2010 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring
Credit: Auto Week (http://www.autoweek.com)
NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: This is an impressive full-size crossover with a semi-sporty body, plenty of function and a drive character that blends both.
It's odd to focus on a six-speed automatic transmission, but this one is finely honed. It downshifts and holds gears with athletic prowess. During heavy acceleration it stayed in second gear as the revs built prodigiously, and it always did a nice job of selecting gears when merging on the freeway. One morning I stayed in fourth gear while topping 80 mph and darting across four lanes of traffic. And after you're done lead-footing it, this gearbox nimbly upshifts for efficiency--most slushboxes aren't this adept. I found the 273-hp output is adequate for nearly all situations.
This is a large vehicle, but unlike others of this size, the CX-9 doesn't get unnerved in corners or turns. The steering has nice feedback early in maneuvers, and the chassis is comfortable and complaint. It feels like a Mazda that happens to have three rows.
The interior has quality materials and colors, and the moonroof is an enjoyable option for a grocery getter such as this. Bottom line: The CX-9 is one of the better executions on the market.
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT : I was happy to see that I'd be driving the CX-9, even if only for an overnight, because this vehicle has grown on me. At first, I wasn't sure whether I liked the sheetmetal; the vehicle had the shape of a fish, I thought. But additional looks and some time behind the wheel have changed my mind.
This Mazda certainly looks better than some of the crossover-ute type vehicles out there that have the bloated rear ends. The CX-9 retains some nice lines, and in this color, it looked sharp. Inside, the cabin welcomes you with quality materials, an easy-to-use interface for the HVAC, sound system and the like, and there is plenty of space for people and cargo.
On streets around town and on the expressway, the Mazda handles well around corners and curves and easily gets up to speed to merge into traffic. The solid brakes bring the ute smoothly to a halt and aren't jerky in stop-and-go traffic. I also like the higher driving position and the large greenhouse.
Overall, one fine package.
2010 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring
Base Price: $34,795
As-Tested Price: $39,115
Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V6; AWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 279 hp @ 6,250 rpm, 270 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,546 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 17/18.2 mpg
Options: Moonroof/Bose package including power moonroof, satellite radio, premium audio, 10 speakers ($2,255); navigation system ($1,665); power rear hatch ($400)
Credit: Auto Week (http://www.autoweek.com)
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