The original CX-9 first hit the scene in Australia during 2007. Based on an American Ford underneath, but styled to look like a Mazda inside and out, the V6 petrol-powered seven-seater reasonably well for the Japanese brand.
Devoid of Ford influence, the 2016 redesign proved to be something entirely different and better, however, pushing out big-SUV boundaries with its combination of sleek styling, smart packaging, exceptional comfort, a quiet ride and silky yet punchy performance from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. In either front-drive or all-wheel drive configurations, the CX-9 showed others like the rival Toyota Kluger and Nissan Pathfinder exactly how it should be done.
In fact, this second-generation CX-9 demonstrated that Mazda could take on more-expensive luxury SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, giving the brand confidence to move more upmarket. Mazda's quest for premium positioning started right here. The cheapest grade starts from $47,600, rising to $74,400 for the most expensive version.