Mazda CX9 is also one of the safest SUVs. Active safety features include a high seating position for great all around visibility, large front and rear ventilated disc brakes (320 mm and 325 mm respectively) combined with roll stability control (RSC), ABS, emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and DSC (depending on market and grade). The foundation for Mazda CX9's passive safety system is its body shell. Using high-tensile steel and large-section body members, it disperses impact energy away from the passengers and keeps body deformation to a minimum during a collision. Also onboard is a special front sub-frame extension designed to help prevent the front of the Mazda CX9 from climbing up the front of an on-coming vehicle in a head-on collision. Passengers are further protected by front, side and three- row curtain airbags (depending on market and grade), three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters for the front seats, a collapsible brake pedal and specially designed front head restraints that help reduce possible neck injuries during a rear impact. No wonder the Mazda CX9 received the highest possible ranking of five stars on frontal and side impact crash testing from the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a four-star rollover resistance rating.