An Incredible Hulk
Ask any automotive journalist what the most challenging sort of vehicle to evaluate is, and they'll probably tell you it's the crossover SUV. If for no reason other than the sheer number of contenders, this market is a doozy.
Mileage versus power? Off-road ability versus handling? Car like agility versus truck-like ruggedness? Sometimes, these tradeoffs go without a hitch- but other times they can leave one feeling like they're rolling around in a great big schizophrenic minivan.
The $52,715 Mazda
This is relatively uncharted MSRP territory for the brand, but the loaded CX-9 GT tester came with everything Mazda has to offer. Up front, occupants sit in power, heated and leather trimmed seats surrounded by cleanly trimmed wood and metal accents. A Bluetooth cell phone hookup, navigation system, and 6-CD changer are installed- working in cahoots with a mighty Bose stereo.
It's not second-rate transportation in back either- as occupants are treated to a DVD system and their own climate control zone. Storage spaces for at-hand items are adequate, and there are several power outlets and an auxiliary stereo input as well.
High intensity discharge lighting in front provides excellent visibility and works with the 20-inch wheels for a requisite posh-SUV appearance.
Other useful features include a motorized rear hatch that opens and closes at the press of a button, and a smart-key system which lets you into the cabin as long as you've got the key on your person. Cool stuff.
All aboard
Inside and out, Mazda's largely captured the upper scale feel that characterizes this price range, and it's nice to see that they haven't gone and cluttered up the cabin with dozens of buttons and switches either.
It's all very concise looking- and only a few minor complaints wound up. The volume and power knob for the audio system is on the wrong side of the head-unit, requiring the driver to leave their seat if they opt against using the steering-wheel controls. The power window switches are much the same story- mounted a little too far away.
Ask any automotive journalist what the most challenging sort of vehicle to evaluate is, and they'll probably tell you it's the crossover SUV. If for no reason other than the sheer number of contenders, this market is a doozy.
Mileage versus power? Off-road ability versus handling? Car like agility versus truck-like ruggedness? Sometimes, these tradeoffs go without a hitch- but other times they can leave one feeling like they're rolling around in a great big schizophrenic minivan.
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| With good winter tires the CX-9 offers great traction. |
The $52,715 Mazda
This is relatively uncharted MSRP territory for the brand, but the loaded CX-9 GT tester came with everything Mazda has to offer. Up front, occupants sit in power, heated and leather trimmed seats surrounded by cleanly trimmed wood and metal accents. A Bluetooth cell phone hookup, navigation system, and 6-CD changer are installed- working in cahoots with a mighty Bose stereo.
It's not second-rate transportation in back either- as occupants are treated to a DVD system and their own climate control zone. Storage spaces for at-hand items are adequate, and there are several power outlets and an auxiliary stereo input as well.
High intensity discharge lighting in front provides excellent visibility and works with the 20-inch wheels for a requisite posh-SUV appearance.
Other useful features include a motorized rear hatch that opens and closes at the press of a button, and a smart-key system which lets you into the cabin as long as you've got the key on your person. Cool stuff.
All aboard
Inside and out, Mazda's largely captured the upper scale feel that characterizes this price range, and it's nice to see that they haven't gone and cluttered up the cabin with dozens of buttons and switches either.
It's all very concise looking- and only a few minor complaints wound up. The volume and power knob for the audio system is on the wrong side of the head-unit, requiring the driver to leave their seat if they opt against using the steering-wheel controls. The power window switches are much the same story- mounted a little too far away.
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| Despite some minor issues, the interior is good looking and feels rich. |