All through my time of testing cornering speeds, I never had severe body lean until just before the tires started to howl. Very shortly after the noise began, the nose began to come out. During all this, the AWD system kept shuffling power to the wheels that could use it. Eventually, the traction and stability control programs kicked in and shut me down. My side seat cruise control tells me that this is a good thing; it keeps me from making a fool of myself when I slide off the road.
Interior and comfort
If I were to slide off the road, I would be doing it in comfort. The GT comes with everything you need and many things you don't, as standard equipment. A power liftgate provides access to the expandable cargo area. With the third-row seat up, the cargo area still holds a couple of hockey bags. Put the third row down and the cargo area grows to the point where you can get enough hockey bags and five players in so that you want to make sure everybody showered after the game. This space can also be used for more mundane things like groceries from Costco or an end table from your favorite antique shop.
Actually sitting in the third row isn't bad, but for an old geezer, it takes practice. Kids love it since they get to be as far from parental control as possible and still not have to walk. In addition, the wireless headphones for the optional DVD entertainment system work just fine back there.
Second-row seats are easy to get in and out of, mostly because of the ample proportions of the doors and spacious provisions of the second row. It is the perfect place to sit back and relax to watch your favorite DVD.
Up front, generously cut, heated, leather bucket seats are the way to go for long trips or short bursts of fun. There is plenty of support and the seat curves gently enough so that nearly every body type will fit. The upright driving style and properly located steering wheel and pedals means driving comfort can be achieved in about 20 seconds of playing with the power controls on the drivers' seat. Once set, the only limit to your endurance is your coffee cup!
The Best
One of the best parts of the CX-9 is that Mazda doesn't put any badges on to identify things like the GT or when a CX-9 has all-wheel drive. Only you and those who have to pull in behind you know for sure! GT versions start at $44,795, and as tested, it costs $52,885.
photo:Charles Renny
Interior and comfort
If I were to slide off the road, I would be doing it in comfort. The GT comes with everything you need and many things you don't, as standard equipment. A power liftgate provides access to the expandable cargo area. With the third-row seat up, the cargo area still holds a couple of hockey bags. Put the third row down and the cargo area grows to the point where you can get enough hockey bags and five players in so that you want to make sure everybody showered after the game. This space can also be used for more mundane things like groceries from Costco or an end table from your favorite antique shop.
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| The GT comes with everything you need and many things you don't, as standard equipment. |
Actually sitting in the third row isn't bad, but for an old geezer, it takes practice. Kids love it since they get to be as far from parental control as possible and still not have to walk. In addition, the wireless headphones for the optional DVD entertainment system work just fine back there.
Second-row seats are easy to get in and out of, mostly because of the ample proportions of the doors and spacious provisions of the second row. It is the perfect place to sit back and relax to watch your favorite DVD.
Up front, generously cut, heated, leather bucket seats are the way to go for long trips or short bursts of fun. There is plenty of support and the seat curves gently enough so that nearly every body type will fit. The upright driving style and properly located steering wheel and pedals means driving comfort can be achieved in about 20 seconds of playing with the power controls on the drivers' seat. Once set, the only limit to your endurance is your coffee cup!
The Best
One of the best parts of the CX-9 is that Mazda doesn't put any badges on to identify things like the GT or when a CX-9 has all-wheel drive. Only you and those who have to pull in behind you know for sure! GT versions start at $44,795, and as tested, it costs $52,885.
photo:Charles Renny
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