Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD SUV. This is a 7-passenger spacious SUV that I had the opportunity to have a lot of seat time on a trip to San Diego from Los Angeles, CA. I ferried a few folks with me and it impressed even the snobbiest of the guys. It is roomy and if you need to seat seven it is possible albeit the rear seating area is best suited for little people as you might expect. But when you do fill the third row the cargo area is very, very limited. I guess that’s why they have a luggage rack on the top.
It is ideal for those who are married with children. Or not married with children. In other words it is a great family vehicle. But if I were a soccer mom I would opt for a ‘mini-van’ where getting in and out is much easier for those little leprechauns and your dog spot.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 10%, Korea 85%. Engine and Transmission – Japan. It is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan. Classification is Standard SUV. Cars from Mazda: CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, MazdaSpeed3, MX-5 Miata, RX-8 and Tribute.
Handling & Performance:
Solid – stable ride that eases the stress and strain of long trips. Some think my usual commute of 50 miles one way is a long trip. But when you take a 400 mile journey you get the feedback from your back, neck, and bottom. This SUV passed the comfort test extremely well. It is also powerful and handles the high speed freeways with confidence.
Styling:
Most all SUV’s are very much the same in look and we obviously like the look because this is the most popular vehicle design in pretty much all of the world.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
It didn’t surprise me that this SUV runs about $37,000 and it is just about right for what you get.
Conveniences and comfort:
There is an abundance of features from those safety and technology gadgets that we have become accustomed to have in our cars in the 21st Century.
Consumer Recommendation:
You will want to include the Korean offerings from Kia and Hyundai and the domestic Dodge in this important decision. Transportation is synonymous with the automobile in much of the world and contrary to the way it was like 50 years ago, today great cars are not ONLY made in America.
Recognized Competition:
Mazda CX-9 $37,000, Buick Enclave $45,000, Buick LaCrosse $39,000, Chevrolet Equinox $33,000, Chevrolet Tahoe $48,000, Chevrolet Traverse $43,000, Dodge Durango $32,000, Dodge Journey $27,000, GMC Acadia $38,000, Honda Pilot $41,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $36,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $29,000, Kia Sportage $28,000, Mazda CX-5 $26,000, Nissan Murano $37,000, Nissan Pathfinder $34,000, Subaru Forester $30,000, Subaru Tribeca $34,000, Volkswagen Touareg $45,000.
Good News:
Spacious, powerful, comfortable ride with lots of standard features that give this SUV a high value ratio.
Bad News:
Tough on fuel economy if size is not a condition of what you need.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter 273 horsepower V-6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission active torque split AWD, 20” aluminum alloy wheels, power open/close lift-gate, rain sensing wipers, 7-passenger seating, tilt & telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, power windows and locks, power heated front seats, leather seating, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brakes with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), blind spot monitoring, front side and side curtain air bags, roll stability control, sensors for rear and cross traffic alerts, auto headlights, fog lights, heater power mirrors, 60/40 split fold down 2nd row seats, 50/50 split fold down 3rd row seats, USB audio input, Bluetooth phone / audio, AM/FM/CD audio with 6 speakers, climate control5.8” color display with rear camera, speed sensing auto door locks, keyless entry and start system, dynamic stability control, traction control, anti-theft engine immobilizer and alarm, LATCH rear child safety seat anchors and tethers and tire pressure monitor.
Gas Stats:
$3.93/ Gal avg. May 31, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
16 City and 22 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $36,625.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
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