MotorMouths

The CX-9 looks good inside and out, performs well, and is fun to drive given its size. And when I hit the throttle, the CX-9 put a smile on my face that didn’t come off until I hit my driveway.

You’d assume that with the large number of new or significantly revised SUVs released since 2008, the competition might’ve caught up with and bested the CX-9’s benchmarks. You’d assume wrong.

CX-9 represents how a well-designed vehicle can age gracefully. Roomy, refined and surprisingly fun to drive, the CX-9 is still a worthy adversary for new rivals.

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 offers everything the typical family-friendly crossover does, plus a dash of spice in the form of driving excitement.

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 is designed for families which value the joy of getting to the destination as much as the destination itself.

In a crowded class, the Mazda CX-9 distinguishes itself with a high-quality interior and more driving fun than you’d expect from a large, seven-seat crossover.

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 offers everything the typical family-friendly crossover does, plus a dash of spice in the form of driving excitement.

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 is designed for families which value the joy of getting to the destination as much as the destination itself. It’s one of the few crossover SUVs on the market imbued with genuine on-road athleticism in addition to weather-battling all-wheel drive and modest off-roading capability.

We would like to see better fuel economy and a more state-of-the-art infotainment system, but even after many years on the market, the CX-9 still acquits itself well enough to shine as the clear enthusiast’s choice in a segment not exactly known for driving engagement.

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a well-equipped, well-built and all-around quality vehicle that should be on the short list of anyone shopping in this segment. The styling, though subtle and bordering on minivan-esque, won’t look dated in two years.

If you need a 7-passenger vehicle but don’t want to the bulk and poor fuel efficiency of a full-size SUV, and you hate to be seen driving around a minivan, then the Mazda CX-9 should definitely be on the top of your consideration set.

Shoppers in this segment who want the most engaging driving experience — and who don’t mind some compromises with regard to cargo capacity and fuel economy — will be well served by this talented 2011 Mazda CX-9.