Holding the transmission in a gear (to have fun at the top of the rev range) is a prescription for lousy gas mileage. If you were doing that, you have little grounds for complaint about the mileage.
Bad gas mileage in the DC area is understandable (im a local). Heavy traffic and lots of red lights. It's hard in this area to have good mileage but I would expect better then 12.5! Good to see you on TFL Emme!
The mpg is not that bad and the touring model with the technology package is the best value, but it's about everyday driving and handling I love glad I brought one...2013 touring with tech package.
I just test drove a Brand New one with 7 miles on it and did a short loop of about 12 miles , the way I normally drive, some city , some highway. The computer showed 17 mpg ...and that's not broken in yet ! Still not great, but I would hope that would increase after it's broken in.
Oh one other note... your complaint that replacing a hatch type center console versus the barn doors? Hate to say it but your passenger is ALWAYS screwed if you need access on the hatch type. And after a few weeks of use, unless you are shorter than the split barn door center console it is really simplistic to get to console items while your passenger remains comfortable.
I have the same configuration and I average 17 mpg. I think I could do 19 or 20 steady highway. These numbers are consistent with what other SUV owners report with big V6's. The CX9 is so much a better driving vehicle than other SUV's you forget you are driving one and exceleration is good too. Add in a great price as equiped and I was sold on it. 8 months later it still puts a grin on my face. Build quality is very good as well. Updated styling now makes it a lot sleeker looking than before. I disagree with the touch screen issue, bigger isn't always better when it gets confusing. In my fifties, I appreciate the easy function buttons along the side that quickly let me jump from audio to navigation for example. I find my eyes spend less time hunting the screen which I feel is safer. The systems bluetooth is an easy set up and works flawlessly even displaying my text messages and gives me reply options. Don't overlook this one if you are in the market!
She mentions how she only averaged around 12 in the city however nearly everytime she accelerates the vehicle I can hear the engine groan. Indicating that she is a lead foot driver. The vehicle is a six speed with plenty of power, if she simply eased of the gas a bit and kept it under 2,000 rpm she could have easily achieved the projected mpg
Dunno how it is in the rest of the world, but in Europe a car will NEVER has the fuel consumption the company says it has. What they do is make a car as light as possible by taking out the spare wheel, tools and every other loose part , then tape up every hole and opening, even remove mirrors. and then they send the car on a straight strip of road and calculate mileage from that. Never, ever have I met someone that got the mileage that's in the books, no matter what they drive. I never bothered with mileage numbers when buying a car, I just look at the kind of car, weight, engine size and horsepower and determine from there if it's gonna be ecominical or thirsty. Not that I care anyway...
The front overhang looks awkward ever since they did the refresh, they really need to do a full redesign. The Santa Fe is a lot better looking inside and out in my opinion.
You all at TFL should spring for a lavalier mic so the reviewer doesn’t have to shout over ambient noise to be heard by the viewers... or give the person a handheld mic or something.
Mazda is taking too long to skyactivate this model. They need direct injection and VVT on the exhaust valves to improve the dismal gas mileage. They need to ditch this old Ford v6 for a more modern V6
They are great cars for merging into traffic and closing in distances thet are the same throughout. Different nose great handling with Nitrogen filled tires. 2012 best year power to weight, and you keep their LED's👍
Sunroof??? In the hot Texas sun, forget about the sunroof. Give us ventilated sats instead. What's with all that annoying music and background noise? Keep it simple, let's hear what the reviewer has to say and what type of noise can be heard inside the car. How did it drive on the highway and how was the ride?
Well Emme, if my passenger thought he/she was inconvenienced by me using the centre arm rest, imagine how they’d feel after I’d left them by the roadside for moaning about it? :)
Emmy ...... thanks for another Kool real world review, seems all the manufacturers are having a hard time getting their claimed gas mileage. But you do have a heavy right foot to ...... ;-)
Been driving it in the city and have a really heavy foot, I am seeing 16.4 mph. No idea how much you have to punch it to get down to 12 but DAYUM. ALso the Ford comparisons are kind of bunk. I love the Explorers and the Flex but both had price points in the stratosphere compared to the 37K for the one I bought which was dropped down to 31 after incentives are applied that Ford doesn't offer. That and driving the Flex felt pretty sluggish by comparison and the Explorer just didnt seem as roomy.
Despite the fact that this is a family hauler, this is also the last model to receive the sky active treatment in Mazdas lineup. I think they're letting reviewers take a crack at this because they want feedback on everything that needs improvement. The new cx9 sky active won't appear till early-mid next year. So reviewing this sucker against anything else that's running on a platform no older than 3yrs is a bit unfair. Regardless, like another commenter posted, only Emme can make me watch a soccer mom hauler. :-) I really like the blue highlights! Keep the reviews coming!
My neighbor has one this is a don't buy It's very obsolete. His wife loves it but this was an upgrade from her 1985 ford escort. The motor screams for its life in every gear. It has a rough, sporty ride, and I didn't even know the Mpg was that bad.
Mazda is notorious for horrible road noise in most of their vehicles. I would be interested to see how this compares to the competition in that regard. Also, the new IIHS small overlap test result for this is really horrible. Plus, the 3/36 warranty is pathetic compared to others. Mazda really needs to step up their game all the way around...unless they enjoy their typically sluggish sales.
TFL should wash and vacuum the cars before they film them - it's kind of disgusting to look at shots of the dirty interior that looks like it's been used and abused for a week before shooting.
Of those mentioned, I say the Ford Explorer is the best looking. If you can spend 15k more, go for the sport version... 365HP and you still get better than 12mpg @ about18 or 22 depending on how you drive...
CalifLove Be careful with some sticker shock there. The tested CX-9 is just over $40k; the Explorer Sport with the 3.5L EcoBoost fully loaded can cross $50k.
Thanks for the review. After watching this review you helped me cross this vehicle off my shopping list. It gets a worse avg MPG than the Dodge Durango RT. I wish you would have reviewed the Dodge Durango as I found your review much more helpful than the one that was done. Maybe they could have you review a v6 limited or citadel model with a v6 of the Durango for comparison ...? Still searching for the perfect 7 passenger CUV that has good gas mileage, but is still fun to drive.
What the hell is a bowhemoth? Do you mean behemoth? Get it right if you are going to be on camera. Just so you are aware in the future, mashing on the big pedal on the right without shifting equals 12.5 mpg. Not the cars fault, it's yours! Who hired this person?
TFL really nailed it by having Emme as a reviewer. She is a really cool host, and funny at that. Keep those reviews coming.
Holding the transmission in a gear (to have fun at the top of the rev range) is a prescription for lousy gas mileage. If you were doing that, you have little grounds for complaint about the mileage.
Bad gas mileage in the DC area is understandable (im a local). Heavy traffic and lots of red lights. It's hard in this area to have good mileage but I would expect better then 12.5! Good to see you on TFL Emme!
The mpg is not that bad and the touring model with the technology package is the best value, but it's about everyday driving and handling I love glad I brought one...2013 touring with tech package.
The CX-9 debuted in 2007. It has been tweaked and refreshed since then,, but it is long past its expiration date.
I just test drove a Brand New one with 7 miles on it and did a short loop of about 12 miles , the way I normally drive, some city , some highway. The computer showed 17 mpg ...and that's not broken in yet ! Still not great, but I would hope that would increase after it's broken in.
Oh one other note... your complaint that replacing a hatch type center console versus the barn doors? Hate to say it but your passenger is ALWAYS screwed if you need access on the hatch type. And after a few weeks of use, unless you are shorter than the split barn door center console it is really simplistic to get to console items while your passenger remains comfortable.
Emmy is like every mans nightmare in a good way. Good review!
This is crazy I have the CX9 2013 not a lot of highway and I live in Sarasota FL.... I average 19.6 But its 2 wheel drive. I LOVE THIS SUV!
I really like Emme - she is knowledgable and fun! Welcome!!!
Its my 1st time seeing her
Once you mentioned the MPG I didn't need to see anymore. Thanks as always for doing intuitive reviews!
I have the same configuration and I average 17 mpg. I think I could do 19 or 20 steady highway. These numbers are consistent with what other SUV owners report with big V6's. The CX9 is so much a better driving vehicle than other SUV's you forget you are driving one and exceleration is good too. Add in a great price as equiped and I was sold on it. 8 months later it still puts a grin on my face. Build quality is very good as well. Updated styling now makes it a lot sleeker looking than before. I disagree with the touch screen issue, bigger isn't always better when it gets confusing. In my fifties, I appreciate the easy function buttons along the side that quickly let me jump from audio to navigation for example. I find my eyes spend less time hunting the screen which I feel is safer. The systems bluetooth is an easy set up and works flawlessly even displaying my text messages and gives me reply options. Don't overlook this one if you are in the market!
Daniel Marrett how is the vehicle holding? Any issues? How many miles on it now?
I have a 2013 4X but I get almost 19 around town. But I drive pretty gingerly. It did improve a good bit after about 10,000 miles.
Dated, heavy, weak 3rd row, poor MPG.
Reboot is for 2016. May get a Turbo 4 cylinder.
Get your own channel Emme.
A V6 crossover with a V12 mileage !!!!
\
Great review, I just bought one and feel the same.
It's an old design but is it fun enough to chooses over Explorers and Highlanders? Personally I dig the Flex Ecoboost.
She mentions how she only averaged around 12 in the city however nearly everytime she accelerates the vehicle I can hear the engine groan. Indicating that she is a lead foot driver. The vehicle is a six speed with plenty of power, if she simply eased of the gas a bit and kept it under 2,000 rpm she could have easily achieved the projected mpg
Dunno how it is in the rest of the world, but in Europe a car will NEVER has the fuel consumption the company says it has. What they do is make a car as light as possible by taking out the spare wheel, tools and every other loose part , then tape up every hole and opening, even remove mirrors. and then they send the car on a straight strip of road and calculate mileage from that.
Never, ever have I met someone that got the mileage that's in the books, no matter what they drive.
I never bothered with mileage numbers when buying a car, I just look at the kind of car, weight, engine size and horsepower and determine from there if it's gonna be ecominical or thirsty. Not that I care anyway...
The front overhang looks awkward ever since they did the refresh, they really need to do a full redesign. The Santa Fe is a lot better looking inside and out in my opinion.
Just bought a used 2014 cx9 with 70k miles. Just want to know if i made the right choice.
Nearly a year later-did you end up making the right choice? How do you like it?
I get 20 mpg on my '10 CX-9
Edwin Chung I didn’t think it was low it’s probable her gas or foot
You all at TFL should spring for a lavalier mic so the reviewer doesn’t have to shout over ambient noise to be heard by the viewers... or give the person a handheld mic or something.
A bit late but it would be interesting to see a comparison of the cx-5 vs cx-7 2.5l...
Yay Emme to the rescue!
Another great review by Emmie!
My dad has an 09 Cx9 and they're practically the same. I'd argue his has some better featured (mostly cosmetic)
Emme has the best reviews!
Mazda is taking too long to skyactivate this model. They need direct injection and VVT on the exhaust valves to improve the dismal gas mileage. They need to ditch this old Ford v6 for a more modern V6
I love your reviews emme
They are great cars for merging into traffic and closing in distances thet are the same throughout. Different nose great handling with Nitrogen filled tires. 2012 best year power to weight, and you keep their LED's👍
I average 18.7 MPG driving with a purpose and sharing the road in the city@70%. Highway.
Sunroof??? In the hot Texas sun, forget about the sunroof. Give us ventilated sats instead.
What's with all that annoying music and background noise? Keep it simple, let's hear what the reviewer has to say and what type of noise can be heard inside the car. How did it drive on the highway and how was the ride?
TFL, please invest in a lav mic or three. Otherwise, enjoy the vids.
Depends on who the passenger is! Usually, the bigger stronger person get it!
Well Emme, if my passenger thought he/she was inconvenienced by me using the centre arm rest, imagine how they’d feel after I’d left them by the roadside for moaning about it? :)
good job Emme...
Emmy ...... thanks for another Kool real world review, seems all the manufacturers are having a hard time getting their claimed gas mileage. But you do have a heavy right foot to ...... ;-)
Now to see how it handles in the mud...
Yes Emme, we saw it and no complaints :)
Been driving it in the city and have a really heavy foot, I am seeing 16.4 mph. No idea how much you have to punch it to get down to 12 but DAYUM. ALso the Ford comparisons are kind of bunk. I love the Explorers and the Flex but both had price points in the stratosphere compared to the 37K for the one I bought which was dropped down to 31 after incentives are applied that Ford doesn't offer. That and driving the Flex felt pretty sluggish by comparison and the Explorer just didnt seem as roomy.
Need to put that V6 in to the Mazda 6. C'mon!!!
Checking Fuelly website, average MPG is 18-19 for most drivers. Nobody got 12.
Yeah- makes me wonder if she was in manual mode zipping around at 6k rpm (1st gear) in traffic all day.
Redline reviews also got identical mileage in their testing, albeit under heavy acceleration as well.
Maglia Rosa
When was the last time anyone ever got 15mpg in a 300hp 2.5 tone vehicle??? 10mpg is typical.
4th gen 4WD 3 row 4.0 V-6 Explorers ('07-'11) get 15 without breaking a sweat. My 1991 Explorer averages 17. Curb weight is 4200 I believe.
I only watched this for Emme. Donut-bump much? ;) lol
CX-9 failed the small overlap crash test horribly, I wouldn't even wanna test drive it.
Were was this filmed?
Despite the fact that this is a family hauler, this is also the last model to receive the sky active treatment in Mazdas lineup.
I think they're letting reviewers take a crack at this because they want feedback on everything that needs improvement.
The new cx9 sky active won't appear till early-mid next year.
So reviewing this sucker against anything else that's running on a platform no older than 3yrs is a bit unfair.
Regardless, like another commenter posted, only Emme can make me watch a soccer mom hauler. :-)
I really like the blue highlights!
Keep the reviews coming!
"yeah it's 5.8in but it's kinda small..."
It's ridiculous that big suv's have petrol engines these days and no car should be allowed on the road unless it does 50 mpg.
well she is having fun in a three rows SUV. I guess 12 mpg is acceptable.
But I do agree the CX9 needs SKYACTIV treatment
Mazdas website shows 17 city and 24 highway. Could Mazda see a lawsuit in their future if consumers aren't satisfied with the numbers they're getting?
"how much of my butt did you see?" :P
this or the santa fe?
Emme -- I think you have a heavy right foot.
Its an old model itd not skyactive its not light and has v6. Its better to wait for new model... If there is a plan for new cx9...
Cool! You got Depeche Mode's Enjoy The Silence on cue! :-)
The shelby with 662 hp gets 24 how Is it better than that
I'll believe that when I drive one for a few tanks and run the numbers at the pump.
Boooooo she covered the clevage!
good video, bad audio. whyy
Acura mdx ftw!!!!!
There is no butt. Unfortunately🤣
looks Nice
Noise pollution, what noise pollution ?
My neighbor has one this is a don't buy It's very obsolete. His wife loves it but this was an upgrade from her 1985 ford escort. The motor screams for its life in every gear. It has a rough, sporty ride, and I didn't even know the Mpg was that bad.
Mazda is notorious for horrible road noise in most of their vehicles. I would be interested to see how this compares to the competition in that regard. Also, the new IIHS small overlap test result for this is really horrible. Plus, the 3/36 warranty is pathetic compared to others. Mazda really needs to step up their game all the way around...unless they enjoy their typically sluggish sales.
3:25 to 3:40 equals 12.5 mpg
Emmie you need long hair
No, I don't.
-Emme @TFLCar
Emme Hall your right. I like your hair.
TFL should wash and vacuum the cars before they film them - it's kind of disgusting to look at shots of the dirty interior that looks like it's been used and abused for a week before shooting.
Oh, good, the blonde bird's back.
12 mpg average?!?!? My gmc yukon gets that good of gas mileage!!!!
id get the 2014 highlander...less sporty feel and ride but much better people hauler....
That's some horrible mileage - I'd go with a Ford Escape 2L turbo instead.
Ford Escape isn't in the same category as of the CX-9, I would compare the Escape with the CX-5.
It would be a Ford Explorer or Ford Flex that would be the comparison for the Mazda CX-9. (It's also a crowded segment).
Of those mentioned, I say the Ford Explorer is the best looking. If you can spend 15k more, go for the sport version... 365HP and you still get better than 12mpg @ about18 or 22 depending on how you drive...
CalifLove Be careful with some sticker shock there. The tested CX-9 is just over $40k; the Explorer Sport with the 3.5L EcoBoost fully loaded can cross $50k.
Or get the ford flex titanium with the 350 hp 3.5 ecoboost
Thanks for the review. After watching this review you helped me cross this vehicle off my shopping list. It gets a worse avg MPG than the Dodge Durango RT. I wish you would have reviewed the Dodge Durango as I found your review much more helpful than the one that was done. Maybe they could have you review a v6 limited or citadel model with a v6 of the Durango for comparison ...? Still searching for the perfect 7 passenger CUV that has good gas mileage, but is still fun to drive.
I stopped at 12mpg
Of course it only get 12 MPGS. Look at those marching boots she's wearing. LoL
the black cladding ruins it. its aging anyway
$4,000 for a technology package.
That gas mileage is freakin abysmal...
For the love of God...get in that trunk!
I love this lady , she is so much fun personality. love the hairstyle too . Don't like the Mazda's though. lol
Couldn't you pick a less interesting car?
She's smoken
What the hell is a bowhemoth? Do you mean behemoth? Get it right if you are going to be on camera. Just so you are aware in the future, mashing on the big pedal on the right without shifting equals 12.5 mpg. Not the cars fault, it's yours! Who hired this person?
It's only 5.8", it's kinda small... that's what she said. lol
that is old ford engine. lol the 2016 should be much better. they are putting their SKYACTIV egine
wow...mpg sucks.
Only Emme can make me watch a review of soccer ball hauler like this
Terrible car, I won a 2009 and it broke down so many times. Never gonna buy a Mazda again.
You can have the car I want the gurl lol 🤦♂️👍🤷♂️
AUDIO SUCKS!
Totally annoying!
Is it me or is she just a little annoying?