May 2, 2017, 00:00 AM by Paul Immediato

Mazda launched its CX-9 in 2006, as a midsize three-row crossover that laughed in the face of standard SUV boxiness, and offered more carlike handling and a more sculpted look. That first CX-9 shared elements with its Ford brethren, but after 11 years, and now a full season into its second generation, Mazda’s flagship sports-ute stands and rides firmly on its own.

Largely unchanged for the 2017 model year, the mid-trim-level CX-9 Touring adds Smart City Brake Support as a standard feature, an amenity that was previously reserved only for CX-9’s Touring’s available options package as well as Grand Touring and Signature trims. And this year’s model has trimmed down a bit, as my test CX-9 Signature in AWD configuration is 26 pounds lighter with a curbweight of 4301 pounds.

Speaking to the niche’s tech-demanding audience, technology highlights on the CX-9 include an available windshield-projected Active Driving Display; MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system with 7-inch or available 8-inch, full-color touchscreen display and voice command; standard rearview camera; Multi-function Commander control; Auto-dimming rearview mirror; Standard Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio; BOSE® 12-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®.

CX-9’s execution of the Mazda KODO—Soul of Motion design lives through its proportion—a long hood, swept greenhouse, large wheels and short overhangs that convey stability and a contained sense of potential energy. At 199.4 inches long, CX-9 is 1.2 inches shorter than its Gen-1 length, but its wheelbase was stretched 2.2 inches to 115.3 inches, benefiting passenger leg room as well as entry to and exit from the rear. CX-9 carries shorter overhangs on both ends than previous models, as its long hood adds a sense of strength through proportions. CX-9 measures 77.2 inches in width and 67.6 inches in height with a ground clearance of 8.8 inches and curb-to-curb turning circle radius in 19.4 feet.

After being named as a finalist for the 2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, 2017 World Car of the Year and 2017 World Car Design of the Year, CX-9’s design cues play a role through the KODO architecture concept. CX-9’s exterior flows with a proud front fascia that blends into crisp lines that flow to the rear, a rounded and curvy demeanor and subtle creases. The cabin is ergonomic, thoughtful, high-tech and imbued with upscale inclusions specific to each trim level. The focus of CX-9 continues to be one of being an automotive experience rather than simply another vehicle to get from, place to place.

CX-9’s powertain remains its 2.5-liter inline-4 turbo that delivers 227hp on regular (87-octane) unleaded fuel and 250hp with Premium (93-octane) gas. Torque is 310 lbs.-ft., and the EPA estimate is 20/city, 26/highway in AWD configuration (FWD gets 2mpg better). A week of road tests in mixed-use situations averaged 22.9mpg.

The CX-9 driving experience is marked by responsive steering and a relatively smooth ride on uneven surfaces. Acceleration was steady and predictable, as passing at speed and tackling long uphill grades proved easy tasks. On the track, a zero-to-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a consistent 15.4-second quarter-mile were fun and stable. Autocross tests showed some top wobble during quick turns, but certainly well within expectations for the niche.

The CX-9 cabin is comfortable, but tight for drivers and passengers over 6-feet tall. Front headroom is 39.3 inches up front without a moonroof, 38.5 in row two and a child-friendly 35.4 inches in row three. Legroom is comfortable at 41.0 in front with 39.4 in row two and a confining 29.7 in row three, and shoulder room comes in at 57.9, 58.1 and 53.1.

The cabin is packed with high-tech and comfort amenities. My test Signature was loaded with such items as Nappa leather-trimmed seats, Auburn-colored interior accents, leather wrapped steering wheel with unique stitching, genuine Rosewood interior trim, power sliding-glass moonroof with sunshade, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front seats, windshield-projected Active Driving Display, 12-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® 2.0 Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, SiriusXM Satellite radio, Mazda Navigation System and much more.

Safety items include i-ACTIVSENSE, which provides active safety features such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring. CX-9 is also outfitted with Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam, Smart City Brake Support, Distance Recognition Support System, Forward Obstruction Warning and Smart Brake Support. And there is also the typical array of airbags, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution with Brake Assist, dynamic stability control and traction control system, a tire pressure monitoring system and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 starts at $31,520 for a front-wheel drive in the Sport trim – AWD starts at $33,320. Touring trim starts at $35,970 (FWD); the Grand Touring trim starts at $40,370 and the new top-of-the-model-line Signature starts at $44,315 for AWD.

My test ride, a CX-9 Signature in Machine Gray Metallic (an extra $300), mated to a Jet Black Mica interior, offered no available major packages as this trim is loaded as is. Mazda Mobile Start (Smartphone-controlled App) added $550 and an Interior Lighting Kit added $350. With a destination fee of $940, my 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature stickered-as-tested at $45,905.

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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.