1st place: 2011 Mazda CX-9 GT - 78.3%
And so we come to the top of the comparo group, the No. 1, the Mazda CX-9.
Now, some were a bit shocked at this outcome, despite our rigorous scoring system and flawless calculations of all ratings and comments from the day's drive. How did a car that's one of the “oldest” of the bunch, win hands down? Here's how.
The Mazda featured an appealing and modern exterior and a highly-attractive interior look. Of all the 7-seaters we lined up, none were as impressive on the inside as the Mazda CX-9. The colour combination alone was enough to leave us all a little stunned at its prettiness. This is one chic-looking SUV, and we all realized that.
With fairly good ergonomics that can seem a bit busy at first, the Mazda once again shines with design. And the Bose sound system means no matter what music you choose, it's going to sound fab for the entire road trip.
Lining everyone up side-by-side, you might think the CX-9 was the smallest. It's much rounder and sleeker than the others, and so the roofline slopes down quite drastically, cutting on rear-seat space. So, you might be surprised to hear that the CX-9 actually fit 7 adults very comfortably; in fact, it was one of the best of the bunch. True, with the third row up, the CX-9 offers the second-worst trunk space with only 487 litres to spare. Access to the third row is easy, and the second row offers ample space. However, the middle seat is a bit iffy for taller passengers, as their head may hit the drop-down DVD screen (if equipped) on the ceiling.
The most pleasing thing about the CX-9 is undoubtedly the fact that it drives like a car. This might be a bit counter-something, it being a 7-seater and all, but that's generally the complaint from SUV shoppers. They want the space and the practicality without the large, obtrusive drive. Larger vehicles can be challenging to drive, but Mazda seems to have solved that issue with a ride that's sporty, quiet and refined.
The Mazda's 3.7L V6 helps the CX-9 reach average performance numbers, keeping it in the middle of the pack for most of our tests. However, it came in second in the brake test, despite the wheels locking up. And on the highway, the CX-9 happily cruises at 100 km at just 1,750rpms which inevitably helped it reach an average 13.53 L/100 km.
On the twistier roads, the CX-9 didn't disappoint. With light, precise handling, its car-like demeanour definitely kept it in everyone's good books. Excellent front visibility also helped gain it some leverage, despite a higher beltline that hampered rear visibility.
In all honesty, it seems the Mazda's high style boosted it to the No. 1 spot. This vehicle surpassed our expectations and shot to the top almost without us realizing it was doing so. And yet, when we look back over the ratings and results, we see that it definitely deserves to be there.
And so we come to the top of the comparo group, the No. 1, the Mazda CX-9.
Now, some were a bit shocked at this outcome, despite our rigorous scoring system and flawless calculations of all ratings and comments from the day's drive. How did a car that's one of the “oldest” of the bunch, win hands down? Here's how.
The Mazda featured an appealing and modern exterior and a highly-attractive interior look. Of all the 7-seaters we lined up, none were as impressive on the inside as the Mazda CX-9. The colour combination alone was enough to leave us all a little stunned at its prettiness. This is one chic-looking SUV, and we all realized that.
With fairly good ergonomics that can seem a bit busy at first, the Mazda once again shines with design. And the Bose sound system means no matter what music you choose, it's going to sound fab for the entire road trip.
 |
| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com |
Lining everyone up side-by-side, you might think the CX-9 was the smallest. It's much rounder and sleeker than the others, and so the roofline slopes down quite drastically, cutting on rear-seat space. So, you might be surprised to hear that the CX-9 actually fit 7 adults very comfortably; in fact, it was one of the best of the bunch. True, with the third row up, the CX-9 offers the second-worst trunk space with only 487 litres to spare. Access to the third row is easy, and the second row offers ample space. However, the middle seat is a bit iffy for taller passengers, as their head may hit the drop-down DVD screen (if equipped) on the ceiling.
The most pleasing thing about the CX-9 is undoubtedly the fact that it drives like a car. This might be a bit counter-something, it being a 7-seater and all, but that's generally the complaint from SUV shoppers. They want the space and the practicality without the large, obtrusive drive. Larger vehicles can be challenging to drive, but Mazda seems to have solved that issue with a ride that's sporty, quiet and refined.
The Mazda's 3.7L V6 helps the CX-9 reach average performance numbers, keeping it in the middle of the pack for most of our tests. However, it came in second in the brake test, despite the wheels locking up. And on the highway, the CX-9 happily cruises at 100 km at just 1,750rpms which inevitably helped it reach an average 13.53 L/100 km.
On the twistier roads, the CX-9 didn't disappoint. With light, precise handling, its car-like demeanour definitely kept it in everyone's good books. Excellent front visibility also helped gain it some leverage, despite a higher beltline that hampered rear visibility.
In all honesty, it seems the Mazda's high style boosted it to the No. 1 spot. This vehicle surpassed our expectations and shot to the top almost without us realizing it was doing so. And yet, when we look back over the ratings and results, we see that it definitely deserves to be there.
| PERFORMANCE | DRIVING | SAFETY | GENERAL | |
| DYNAMICS | APPRECIATION | |||
| 2011 Dodge Durango Crew Plus | 67.8% | 69.0% | 74.0% | 72.0% |
| 2011 Ford Explorer XLT V6 4WD | 76.5% | 79.5% | 73.3% | 82.0% |
| 2011 GMC Acadia Denali | 72.8% | 75.3% | 75.5% | 79.0% |
| 2011 Honda Pilot Touring | 75.0% | 74.0% | 78.5% | 73.0% |
| 2011 Mazda CX-9 GT | 72.0% | 81.8% | 77.0% | 80.0% |
| 2011 Nissan Pathfinder LE | 67.5% | 56.3% | 74.0% | 64.0% |
| 2011 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport | 78.0% | 76.0% | 78.8% | 72.0% |