Looking for lots of room, a powerful engine and no surprises (translating into the fact that you know what you are getting) then you can be relatively sure the 2015 Mazda CX-9 is going to fit right in with your requirements.
A crossover SUV with three rows, the CX-9 is a fun drive with a sporty edge that is all confidence on the road. With no design changes in the past eight years, there are a few of the latest technologies missing here, but for a dependable vehicle in this segment you could do worse.
The competition on the 2015 CX-9 includes the Ford Flex, Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Traverse and the Toyota Highlander.
This crossover SUV is offered in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels with all-wheel-drive the standard, but take note of the towing prep package if you want the front wheel drive option on the top-of-the-line Grand Touring.
The Sport model trim offers 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, three-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5.8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and audio connect and, as an option, you can add on the USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
Other options for this trim include heated mirrors and front seats and a power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support.
The Touring model ups the package with the optional package from the Sport trim standard on this one. There are also automatic headlights, leather upholstery and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with a bevy of safety goodies that include everything from a blind-spot monitoring system to a rearview camera and parking sensors.
For the Grand Touring, it’s 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED running lights, fog lights, automatic wipers, a power lift gate, better than average trim inside and out and keyless ignition and entry. There is also an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
For the various package options, each one varies with the trim you choose, but the Touring trim offers a better-than-average Technology package with fog lights, sunroof, a power lift gate, keyless ignition and entry and a navigation system.
The Recreational Accessory package comes in handy for the stalwart outdoor person giving you the roof rails, cross bars and a stainless steel rear bumper guard.
The Grand Touring offers a rear-seat entertainment package with all the possible interface connects available and there is a nine-inch screen included here as well as a 115-volt power outlet.
Under the hood, you will like what you see and feel, whether choosing the front or all-wheel-drive with a 3.7-liter V6 engine gunning out 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission and manual shift control.
For safety, you can expect all the standards like antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side and full-length side curtain airbags and on the top two trims there are also additional electronic driving safety extras like blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors and the rearview camera and cross-traffic alert system.
Properly equipped, the CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds and for hauling, in the back, you get 101 cubic feet to work with if you have the second and third rows flat. The back row is also an easy in and out, not often the case on some SUVs of this size.
While, it does have the 8-year-old design the streamlined look and feel of the 2015 Mazda CX-9 fits right in to a lifestyle of family needs with easy to manipulate controls and knobs and an impressive console bin that offers easy access.
The second row seat reclines and you can slide it up and back to help passengers feel more comfortable in both the second and third rows as needed.
Getting behind the wheel to drive the 2015 Mazda CX-9, the nifty V6 engine delivers plenty of acceleration whether it’s getting on the highway or taking off at a red light around town.
Overall, comfortable handling and a feel of stability makes this 2015 Mazda CX-9 a real option in the crossover SUV market for new car buyers looking for a smooth ride, minimal noise and plenty of dependability.
Should You Need to Know: The three-row seating accommodates adults in all three rows, often not the case in some crossovers, but in the 2015 Mazda CX-9 everyone is comfortable.
Miles Per Gallon: The miles per gallon on the 2015 CX-9 I drove came in at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD has a price tag of $35,035.
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