Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Review | Quantity and Quality

We were awaiting the delivery of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring and had great expectations, especially after testing the CX-5 Touring AWD in San Diego. I'm hoping to bring you reviews that parents, and car enthusiasts alike, can relate to and enjoy. So let's take a look at the award-winning, sleek design, Mid-size crossover SUV from Mazda.

I drove the Soul Red Metallic 7-passenger beauty down to San Antonio and back to Houston and it was one of the best rides I've taken, despite it being a quick 2 hour drive. You can check out our trip here. The test model had a FWD drive train with a punchy and award-winning SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbocharged engine pumping out an impressive 310 ft. lb. of torque and 227 horsepower. You almost get instant torque at 2,000 RPM and is a fun and sporty drive when you switch into sport mode and the SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6 speed semi-automatic transmission ( predictive i-ACTIV all wheel drive available ). The 0-60mph comes in at a respectable 8.7 seconds with only the driver and around 9 seconds when loaded. I have a slightly heavy foot, which reflects on our actual MPG's (20 combined and 25 highway). When it comes to taking the turns and distance driving, the electric power assisted steering made the it easy to enjoy the spacious and quiet interior.

I'm a big fan of the new Mazda designs and the front fascia is one of my favorite sides to look at. The daytime running LED headlights and fog lights add some character and plenty of illumination when the sun goes down. The interior, just like the exterior, is beautiful, functional, and efficient. No wonder the CX-9 has attracted so much attention, consumers and awards, It's because Mazda understands that "there's a balance between needs and wants[.] Our goal was to maximize both funcitonality for families and opulence for couples looking for a getaway." Said by Julien Montousse, director of design, Mazda Design Americas, who personally led the design of the CX-9's interior. The design of the Mazda brand is fueled by the passion and oneness of the Takumi craftsmen. Mazda has gotten the design, function, and quality down and that's what we see here today.

Mazda Takumi craftsmen design the vehicles with passion and oneness

You get a premium feel and quality without a premium price.The center console and dash have genuine brushed aluminum trim, soft touch leather, and a very functional toggle stick to move between setting on a clearly visible 8" touch-screen color display. There's an active driving display that projects information, blind spot warnings, GPS directions and speed during the day and at night, clearly visible at all times. The heated and perforated leather seats up front are big and comfortable with the driver having 2 memory driver positions. The leather trimmed steering wheel has a nice ergonomic feel and it's easy to use the controls on it. The GT trim model comes standard with lots of safety features like ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Roll Stability Control, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Keep Assist, to name a few. You get awesome sound out of the 12 Bose speakers! Check out the full list of standard equipment down below.
The second row can easily accommodate three grown adults, or three car seats. The ease of access is one of the easiest and most comfortable for the passengers.The seats are able to recline to about 120 degrees, so that's a set up for a very comfortable ride. You have 3 zone A/C , so the passenger in the rear can keep cool or warm. I am 5-11' or 6', not quite sure, and getting into the third row was very easy and with the seats up I was able to sit comfortably. I wouldn't be too comfortable for long rides though. If there's no need for the third row, you can fold it down and use the cargo space to carry, your skis, small kayak, or surf boards. Put down both rows for an impressive 71 cu. ft. of cargo space!
So what's the verdict? I believe the 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD is one of the most beautiful SUV's on the market and covers all our random and spontaneous family needs. The CX-9 was named a finalist for the 2017 world car and world design of the year awards, it's also won the 2017 WARD's Best Interior Award and Best Engines Awards. There's beauty in the "balance of needs and wants", so if you are looking for a beautifully designed crossover SUV that accomomdates 7 passengers and love to drive, your search just got that much easier. There is quality in the quantity of seats and features, but what matters, is that it's a sporty, edgy and safe vehicle that I enjoyed to drive with my family in it, because driving matters. Check Out This Review Video Of The 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD
Engine + Mechanical -SKYACTIV-G 2.5T Turbo Engine -SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6 Speed Sport Mode Automatic Transmission - 227 Horsepower And 310 ft.lb. Torque - Front Wheel Drive - Electric Power Assisted Steering - Independent Front And Rear Suspension - Front And Rear Stabilizer Bars
Exterior Features - 20 inch Alloy Wheels - 255/50R20 All Season Tires - Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers - Fixed-Intermittent Rear Windshield Wiper - Heated Power Mirrors w/ Turn Lamps - Power Moonroof - Aluminum Roof Rails - LED Headlights w/Auto on/off - Adaptive Front Lighting System - High Beam Control - LED Fog And Daytime Running Lights - LED Combination Taillights - Rear Roof Spoiler - Roof Mounted Shark Antenna - Power Open/Close Rear Lift Gate
Interior Features - 7 Passenger Seating - Tilt-Telescopic Leather Steering Wheel w/Audio And Cruise Controls - Power Automatic Door Locks - Power Windows w/One Touch (4) - Auto Dim Rear View Mirror w/Homelink - Soft Touch Leather Trimmed Upholstery - Power Driver Seat w/Lumbar Support - Driver Seat Memory w/2 Positions - Heated Front Seats - Power Front Passenger Seat - Genuine Aluminum Interior Trim - 2nd Row Windowshades - Mazda Radar Cruise Control - Electronic Parking Brake - Advanced Keylesss Entry System - Push Button Engine Start - 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control - Bose® AM/FM/HD/SAT 12 Speakers - Bluetooth/ AUX Jack / USB Inputs ( 4 ) - 8" Color Display w/Rear View Camera - Multi Function Commander Control - Mazda Navigation System - Active Driving Display - Centered Armrest w/Covered Storage - Carpeted Floor Mats
Safety and Security Features - Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer - Tire Pressure Monitoring System - SKYACTIV Body - Ring Structure - ABS With EBD And Brake Assist - Dynamic Stability Control - Traction Control System - Roll Stability Control - Trailer Stability Assist - Advanced Dual Front Airbags - Front-Side Impact Airbags - 3-Row Side Air Curtains - Blind Spot Monitoring - Rear Cross-Traffic Alert - Rear Backup Sensors - Lane Departure Warning - Lane Keep Assist - Smart Brake Support - Smart City Brake Support MSRP : $40,470 22MPG - City 28 MPG - Highway Price As Tested: $41,810 20MPG Combined 25 MPG Highway