A 273-horsepower V-6 and a common-sense six-speed automatic push the crossover around with little effort and lots of refinement. Other then a problem when first purchased, no problems, fun to drive, reliable in all weather conditions. Two adults will fit easily, with headroom to spare even on models outfitted with the optional moonroof. Lumbar support in the driver's seat has proven excellent. I love the third row. Shift quality is about the best you'll find--though the same engine in the Ford Flex comes with a turbocharging option and paddle shifters for a total of 360 hp. There's a charger in the glove box so the kids use that but I don't like it hanging out all the time.
I've had my car for 1 month and so far it's been great. For navigation and other high-end features, you'll have to spend up to the Grand Touring model, but the base Sport is a good value for drivers who want a few more signs of life than the ordinary crossover can deliver. Rakish and sporty, it's completely without off-road pretension--more like the Audi Q7 in its mission to hide its bulk while still fitting in with the smaller cars in its brand. All-wheel drive is an important functional option. While not a huge fan of the smiley face, the cx-9 does have a very shape and looked very sporty. It's comfortable for five or seven people, some younger and smaller, but it's also a touch more involving to drive than the usual big ute.
Easy to apply and a perfect color match. Maybe there is one in the more expensive model? Acceleration into traffic is excellent and braking is good. The slimness of the dash and pillars feel more like a Mazda6 sedan than a seven-passenger crossover. A drawback in the interior is that there is just a little too much plastic - plastic that looks like plastic. The interior fits and feels upscale, with nicely chosen and matches materials for the most part, and tight, impressive build quality. The federal agency has changed how it hands out its star ratings, and as a result, many new vehicles are left unscored.
The only problem I had was teaching myself how to use the clear coat, which is a little bit tricky as it is more difficult to merge it with the existing clear coat than the paint was. Click here for Why The Two-Step Paint System? Could it use a little more low-end grunt? Tons of compliments from friends, family and even strangers in the Target parking lot. We'll update this review when they publish their results. I love that the second row of seating can adjust forward or back giving just the right amount of leg room. Not as spacious as a Pilot, but still not bad at all. The mid-range Touring and top-line Grand Touring add leather trim, power front seats and more.
The color code can be located in the driver side door jamb or on the firewall. All in all, a great car. The tall roof can be easily accessed by standing on the bottom of the door opening, another helpful feature for those not blessed with overwhelming height. Active Torque-Split All-Wheel-Drive On available all-wheel-drive models, sensors signal control modules to send more torque to the axle with the best traction automatically. Up to half the engine's torque can be sent to the rear through a computer-controlled coupling connected to the rear differential. The styling theme is completed by a set of wrap-around headlights and a broad-shouldered tail with curving tail lights and twin trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips.
Controls for ventilation and the audio system are logically laid out, flanked by rich wood spears running from dash to floor mirroring similar pieces on the door panels. Bluetooth for phone is also included for all trim. The second-row bench slides back and forth about five inches, for flexible leg room. It's also the right size for a group of people or with the seats down, loads of stuff. Steering feel is crisp, with good weight and a good sense of on-center feel. Kids won't have any problem.
The rear camera has come in handy, too. That places it higher than the five-passenger Ford Edge and about even with the three-row and. A navigation system bundled with a rearview camera is an option on this trim. It powers the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, or all four wheels with Mazda's available Active Torque-Split all-wheel-drive. The well-contoured bucket seats and two-tone trim bespeak luxury trappings, but the thick-grip three-spoke steering wheel and six-speed automatic with manual shift gate scream performance machine.
On this trim, you'll get cloth upholstery, with an option for power front seats. Pros: It handles really well for it size, steering feel is excellent, and also has great power. It is also quite spacious inside. Five adults will still be friends after a stint in the first and second rows, but you won't be putting anyone fully-grown in the third row unless they're under five feet tall. In the second row, it's all about comfort. The only thing missing that my last car had was a place in the back seats to charge electronics.
Steering's pretty charming for such a large Mazda--one with all-wheel drive as an option--and the ride's not too overbearing, unless you opt into the somewhat silly 20-inch wheels. A small bottle goes a long way. The seat also has reclining backrests, offers easy access to the third row with a one-handed release and folds flat into the floor to optimize cargo room. We also really like how the interior is layout and it's simply very well-built. Definitely would buy another if this one ever wears out. It is so easy to put the seats up and down, and even with the seats up I have plenty of cargo space. But, performance more than makes up for cosmetics and if I had to do it all over again, I would buy this car.
From the driver's seat the first feature that comes into view is a quad chrome-ringed gauge cluster brilliantly illuminated by blue and red lighting. . The front two rows are best for adults. We are very happy with it. A blind-spot monitoring system is standard on the Grand Touring edition, and a rear backup camera is available with that model's navigation package, but neither feature is offered on Touring or Sport models. Handling is good, however, the steering may be just a little too sensitive. It's refined, almost butter-smooth at speed, and doesn't send vibration into the cabin.