Disclaimer: Thanks to Drive Shop and Mazda, I was given the opportunity to test drive the 2016 Mazda CX-9 for one whole week. All opinions are 100% my own.
I dread back-to-school shopping every year like the plague! The running around, trying to score deals, comparing prices and the crowds are not my thing at all. Heck – walking though the mall is not my thing neither but it’s inevitable. It’s something I must do. I don’t want my kids going back to school with nothing. What kind of mother would I be if I did that?
So since I had to buy some things for my girls, I decided to head to Wayne, New Jersey to visit Willowbrook Mall. I had a gift card to one of their stores so everything worked out perfectly especially since I had a brand new ride to drive in.
I was fortunate enough to have had the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD for a week so it made my commute from the Hudson Valley to Wayne, New Jersey a dream! My girls and I were driving in luxury and in style.
During our drive back home from Willowbrook Mall, it started to down pour. So much rain that it made everyone on the road slow down because of the lack of visibility. I’ll admit, I was nervous but I knew the CX-9 would not disappoint. I felt safe and secure knowing that I was in a pretty strong vehicle. I’m happy to say that the CX-9 got us home – safe and sound.
There are a ton of features that I fell in love with in the CX-9 but I’ll narrow it down to the top five.
Here they are:
1–Windshield-projected Active Driving Display – This is THE best feature (and safest!) ever created in a vehicle (in my opinion). This display is seen directly on the windshield over the steering wheel. It’s a lot better than those pop-up screens that some vehicles have and it definitely helps you keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Here’s how it works: You’re able to view the vehicle speed,vehicle speed setting using cruise control, turn-by-turn directions, distance and lane guidance and Lane Departure Warning System operation and warnings. Whoever thought of that feature should get a gold medal!
2–Lane Keep Assist (LKA) – This feature makes sure you stay in your own lane (I wish everyone would do this on the road!). I think we would all need this sometimes.
3–Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring System – This feature will make a sound alerting you that someone is in your blind spot.
4–Power Liftgate – I love that I was able to open the trunk with a touch of a button on the key fob. It really helped when my hands were full of groceries.
A video posted by Lisa • New York Chica (@newyorkchica) on
5–Mazda Connect™ – It’s a next-generation car connectivity system that enables you to safely enjoy the convenience of your smartphone while in your car on a touch screen display.
Thanks to Drive Shop, I was driving in a top-of-the-line crossover vehicle which retails for a little over $44K. It’s sleek, stylish and it’s very smooth on the road. It’s a little similar to the CX-5, but with so much more room. The CX-9 is also pretty good on gas — this particular model averaged about 23 MPG. It’s a 7-passenger vehicle so it fits my family of five comfortably with decent trunk space as well.
The third row is awesome but it can use an extra feature such as a third row air control. My 11 year old loved the third row but she complained about not feeling the air conditioner as much as she would have liked.
Overall, I can totally see myself driving in a CX-9 for years. That’s how much I loved driving it. It’s definitely a family-friendly vehicle that is both comfortable and professional looking. It’s prefect for those well-needed couple getaways and for any family road trip adventure!
All About The 2016 Mazda CX-9
Quick Specs:
•Midsize, three-row crossover SUV
•Turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine
•310 lb-ft torque at 2,000 rpm
•250 horsepower at 5,000 rpm (93 AKI)
•227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm (87 AKI)
•Standard front-wheel drive or available predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive
Technology Highlights:
•MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system with 7” or optional 8” color multi-function display with voice command, SMS text message audio delivery and replay, E911 automatic emergency notification and optional navigation system
•Multi-function commander control
•Available windshield-projected Active Driving Display**
•Dynamic stability control and traction control system with
standard trailer stability assist
•Auto-dimming rear-view mirror*
Key Features:
Available in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature
•18” aluminum-alloy wheels standard with option of 20” aluminum-alloy wheels**, *Touring and above,** Grand Touring and above.
•LED headlamps with auto off and auto height control
•LED taillights
•Variable intermittent windshield wipers
•Three-zone automatic climate control air conditioning
•Second-row 60/40 seat with seat recline, center armrest with cup holders and optional USB inputs
•Third-row 50/50 split seats
•Heated driver/passenger door mirrors*
•Power liftgate with adjustable height*
•Available Nappa leather seats, rosewood and genuine aluminum interior materials
•LED grille lighting accent (Signature)
•Heated front seats with three settings*
•Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System*
•Available BOSE® premium audio with 12 speakers
Safety and Security Highlights:
•Roll Stability Control (RSC)
•Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert*
•Optional Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS), High Beam Control (HBC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Rear Backup Sensor, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and Smart Brake Support (SBS)*
Total MSRP: $45,215
Would we purchase this vehicle?
Absoutely! It was a sad day when DriveShop picked up the CX-9. We loved it so much that we even searched a few models on the internet. The fact that the whole family can drive comfortably on long road trips is a major plus for us.
Mazda on Social Media
**Interested in a Mazda? Then check them out on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for more info and fantastic photos! Also, follow the hastag #DriveMazda to see a ton of other models on Social Media.
I like that car. Sleek.