2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

Source: Mazdausa.com

I’m sometimes reluctant to get car reviews in the dead of winter.  Not only can the car get super dirty on the inside and outside, there is also an extra car to shovel out (#firstworldbloggerproblem) but I worry that I might do something to it in inclement weather.  It’s all in the name of writing the review though, right?

The 2015 Mazda CX-9 was destined for snow when it arrived last week.  With the white stuff coming down hard and slicking up the roads I realized I had to run a last-minute errand to the grocery store, naturally.  Toasty warm with my front seat warmers I gingerly exited my street and out onto my first hill.  The roads had about an inch and a half of snow and hadn’t been treated.  The car didn’t skid or slide.  It was fine going up hill and despite the looser than I would like steering I felt in control as I got on the main roads, which were a slippery mess.  The dynamic stability and traction control system worked just fine and I arrived home safe a short time later.  The car didn’t slide once.

Tested in Titanium Flash Mica the Mazda CX-9 has a subtle bit of flash to its color on the outside with a Sand leather interior.  It’s understated and nice. Roomy enough to comfortably seat 7 passengers, kids and adults can comfortably access the third row.  I was impressed with the size of the third and second row on this SUV.  While reviewing it we took our CX-9 on a road trip to Williamsburg, VA. Containing three kids and all their gear (little girls like to pack lots of accessories and toys even for two nights) we managed to fit two easily with pillows and toys in the middle row and the oldest in one of the easily movable third row seats.  I love split seats that can be pulled up or down with just a tab.  This SUV has a 60/40 split in the second row and a 50/50 in the third.  Perfect for loading up when doing a special project at home or in the yard or just hauling family gear around.  Traveling was comfortable on short and long distances.

Driving-wise, I found gas mileage to be less than I expected.  It always goes fast when stuck on 95 South for a few hours too.  A combined mpg of 18 holds true with 16 city and 22 mpg highway.  The automatic-sensing wipers are something I love about Mazda vehicles as well as the blind spot monitoring.  Can I say again that I think this should be standard on all vehicles?  The automatic lift-gate is always a plus for anyone, not just moms.  Combined with the rear sensor and rear camera these all come standard with the Grand Touring package.

Source: Mazdausa.com

There is a sporty factor to a Mazda that even the CX-9 cannot deny.  I love that about them.  They can definitely zip around town or the highway with no problem.  They make fun family cars.  The only real issue I had with the CX-9 was the console and middle part of the dashboard.  The console is high and large.  Great for storage, but not a purse.  Instead it loomed large in the center making me feel squished in the front.  My arm wanted to rest on it but it was awkward. I found myself frustrated with it almost every time I got in the car.  The 5.8 inch touchscreen display is at a bad angle for me and my front passengers.  It was hard to reach, too low and not up-to-date on integrating with apps or my phone. If I wanted to do anything I felt my eyes going uncomfortably off the road, which I did not like at all.  A week of driving like that just frustrated me.  I think it is time for a redesign on this portion of the SUV.  It hasn’t been done since 2007 after all.

In the end, the Mazda CX-9 is a nimble family car that handles the road on highway and in town well.  It has a sporty touch that works and is a nice introduction to the SUV world.  Starting at an MSRP of $31,575, my model was fully loaded and priced at $39,890.  A bit steep despite the attitude it tries to convey.