If the only extra you got with the GT package was a power tailgate, it would be worth it, particularly with all the miserable weather we’ve had. Pushing that little button on the remote kept my hands and gloves clean while loading. When I was done, all I had to do was put up the umbrella again and push the button to close everything up.
GT Equipment
Inside the CX-9 there are a few items that will let you know that you are in a GT. My wife used the power passenger seat to make herself comfortable. And I enjoyed the satellite radio which was pumped through the 10-speaker, premium Bose sound system. There were a couple of subtle items, such as the blind-spot warning system and the large-screen rear video monitor that you wouldn’t miss until they weren’t there.
Interior Comfort
The heated, leather-covered buckets up front were easily adjusted for comfort and when you tossed in the steering wheel adjustability, getting into a comfortable driving position was real easy. I found that once I set the seat to my liking, I could sit there for hours or get in and out every few minutes and still feel comfortable.
Being comfortable, no matter if it is in front, in the second row or way in the back in the third row, is very important. I did try all three rows and while I still think the one who makes the payment should sit up front, I could ride in the other rows on a trip quite nicely, especially with the optional DVD entertainment system to keep me from getting bored.
Driving
Getting out and going for a drive with the CX-9 GT didn’t turn up any bad habits. Cornering showed that it had a normal amount of body lean, and if you pushed hard or on real dirty pavement, the nose would just start to move out before the traction control system brought you back in line.
Straight-line driving turned up a well thought-out suspension that soaked up road imperfections and regular tar strips. On some of the larger potholes, you could feel the thump as the wheel went in, but little movement actually made it to the seat of your pants.
Priced from $37,995 to $51,645, Mazda makes the CX-9 easy to like and easy to drive. If you are looking for a mid-size crossover, the CX-9 should be on the list of must-drives!
GT Equipment
Inside the CX-9 there are a few items that will let you know that you are in a GT. My wife used the power passenger seat to make herself comfortable. And I enjoyed the satellite radio which was pumped through the 10-speaker, premium Bose sound system. There were a couple of subtle items, such as the blind-spot warning system and the large-screen rear video monitor that you wouldn’t miss until they weren’t there.
Interior Comfort
The heated, leather-covered buckets up front were easily adjusted for comfort and when you tossed in the steering wheel adjustability, getting into a comfortable driving position was real easy. I found that once I set the seat to my liking, I could sit there for hours or get in and out every few minutes and still feel comfortable.
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| I enjoyed the satellite radio which was pumped through the 10-speaker, premium Bose sound system. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |
Being comfortable, no matter if it is in front, in the second row or way in the back in the third row, is very important. I did try all three rows and while I still think the one who makes the payment should sit up front, I could ride in the other rows on a trip quite nicely, especially with the optional DVD entertainment system to keep me from getting bored.
Driving
Getting out and going for a drive with the CX-9 GT didn’t turn up any bad habits. Cornering showed that it had a normal amount of body lean, and if you pushed hard or on real dirty pavement, the nose would just start to move out before the traction control system brought you back in line.
Straight-line driving turned up a well thought-out suspension that soaked up road imperfections and regular tar strips. On some of the larger potholes, you could feel the thump as the wheel went in, but little movement actually made it to the seat of your pants.
Priced from $37,995 to $51,645, Mazda makes the CX-9 easy to like and easy to drive. If you are looking for a mid-size crossover, the CX-9 should be on the list of must-drives!
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