Though visually similar to its smaller sibling, the CX-7, the CX-9 competes in a different segment, competing against the Honda Pilot and the like with its seven-passenger seating. Also unlike the CX-7, the CX-9 also shares its chassis with the upcoming Ford Edge. The CX-7 is built on its own unique chassis.
Automobile Magazine enjoyed Mazda’s large offering, finding it quite stable on winding roads. Passengers in the second row found plenty of comfort with the sliding seats and (optional) DVD entertainment system. Both drivers and passengers were protected with plenty of safety features.
Our take? We predict another hit for Mazda with the CX-7. Our biggest (pardon the pun) concern is the exterior sheetmetal: couldn’t have Mazda done more to differentiate it from the CX-7?
Via Automobile Magazine