2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Test Drive Video Review

Looking for a seven-passenger crossover SUV with engaging driving dynamics? The Mazda CX-9 might well be the automobile you seek. Even with its three rows of seating, the big Mazda lives up to marque’s Zoom-Zoom tagline. Power comes from a 273-horsepower V6 capable of generating 270 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed automatic with a manual shift feature routes the churn from the mill to either the front wheels, or all four if you order a CX-9 with all-wheel drive. The Mazda is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Available features include a three-zone automatic climate control system, a power liftgate, keyless entry and start, navigation, a Bose surround-sound audio system, Bluetooth, and a rear-seat entertainment package featuring a nine-inch video monitor and 11 speakers. The safety set offers blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a rear view camera, and a rear parking sensor array. NHTSA awarded the CX-9 four stars out of five in crash testing, while the IIHS says the CX-9 rates a “good” (its highest rating) in moderate-overlap frontal-offset crash testing and the institute’s side-impact test. However, the CX-9 earned the IIHS’ “marginal” score (its second lowest rating) in roof strength and whiplash protection.