Three-row crossovers are nice for hauling kids and cargo, but they don't seem to be always pleasing to drive. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a uncommon example of a crossover that still blends quite a lot of driving enjoyable with all of the utility thanks to a properly-sorted chassis and communicative steering. Also, the 2019 CX-9 is beautifully designed exterior appears to be like the half, with a protracted hood, steeply raked windshield, and sweeping rear end. Inside is an equally lovely cabin, dressed in class-above materials and high-tech options. We'd be lying if we told you all this goodness got here with out compromises: Cargo capacity and third-row passenger space are among the bottom within the segment. What's New for 2019? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality lastly be a part of the spec sheet for 2019 and are commonplace on Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature trims. The best bang for the buck is the 2019 CX-9 Touring, which is the second of 4 trim levels.
Likes: Efficient-but-highly effective turbocharged engine, athletic chassis, smooth journey. Dislikes: Steering suggestions not pretty much as good as other Mazdas. In a segment the place V-6 energy is primary, Mazda took a danger by offering a turbocharged four-cylinder engine because the CX-9's sole powertrain within the hope of gaining a gas-economic system advantage. It sounds gutsy and managed an impressive lead to our acceleration testing the place it scooted our Grand Touring take a look at car from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The 2019 CX-9 is clearly the driving enthusiast's household hauler. Surprisingly mild on its ft, it often feels as if you are driving a smaller SUV. The suspension is firm, however it is still supple enough riding over tough stretches of road. While not as communicative as different Mazdas, the CX-9's steering nonetheless imparts vigor that is missing from different crossovers. The agency suspension and accurate steering culminate in superior cornering management. Aside from its stable acceleration performance, the CX-9 is, according to the EPA, extra gasoline environment friendly than many of its rivals.
The EPA estimates 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the freeway with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive drops both of those figures by 2 mpg. In our real-world freeway fuel-financial system check, the all-wheel-drive CX-9 matched its 26-mpg rating. Likes: Luxury-stage interior, easy-to-function infotainment system, quick-folding seats. Dislikes: No second-row captain's chairs, tight third-row passenger area, not much room for cargo with all seats up. The CX-9's cabin wows with upscale supplies and detailed styling, however compared with other SUVs in the section, it's brief on passenger and cargo space. Open the door and the CX-9's interior welcomes passengers with an upscale cabin that wouldn't look out of place in an Audi. Mazda has tastefully organized smooth-touch plastic with handsome graining, brushed aluminum, and, in our Signature-trim test automotive, real rosewood. The dashboard is handsome and features heavily contoured areas with both a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen sprouting from the top.
All CX-9s come with Mazda's person-pleasant infotainment system. Sport models have a 7.0-inch display, whereas Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature fashions receive the 8.0-inch unit. The system will be managed through the touchscreen, a rotary knob, or redundant buttons on the middle console near the shifter; it also responds to voice commands. The software is simple to navigate and the graphics are crisp, particularly on the larger display screen. Bluetooth telephone and streaming audio, HD radio, and onboard web radio apps for Pandora, Stitcher, and Aha are standard. The CX-9's smaller measurements mean actual-world limitations. We managed to fit just two of our carry-on suitcases behind the Mazda's third row, which is only a 3rd of what the Ford Explorer may muster. The CX-9's second and third rows of seats fold simply for quick configuration changes, although, and the resultant load flooring is flat, making it easy to load bulky gadgets. With all seats down, the CX-9 accommodated 25 of our carry-on circumstances. Mazda gives an satisfactory safety plan for consumers of recent CX-9s. What it does not offer is one thing that both the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander do: Complimentary scheduled maintenance.
