.

Part of the packages were a backup camera, a bluetooth system and a 5.8-inch screen.

The dashboard was similar to the CX-7’s and very different from the CX-5’s.

The seats were comfortable and offered plenty of room, even for the passengers in the 3rd row. The access to the 3rd row was made easy, users having to use only one hand to recline the seat on the 2nd row.

One of the engines mounted on the CX-9 was a 3.7-liter V6 engine that developed 273 hp. Compared to Ford’s models, the CX-9 offered plenty of power as standard, while a Ford Edge had a standard 3.5-liter engine and users would need to pay more to get a more powerful one.