News Source: topspeed.com

Launched for the 2006 model year, the Mazda CX-9  has soldiered on relatively unchanged until now. The facelifts that Mazda  rolled out in 2010  and 2013  brought only minor changes that included new front grilles, updated headlamps, and restyled bumpers. In 2008, Mazda  ditched the 3.5-liter V-6 in favor of a 3.7-liter unit, but the larger engine, the only survivor of the brand’s partnership with Ford, has remained unchanged to this day. All told, the current CX-9 is long in the tooth and is long overdue for an overhaul. Fortunately, the much needed redesign has arrived at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show  and will hit dealerships for the 2017 model year.

Previewed by the Mazda Koeru  concept, the second-generation CX-9 received the company’s Kodo design language and a high-quality interior with premium materials. The engine under the SUV’  s long hood is also new. Horsepower is down compared to the previous model, but the new SkyActiv unit pumps significantly more torque to the wheels and returns better fuel economy.

Mazda says that the new CX-9 represents a "capstone for the new generation of Mazda cars and crossovers  and a high-end model indicating what is to come." We’ll find out whether that’s true or not in the second quarter of 2016, when the SUV is scheduled to hit dealerships. U.S. sales will commence next spring. In the meantime, be sure to check the review below for all the important details about the new CX-9.

Updated 02/12/2016: The new Mazda CX-9 went into production at the Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima. The first units produced will be shipped to the North American market, which is expected to account for 80% of global sales forecast at 50,000 units annually. Sales will begin later in the spring of 2016.

Although I wasn’t expecting it to be as aggressive-looking as the Koeru concept, I was happy to discover that the production CX-9 borrowed quite a few features from the study and that it’s not just a bloated CX-5.

Still recognizable as a Mazda, the CX-9 stands out when compared to its smaller siblings by means of a larger front grille and slender headlamps. The latter are quite similar to the Koeru concept as far as shape and size go, but the light clusters are more production friendly. Outside the reshaped grille and headlamps, the CX-9 also sports an entirely different bumper.

Apparently also inspired by the Koeru with its wide center intake and vertical, blade-like chrome inserts, the new bumper gives the CX-9 a sporty stance that’s not exactly common on vehicles this big. It might sound crazy but the second-gen CX-9 could very well be the Miata of the full-size SUV segment.

The sporty theme continues around back, where the crossover sports a pair of slim taillights built around Miata-like round light units. A chrome stripe runs between the two clusters, just like on the Koeru concept. However, the lower section of the tailgate and the rear bumper are more similar to the CX-5 than the Koeru, with only minor details setting them apart.

When viewed from the side, the CX-9 is a well-proportioned, athletic SUV. The long hood, swept greenhouse, large wheels, and short overhangs suggest stability and sportiness, a feat not many full-size vehicles can brag about. Although it is 1.2 inches shorter than its predecessor, the CX-9 has a 2.2-inch longer wheelbase. The front overhang is 2.3 inches shorter, while the A-pillars are shifted back 3.9 inches.

The SUV can be had with either 18- or 20-inch wheels and in seven exterior colors. Hues include the already iconic Soul Red, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Titanium Flash, and Machine Gray. The latter is a new color Mazda says was designed to make the CX-9 look "as though it was carved from a single ingot of steel." Be that as it may, I still prefer Soul Red.

The redesigned exterior is backed by an impressive cabin that feels far more expensive than what you might expect from Mazda. Although it still features the familiar aluminum dashboard insert or the free-standing screen seen in the Mazda6, the CX-9’s cabin has plenty of unique styling cues to brag about.

The upper section of the dashboard is unique compared to other Mazda vehicles, while the A/C vents have been redesigned. The driver’s side is a lot more familiar though, featuring the same instrument cluster with three big gauges and the three-spoke steering wheels.

On the other hand, the aluminum and wood inserts in the door panels and the revised center stack make it feel more modern and luxurious. The photos depict the interior of the new, range-topping Signature trim level, which means that cheaper models aren’t this fancy, but it doesn’t make the new CX-9 less impressive.

The SUV can be ordered with authentic Japanese rosewood supplied by "a premium guitar maker," Nappa leather in Supple Auburn, and contrast stitching for the center console armrest.

Not just luxurious, the cabin is also quiet. Mazda says there are more than 53 pounds of sound deadening components installed bellow the floor in three different sections. Needless to say, the CX-9 is probably the most comfortable vehicle Mazda has built to date.

Convenience features include a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen for the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which uses both Bluetooth and cable-based connection for functions like Pandora or Aha by Harman music streaming. There’s also a 4.5-inch TFT screen in the instrument cluster and a color head-up display projected onto the lower windshield. In the back, passengers have two, 2.1-amp USB ports available for charging smartphones or tablets.

Finally, the CX-9 can be ordered with bespoke Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers. The system was specifically tuned to the SUV’s interior and features silk tweeter covers.