Exterior

The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and carlike grille. The crossover's shoulder line rises as it heads rearward, and the sides are free of cladding.

* Four-wheel-independent suspension * 18-inch wheels are standard * 20-inch wheels are optional * Available power liftgate * Available high-intensity-discharge headlights

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    Interior
    Compared with the old 626, the Mazda6's wider body translates into extra space for five occupants. The driver's seat adjusts through a 9.4-inch range, and the 60/40-split rear seatback folds down. ...

    Under the Hood
    The CX-9 features a 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 270 pounds-feet of torque. * Standard six-speed automatic transmission with clutchless-manual mode * V-6 runs on regular gas * 16/22 mpg ci ...

    Installing Child-Restraint Systems
    Accident statistics reveal that a child is safer in the rear seats. The front passenger's seat is clearly the worst choice for any child under 12, and with rearfacing child-restraint systems it is ...