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The Best Value Of Mazda CX-9

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Three-row SUVs typically offer an excellent blend of passenger room, cargo space and towing capabilities. Mazda’s entry is the sleek looking CX-9, motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and outfitted with the latest technologies and available premium features. Best Value The 2018 Mazda CX-9 operates in a sea of competitors, delivering four trims for your consideration: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. Our pick is the Touring with front-wheel drive as it brings in such features as automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, a power liftgate, heated front seats, leather seats and power front seats with driver lumbar support. Advanced safety features roll out at this level and include lane keep assist, lane …show more content…

The transmission shifts nicely, but in market where eight-speed transmissions are common, two extra cogs would be great. The CX-9’s strong suit is with its steering, enabling this vehicle to behave like a smaller crossover, something no other model in this segment has mastered. We recommend the 18-inch wheels for optimum comfort, although the CX-9 trails the Buick Enclave in ride contentment. Interior and Exterior No other midsize SUV matches the CX-9’s beautifully executed exterior. Front to back, the Mazda is simple, yet superb and elegant, but not overwrought. We haven’t seen such a beautiful tapestry among mainstream models. Standard features include LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a roof spoiler and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the CX-9 offers three rows of seating, but is most useful and comfortable with two rows. The third-row is tight; consider those two seats as jump seats — what you might want in a pinch when you need to accommodate two additional riders. Otherwise, fold the rear seat to expand the tight 14.4 cubic feet of storage space to 38.2 cubic feet. The cabin comes outfitted with nice-looking materials, including a surprising amount of glossy finishes. The dashboard sits low and the infotainment screen is unobtrusive, although we’re disappointed it doesn’t offer touchscreen capabilities. Standard features include push-button start, cloth seats,

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