2009 Mazda CX-9 Sport

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 Sport serves as the base trim for this seven-passenger SUV model line. The Sport is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 (273 hp, 270 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic that gets 16 city/22 highway mpg and has a 2,000-pound towing capacity (3,500 with the optional tow package). The Sport features diagonal hydraulic antilock brakes with electronic braking distribution.

The Sport is loaded with interior features that belie its base status: tri-zone climate control, Bluetooth, cruise control, remote entry with a retractable key, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, anti-pinch power windows with front one-touch up/down, a trip computer, illuminated entry, power locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, three 12-volt outlets, eight cup holders, a leather-wrapped center console with storage area, rear under-floor storage, cloth-trimmed seats, 60/40-split fold-down second-row and 50/50-split fold-down third-row seats, one-touch walk-in access to the third row, ambient temperature display, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo.

The Sport’s exterior features halogen headlights, rear wiper and washer, tinted privacy glass for the rear windows and liftgate, rear step bumper, roof spoiler, LED taillights, dual stainless steel exhaust, and body-color power mirrors, door handles, bumpers, and liftgate garnish.

By Tim O'Sullivan