Ride & Handling

The Mazda5's steering response is designed to engage the driver. A turn of the wheel delivers a quick change of direction, and there's a fair amount of feedback. The suspension is on the firm side, but it provides a tolerable ride even on the broken pavement that's prevalent near Cars.com's Chicago headquarters.

    See also:

    Cargo & Towing
    If it's not carrying six occupants, the Mazda5's measly cargo area can be expanded to 44 cubic feet by folding the third-row seat down. Fold the second- and third-row seats and there's 70.9 cubic ...

    Wiper Blades
    CAUTION. Hot waxes applied by automatic car washers have been known to affect the wiper's ability to clean windows. To prevent damage to the wiper blades, don't use gasoline, kerosene, paint ...

    Exterior
    The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs, in part because of its angular nose and car-like honeycomb grille. The SUV's beltline rises as it heads rearward, and the sides are free of c ...