On the Road
Even with its 20-inch wheels, our Grand Touring rode reasonably comfortably, but it's a bit firmer than some. With that firmness comes pretty entertaining handling, with precise steering and a good feel to the wheel. While I'd characterize the CX-9 as one of the sportier three-row crossovers out there, don't get the impression that it's a sport wagon. It's large, and opportunities to drive it in a spirited fashion seldom present themselves.
The CX-9's acceleration truly surprises, especially in a Grand Touring weighed down with all-wheel drive and lots of features. Teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 3.7-liter V-6 has plenty of power: 273 horsepower and, perhaps more important, 270 pounds-feet of torque, which gives it an urgent launch from a standing start.
On slick surfaces, I noticed some initial front-wheel slip before the traction control kicked in and the rear wheels played their part. Some all-wheel-drive systems are more seamless. In the practical sense, this quirk is of no consequence to most drivers.
See also:
Satisfying Drivetrain
What you get for your diminished mileage is respectable but not exceptional
acceleration. Though the 2.3-liter four-cylinder (to be replaced in the 2010 by
a 2.5-liter) is pretty robust, the Mazda ...
Tire Labeling
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on
the sidewall of
all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire
and ...
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions
The front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include 6 air bags.
You can locate
the various air bags by the use of “SRS AIRBAG” location indicators. These
indicators
are visible in the ...