2018 Mazda CX-9 Philippines: A sense of luxury unseen in other SUVs

Aug 25, 2020

The Mazda CX-9 2018 Philippines is a stunning SUV combined with a range of safety equipment. What's more? Keep reading this review by Philcarreview.com to find out.

4.0
₱2,350,000
SUV/MPV

1. Mazda CX-9 2018 Philippines: Introduction

The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured in Japan in 2006. In all models sold globally, including the Philippines, the CX-9 uses either a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive layout.

It has become one of the most easily identifiable cars in the Philippines, primarily due to Mazda 's distinctive design features. So, what we can expect from this 2018 Mazda CX-9 Philippines? Find out the answer in the review by Philcarreview.com.

Mazda CX-9 2018

Mazda CX-9 2018 in the Philippines

2. Why should people buy the Mazda CX-9 2018?

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is a family-friendly vehicle offering a lot of comforts that are definitely worth it to buy.

  • High-Quality Interior Materials
  • High Standards for Safety
  • Great driving experience
  • Plenty of Additional Driver Aids
  • Easily access the third row
  • Premium version Signature gives users a great experience

3. Mazda CX-9 2018 Philippines: Price & Variants available

2018 Mazda CX-9 Price list in the Philippines

Model

SRP

2018 Mazda CX-9 AWD Grand Touring

₱2,830,000

2018 Mazda CX-9 AWD Sport

₱2,350,000

2018 Mazda CX-9 AWD Grand Touring

2018 Mazda CX-9 AWD Grand Touring

4. What’s missing from the features?

Among the lots of perks, the Mazda CX-9 2018 Philippines also has a few disadvantages that could be improved as follows:

  • Ride gets less smoothly on rough roads 
  • Automatic emergency braking is not much effective   
  • Not much space for luggage

5. Mazda CX-9 2018 Philippines: Highlights

Dimensions

Mazda didn't make the 2018 CX-9 larger than its predecessor, as is predicted by many people. Carmakers almost always make the next model a little larger, but Mazda didn't. The 2018 midsize crossover is as long as the previous model at 5,075 mm, with only subtle changes in width and height. 

2018 Mazda CX-9 Exterior

Wheelbase

2,930 mm

Length

5,075 mm

Width

1,960 mm

Height

1,716 mm

Ground clearance

224 mm

Curb weight

1,908 mm

Performance

The engine and the transmission are retained on the driving side. This means the same 231hp 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Switch off the AWD components and this midsize crossover is lighter than the full 103 kg. It should have an impact on fuel economy.

The steering is easy and accurate, and surprisingly, it's very easy to get on the road. Although the ride is normally very smooth, it feels a little too jumpy when moving over rough or challenging road surfaces.

Engine

2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 Dynamic Pressure Turbo

Displacement

2.5L

Horsepower

231 hp @ 5,000 rpm

Torque

420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Drive train

FWD/AWD

Towing Capacity

3,500 pounds

Fuel

Gasoline

2018 Mazda CX-9 Exterior

It feels a little too jumpy when moving over rough or challenging road surfaces

Besides, the gearbox itself is also responsive, but one or two paddle shifters would have been good. The best part of the entire trip must be the quietness of the CX-9 - it's probably the best in class.

>>> More expert car reviews:

Safety features

Mazda puts a great deal of focus on safety standards. In fact, the CX-9 was labeled one of the IIHS Top Safety Picks+ because of its excellent crash test performance. A lot of safety features come standard on the 2018 CX-9, including 6 airbags, low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning and correction, and front and rear clearance sensors with a reverse camera.

2018 Mazda CX-9

2018 Mazda CX-9 Philippines Safety features

  • 6 airbags
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Stability control
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Lane-departure warning and correction
  • Front and rear clearance sensors with a reverse camera
  • Hill Hold Assist

Comfort features

Stepping inside the car, it's immediately apparent that Mazda has paid a lot of attention to make the interior look and feel elegant. The panel gaps are consistently narrow and all the trims line up with special attention to detail. 

2018 Mazda CX-9 Interior

It is surprisingly easy and quick to access the third row of seats. The second row of CX-9 seats is also more spacious, but the cargo space is reduced compared to the old version. Specifically, if the third row of seats is carried, the cargo area has just 230 liters instead of 267 liters as before.

2018 Mazda CX-9 Interior

2018 Mazda CX-9 Cargo space

 The cargo space has just 230 liters instead of 267 liters as before.

  • Power Steering
  • Power Door Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Climate Control: Dual Zone (front), Single Zone (rear)
  • Audio System: Stereo, MP3, Aux, USB, Bluetooth, GPS
  • Steering Controls
  • 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
  • 6-way power adjustable front passenger seat

Exterior

Along with the usual boxy and brash style of its rivals, the CX-9 shows refinement and luxury by restraint. The swoopy, organic lines make a well-balanced and well-proportioned layout. It's so good that the girth is covered in plain sight (slightly bigger than the Ford Explorer and more ground clearance to boot).

Headlights

LED

Fog Lamps

Front

Auto Lights

Yes

Rain-sensing Wipers

Yes

 

2018 Mazda CX-9 Exterior

There's no doubt that the Mazda CX identical features shine through the huge grill, the compact headlights, the long and elegant hood, and the subtly shot brake rear end. All looks purposeful with no lavish or gaudy kit parts or unnecessary design features.

6. Final recommendations: A sense of luxury unseen in other SUVs

In conclusion, although a few changes need to be made to better compete with the Honda Pilot or Ford Ranger, the Mazda CX-9 2018 Philippines offers a sense of luxury with a lot of comforts that are invisible to other vehicles in its class.

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