Reno Mazda

Features and Description

Changes

The CX-9 got a thorough going-over last year, so very little has changed for 2011. All three trim levels from carry over to 2011, and each is available in both front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Value

Despite having room for seven and a slew of seating configurations, this large SUV has a sporty driving feel and a distinctive design. The standard safety features and available technology offer a compromise between minivan and sleek SUV.

Overview

The CX-9 Sport, Touring and Grand Touring all share a 3.7-liter V6 engine that makes 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed sport automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Each trim can be had with front-wheel drive or Mazda's Active Torque-Split all-wheel drive.

The CX-9 has standard anti-lock brakes, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, stability control, traction control and roll stability control. The front air bag system has sensors for seat belt use, passenger weight and seat position to allow the right amount of deployment. The steering wheel column collapses in the event of a crash, and the brake pedal assembly breaks away to minimize the chance of injury. The Grand Touring trim level adds a blind-spot monitoring system.

Quite a few features are standard equipment for the CX-9, such as power mirrors, roof spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, 3-zone climate control, cargo area under-floor storage, fold-down second and third rows of seating and leather trim. A Sirius satellite radio-compatible 6-speaker system is standard, with an input jack, Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted controls.

The CX-9 Touring adds an optional power moonroof and power liftgate, back-up camera, keyless start and a Bose surround-sound system with 10 speakers. Standard equipment on the Touring includes heated mirrors and seats, plus an 8-way power driver's seat -- all options on the Sport model.

The Grand Touring's standard equipment list includes auto on/off xenon headlights, halogen fog lights, power mirrors with turn signal indicators, 20-inch wheels, driver's seat memory function, and wood interior trim. A navigation system with 7-inch screen and a Bose stereo with 11 speakers, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system -- including game port -- are optional only on the Grand Touring.