Exterior

The 2007 redesign was as substantial as the 1999 reworking, which did away with the pop-up headlights in favor of fixed units and a more curvaceous body. The current generation retains the fixed headlights but returns somewhat to the original shape, with fewer curves — except for the accentuated wheel arches that recall the Mazda RX-8.

The folding soft-top incorporates a Z-fold design that uses a single, centrally positioned latch handle. The top fits flush in its lowered position, so a detachable boot cover isn't necessary. Standard wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17-inchers are available.

    See also:

    Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
    The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). automatically controls braking and engine torque in conjunction with systems such as ABS and TCS to help control side slip when driving on slippery surfaces, o ...

    Exterior
    The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and car-like honeycomb grille. The SUV's beltline rises as it heads rearward, and the sides are free of c ...

    Safety
    All-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, three-row side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control rollover mitigation technology are standard. There's al ...