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:
Trunk Lid
WARNING:
Never allow a person to ride in the
trunk:
Allowing a person to ride in the trunk
is dangerous. In addition, the person
in the trunk could be seriously
injured or killed during sudden
...
Safety
Standard features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front
seats, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. An electronic
stability system is standard on the iTourin ...
Parking in an Emergency
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that the ...