2014 Mazda CX-9 AWD Sport

[regfootball]

getting there - edit

 

TESTED

 

2014 Mazda CX-9 AWD Sport, MSRP around 33k, best price around 28 and change

 

HIGHS

 

Still among the sportiest looking 3 row crossovers.  New beak makes it really stylish.

Snappy powertrain, even without many gears.  Throaty exhaust.

Man, does she handle nice! for a crossover.  Drives like a sedan that sits taller

Feels a lot smaller than its competition, not at all intimidating to drive

Nice cockpit and gauges

Great value in this config, had power seats, heated seats and dual AC...for many thou less than others with these two items

Sliding second row seats make most of every inch of leg room depending on your situation

Everyone will fit in three rows if you put the second row in the right spot.

Third row access is easy to do.

Interior plastics and surfaces look contemporary with their plain detailing and simplicity.

Seats and their cloth are comfortable, solid, supportive, and high quality.

Great crossover for DINKS, or a single, or if you have older kids and don't need to carry lots all the time.

 

LOWS

 

Biggest weakness is lack of cargo.  Almost none behind the third row alone, and just behind the second row its not competitive with the Traverses of the world.

I normally don't get into this, and it could be heresay, and no doubt other similar vehicles have issues, but i seemed to read a lot about problems with other model years.

Interior plastics and surfaces look cheap with their plain detailing and simplicity. (pick a side)

Interior might need a refresh.  In fact, overall, it does feel a bit dated.

Thin steering wheel.

Third row is a bit tight, despite the flexible second row.

This vehicle should consider a 4 cylinder option for better FE.

 

SUMMARY

 

The CX-9 is just about perfect for a Ford Edge intender who wants a third row seat (isn't that what it is?)

 

Really its about the only one I have driven that feels competitive to the feel of a sedan, it's just taller.  I really enjoyed driving it.  Now here is the bad part.  We actually are looking (that is a whole nother story) and have grown used to having a certain amount of cargo space.  The CX-9 really falls somewhat short to some of the competition in that arena.  Does it matter to you? is the question......many on the CX-9 forums I read did in fact say they wished for more cargo room.  I look at it this way.  If you have young kids, or more than 2 kids, this vehicle won't be a good primary vehicle for you.  Things like strollers and pack and plays will become a challenge.  If you have 2 older kids, however, and only travel occassionally, then this may be a perfect ride for you, just to have the occassional capability of someone in the third row.

 

My impression after the drive was this. I would love for this to be my go to work vehicle.  I drive in lots of tough winter stuff, and this vehicle has the right feel to tackle winter but still be a sporty everyday drive.  I would look to this vs. a Ford Edge with the advantage coming down to that occassional third row.  Otherwise, you basically have the same package as the Edge, and I think this may drive better than that.

 

One other way this may have an advantage in the market, is compared to the new class of vehicles like the Rogue.  Compact CUV's where they stuff in a truly occassional third row.  The CX-9 now being on the market awhile won't cost a bunch more and it will in fact be a more useful vehicle in comparison to that.

 

Aside from that, really the big advantage the Mazda has is that it drives quite nicely and thus has the brand character to fit into the rest of the Mazda lineup.  As a distinct choice in the market, I like it enough to give it an A-, despite the lack of cargo space in the rear.  Most buyers will give up some ride and drive for more space, but in this case, the smaller size of the vehicle contributes to making the ride and drive better for the driver.  So give it points for being unqiue in that way.

 

My neighbor has one, I wonder if he feels the same way?  They also have a Honda Pilot and a new Mazda6.

Edited October 12, 2014 by regfootball