2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

2012 Mazda CX9GrandTouringAWD

Overview

The 2012 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring AWD is in need of a face-lift, but it still is a contender in its class. The CX9 is pleasure to drive and has plenty of room for 7 passengers.

Safety

Safety & Security

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front, rear and third row head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Engine immobilizer
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Front height adjustable headrests
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Tire pressure monitoring

Driving Impression

The CX-9’s is fast off the line and the automatic transmission is smooth and very responsive. My test vehicle was an AWD so the gas mileage was 16-MPG City and 21MPG on the highway.

This CUV rides firmly on its 20” P245/50R20 and the tires are mounted on 20” alloy wheels.

The steering is responsive and  especially  agile while taking  most turns. There is some body roll, but nothing to deter you from having a great driving experience. The turning radius makes it easy to maneuver in any tight spots and is quite agile for its size.  The brakes are more than adequate for stopping at any speed.

Under the Hood

Under the hood you will find the 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, which generates 273 horsepower along with 270 pound feet of torque. The engine connects to a 6-speed Sport automatic transmission with Sport Shift, which allows for either totally automatic or manual gear changes to be made by the driver.

Inside

The interior of the CX9 combines elegance by using a host of materials and unique accents such as wood grain and brushed aluminum.

The gauges on the instrument panel are easy to read and are backlit for easy viewing at night. Controls are laid out well so that you can reach them effortlessly.  My CX9 came equipped with a rear entertainment unit, which is great for kids especially on long family vacations.

The seating provides ample legroom and headroom for tall passengers. The seating height provides a commanding view from the front seats as if you were in a truck.

Even with the front seats pushed back the rear passengers have plenty of room to get comfortable. The 2nd-row seat slides and reclines, which is a great feature on long road trips. Access to the 3rd row is easy and even adults will be comfortable for short trips.

There is even ample cargo space available with the 3rd row of seating up and with the seat down you can fit most luggage for long road trips. With the 2nd row of seating down the cargo space is actually gargantuan and you can haul almost anything including moving your children into a college dorm.  The 3rd row folds flat, and the 2nd row are slightly raised above the cargo floor. All the doors have convenient map pockets with ample interior storage. The center console is adequate for most of your personal belongings.

The list of equipment is endless on the Grand Touring AWD, which I will list now: leather seats, power driver seat, heated seats, telescopic and tilt steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, leather wrapped steering and gear shit knob, power windows (front auto up & down), dual control climate control, AM/FM 6 CD radio with satellite radio, Bluetooth hands free, trip computer, universal link home garage door opener, 3-12 volt outlets, auto dimming mirror, keyless entry and start system and finally enough cup holders for a large family.

Outside

Unique styling for the CX-9 set s itself apart from its competition, but the styling is in need of an update. Nice smooth lines accented with the Mazda & CX-9 logo highlight this special vehicle. I love its bold look with its massive stance that is highlighted with a large dual exhaust.

Summary

The CX-9 is worth taking a look at if you are in the market for a 7 passenger CUV. The CX-9 is stylish, refined and balances solid driving dynamics with generous passenger and cargo room.

Specifications

Measurements

  • Width: 76.2 in.
  • Height: 68.0 in.
  • Length: 200.2 in.
  • Ground clearance: 8.0 in.
  • Front track: 65.1 in.
  • Rear track: 64.7 in.
  • Wheel base: 113.2 in.
  • Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 17.2 cu.ft.
  • Maximum cargo capacity: 100.7 cu.ft.
  • Maximum towing capacity: 2000 lbs.**
  • Maximum payload: 1503 lbs.**
  • Gross weight: 5831 lbs.
  • Drag Coefficient: 0.35 Cd
  • Curb weight: 4328 lbs.
  • Angle of approach: 16.0 degrees
  • Angle of departure: 21.1 degrees

Measurements

  • Width: 76.2 in.
  • Height: 68.0 in.
  • Length: 200.2 in.
  • Ground clearance: 8.0 in.
  • Front track: 65.1 in.
  • Rear track: 64.7 in.
  • Wheel base: 113.2 in.
  • Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 17.2 cu.ft.
  • Maximum cargo capacity: 100.7 cu.ft.
  • Maximum towing capacity: 2000 lbs.**
  • Maximum payload: 1503 lbs.**
  • Gross weight: 5831 lbs.
  • Drag Coefficient: 0.35 Cd
  • Curb weight: 4328 lbs.
  • Angle of approach: 16.0 degrees
  • Angle of departure: 21.1 degrees
  • Split-folding rear seatback
  • Reclining rear seats
  • Folding with storage center armrest
  • Manual folding split-bench third row seats
  • Rear ventilation ducts with fan control

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