Mazda let me borrow this amazing vehicle for a week, with a full tank of gas and FastTrak provided. All opinions are my own. If I had to describe this experience in one word, it’s love! My Mazda CX-9 Review: Grand Touring AWD Loaded with Advanced Technology

My mom was supposed to come to California to visit us in January, but it didn’t work out how we had hoped. Thankfully, she will be here next week. So, she didn’t get to cruise around in the sleek ride, but the kids and I had a blast. Also, there wasn’t a single day that this vehicle went without compliment from some stranger. Truth!

First, this is obviously a looker! It’s sporty and family, all in one amazing vehicle. It fits our active and unpredictable lifestyle. As a family of seven, we all fit comfortably in a seat and still have plenty of room for storage. One of the things I really loved is that I could raise and lower the backseats with one hand. This is a keyless vehicle and I loved the convenience. I can leave my key fob in my pocket and open the door one-handed without ever touching the key fob. There is remote trunk open capability, which was more beneficial than I thought it would be. I found myself with my hands frequently full and I hate having to set everything down and lift it all up again to get it into the trunk.

So much storage, even with all three rows upright!

I got the red one! This picture doesn’t even do it justice. This is the soul red crystal metallic and it shines! The Mazda CX-9 is a 7-passenger vehicle with a 2.5T TURBO ENGINE! It has punch, but it’s a great fuel economy vehicle 4-cylinder ride. It gets 23MPG and saves $1,000.00 in fuel over 5 years, compared to the average new vehicle. There is so much to love about this vehicle that I had a hard time coming up with something I don’t love.

My son Pedro convinced me that I had to come up with one least-favorite thing. I could only come up with one, so here it is. The middle console with drink holder area was high enough that it blocked my right knee from flaring out too far. Is that a bad thing? I don’t think so! But, it’s my least favorite. I loved everything else about this vehicle.

Check out the advanced technology of the Mazda CX-9.

• Active Driving Display.

Think futuristic driving. Imagine you could have a non-distracting informational overlay on your view of the road and the world, while driving. Just like the overlays we put on pictures, Mazda has created an amazing interactive one for the road. It’s like a hologram. You can see your navigation, alerts, upcoming stop signs, current speed, and even speed limit right in front of your direct view through the windshield. It’s the perfect location to allow you to keep your eyes on the road while still being able to see all the important information typically available only through in-vehicle display screens. THIS IS MY FAVORITE FEATURE! When I first experienced it, I thought it would be too distracting. Nope! Not at all.

• Leather Trimmed Upholstery
• Genuine Aluminum Interior Trim
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control
• Electronic Parking Break System
• Bose® AM/FM/JD/SAT 12 Speakers
• Bluetooth/AUX Jack/USB Inputs
• Mazda Navigation
• 8″ Color Display with Rear Camera (Some rear cameras become pixelated and grainy at night. This rear camera stays clear!)
• Multi-function Commander Control
• Power Open/Close Rear Lift Gate
• LED Fog & Daytime Running Lights
• Push Button Engine Start (this engine is QUIET!)
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Electronic Parking Brake
• 3 Zone Automatic Climate Control (the passengers loved this feature!)
• Roof Mounted Shark Fin Antenna
• Adaptive Front Lighting System
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Smart Brake Support

Because driving matters, Mazda is big on safety and luxury experience. The CX-9 has both the things I need and the things I want in a vehicle.

• 24HR Roadside Assistance
• 36K MI Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
• Trailer Stability
• Heated Front Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• ABS with EBD and Brake-Assist
• 2nd Row Window Sunshades
• Windshield Wiper De-Icer
• Power Moonroof
• Heated Power Mirrors
• 20IN Alloy Wheels
• Driver Seat Memory with 2 Positions
• Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
• Independent Front/Rear Suspension
• Traction Control System
• Rear Privacy Glass

There are so many more features to this vehicle, but I don’t want to give everything away. You need to take this baby out for a test-drive! My Mazda CX-9 Review just touches the surface of how great this vehicle is. I was surprised to learn that even my 14 and 18 year-old sons thought this would be a good vehicle for them! (one day). I agree.

Whether you are someone who loves the outdoors, manages the carpool, has a big family or just needs a commuter vehicle with a punch, this is a great one! It also has an automatic/manual 6 speed transmission. I used it in both options and it was perfect for our daily routine and even the streets of San Francisco.

Check out these Facebook Live Videos of my Mazda CX-9 Review! My son Pedro even did his own Mazda CX-9 Review.

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I hope you loved this Mazda CX-9 Review. What are some of your must-have features in a vehicle? Share in the comments!

By: Alicia Gonzalez