Mazda CX-9 2010 review

If you want an SUV with seven or more seats, your options start with compact crossovers — whose optional third-row seats are best left for punishing kids — and end with full-size truck-based SUVs, whose exterior bulk and gas mileage are punishing in their own right. In between is a healthy selection of mid- and full-size crossovers that includes the 2010 Mazda CX-9.

In a crowded class, the CX-9 distinguishes itself with a high-quality interior and more driving fun than you'd expect from a large, seven-seat crossover.

Competing on the small end with the seven-seat Toyota Highlander and on the large end with the Chevrolet Traverse, the CX-9 comes in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Front- and all-wheel drive are available at all three levels.

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Substantially reduced road and wind noise
Many improvements were made to structural rigidity and powertrain NVH performance to provide a quieter, more pleasant ride, including the reduction of high frequency booming noise sometimes heard ...

Front Seat Belt Pretensioner and Load Limiting Systems
For optimum protection, the driver and front passenger seat belts are equipped with pretensioner and load limiting systems. For both these systems to work properly you must wear the seat belt pro ...

New welcoming functionalities
The interactive lighting control increases anticipation of a Zoom-Zoom driving experience. For example, when the driver unlocks the car door, the cockpit spotlight, room lamp and lights in the doo ...