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2016 Mazda CX-9: breathtaking interior, agile handling

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 12, 2016

2016 Mazda CX-9: breathtaking interior, agile handling
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2016 Mazda CX-9: breathtaking interior, agile handling
2016 Mazda CX-9: breathtaking interior, agile handling

by Larry Lark, Herald Special Sections Writer

The Mazda CX-9 was introduced 11 short years ago and quickly captivated the automotive industry, winning numerous accolades including “North American Truck of the Year” as voted by media across the U.S. and Canada.

Now comes the encore. The 2016 version of this three-row SUV that doesn’t drive like one, benefits from Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion – design, breathtaking interior, agile handling, tight steering and responsive, controllable powertrain.

I really didn’t feel like I was driving a large SUV. Which makes the CX-9 a clear choice for owners looking to provide versatility and functionality without sacrificing the elements of performance and driveability.

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is offered in four trim levels: entry-grade Sport, volume-grade Touring, high-grade Grand Touring and the new flagship Signature trim level – which just happened to be my tester.

Signature helms the top of the lineup, coming standard with Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood supplied by Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen, and LED accent lighting on the grille and around the automatic shifter.

Powered by a new turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5T engine, the CX-9 delivers instant throttle response, class-leading torque, and best-in-class EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon. It’s mated to a six-speed, sport mode, automatic transmission.

And, of course, the CX-9 provide the versatility of three-rows of seating – enough to accommodate seven adults, with ample cargo space behind. In fact, enough space for a couple of full-size golf bags and push cart.

To maximize comfort for front-row passengers and space for those in the second row, engineers went to great lengths to redesign the front seats with thinner seatbacks, yet make them more comfortable. When more room is needed, the third-row, and second, fold flat, allowing for enough cargo space to satisfy the most ardent hoarder.

CX-9’s interior has a little something for everyone in the family. My wife loved the oversized power moonroof. I loved the premium Bose sound system delivered through 12 speakers. My daughter and son synched their phones to Bluetooth and rocked out to songs downloaded to their iPods and played via the USB port.

The long list of other goodies I found more than useful were the navigation system, rear-view camera, radar cruise control, heated front seats (the driver with lumbar adjustments), three-zone climate control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Exterior amenities include 20-inch alloy wheels, a machine gray coat of paint, aluminum roof rails and a power open/close rear lift-gate.

Completing the CX-9 package is a state-of-the-art technology and safety package. Features worthy of note include dynamic stability control, traction control, roll stability control, trailer stability assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear backup sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and smart-brake support that helps to mitigate or prevent rear-end collisions.

2016 MAZDA CX-9

Base Price: $44,015

As Tested: $45,215

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.