Room for seven, really
Up front, there's no shortage of space, and the expansive glass provides the driver with a good view of the road ahead, although the A-pillars are large. Just about anyone can find a great driving position. The upscale dashboard benefits from switchgear that is simple to use, and includes tasteful woodgrain trim. However, the metallic trim looks easy to scratch, as the ones on our test vehicle's door panels had scuff marks.
The second-row bench is comfortable and provides a good amount of legroom. Climbing in to access the third-row seat is a little complicated because you must get past the rear wheel well; once you do, the 50/50-split bench can accommodate a couple of adults. Obviously, that's where my kids always want to sit.
Cargo space is generous, but just like in any other 7-passenger SUV, available space is reduced considerably then the 3rd-row seatbacks are up. The optional power tailgate is hopelessly slow to open and close, though.
Competition
The Mazda CX-9 GS starts out at $37,995, although we don't think many people go for the front-wheel drive version. Our GT AWD model with the $1,895 Luxury Package and $2,675 Navigation Package carries a $50,265 sticker.
For that price, the CX-9 has quite a few competitors with V6 power and room for seven:
Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD, 281 hp, $53,560
Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer with options, 210 hp, $48,749
GMC Acadia SLT 1SB AWD with options, 288 hp, $53,250
Honda Pilot Touring, 250 hp, $50,420
Hyundai Veracruz Limited, 260 hp, $47,295
Jeep Commander Sport with options, 210 hp, $49,490
Kia Borrego 3.8 LX, 276 hp, $40,995
Nissan Pathfinder LE V6 with options, 266 hp, $51,698
Saturn Outlook 2XR AWD with options, 281 hp, $51,245
Subaru Tribeca Premier, 256 hp, $48,195
Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD, 252 hp, $36,995
Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited with options, 270 hp, $48,240
The CX-9 isn't cheap, but undercuts several luxury SUVs including the Acura MDX, the Audi Q7, the BMW X5 and the Cadillac SRX. In this group, the Veracruz, the Borrego and the XL7 don't offer a navigation system, which in part explains their lower prices.
Up front, there's no shortage of space, and the expansive glass provides the driver with a good view of the road ahead, although the A-pillars are large. Just about anyone can find a great driving position. The upscale dashboard benefits from switchgear that is simple to use, and includes tasteful woodgrain trim. However, the metallic trim looks easy to scratch, as the ones on our test vehicle's door panels had scuff marks.
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| The upscale dashboard benefits from switchgear that is simple to use, and includes tasteful woodgrain trim. |
The second-row bench is comfortable and provides a good amount of legroom. Climbing in to access the third-row seat is a little complicated because you must get past the rear wheel well; once you do, the 50/50-split bench can accommodate a couple of adults. Obviously, that's where my kids always want to sit.
Cargo space is generous, but just like in any other 7-passenger SUV, available space is reduced considerably then the 3rd-row seatbacks are up. The optional power tailgate is hopelessly slow to open and close, though.
Competition
The Mazda CX-9 GS starts out at $37,995, although we don't think many people go for the front-wheel drive version. Our GT AWD model with the $1,895 Luxury Package and $2,675 Navigation Package carries a $50,265 sticker.
For that price, the CX-9 has quite a few competitors with V6 power and room for seven:
Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD, 281 hp, $53,560
Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer with options, 210 hp, $48,749
GMC Acadia SLT 1SB AWD with options, 288 hp, $53,250
Honda Pilot Touring, 250 hp, $50,420
Hyundai Veracruz Limited, 260 hp, $47,295
Jeep Commander Sport with options, 210 hp, $49,490
Kia Borrego 3.8 LX, 276 hp, $40,995
Nissan Pathfinder LE V6 with options, 266 hp, $51,698
Saturn Outlook 2XR AWD with options, 281 hp, $51,245
Subaru Tribeca Premier, 256 hp, $48,195
Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD, 252 hp, $36,995
Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited with options, 270 hp, $48,240
The CX-9 isn't cheap, but undercuts several luxury SUVs including the Acura MDX, the Audi Q7, the BMW X5 and the Cadillac SRX. In this group, the Veracruz, the Borrego and the XL7 don't offer a navigation system, which in part explains their lower prices.
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| The optional power tailgate is hopelessly slow to open and close, though. |