2017 Mazda CX-9: Premium Style, Great Driving Dynamics

With style and great driving dynamics, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is near the top of the pack among midsize crossover SUVs.
It comes in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. With a third row of seating, it can hold up to seven passengers. 
Under the hood is a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Mazda's Skyactiv technology. It makes 250 horsepower, 310 pounds-feet of torque and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway. 
Front wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
The sinewy styling of the CX-9 follows the "Kodo” design language that Mazda currently uses throughout its lineup. At the front-end you'll find sporty headlights, a bold, crest-shaped grille and a minimalistic lower fascia. 
The artistic body lines flow from front to rear with a subtle sense of motion. The CX-9 offers standard LED headlights, daytime running lamps and stylish taillights that give it an upscale look. 
Other standard features offered are power/heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, a dual-pipe exhaust system, a rear spoiler and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Options include adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, unique grille accent lighting, a power moonroof, a power liftgate and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
On the interior, the CX-9 has an upscale cloth interior standard, with a 60/40-split folding second-row seat and a 50/50-split folding third-row seat. 
Maximum cargo capacity is 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The standard Mazda Connect infotainment system is contained in the center stack and includes a 7-inch display, a Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a dual USB port. Optional is a larger 8-inch display, an integrated navigation system and a Bose premium audio system.
The only comfort issue we had with the CX-9 is with the center stack housing so much stuff, it cuts down on the leg room, width-wise, for driver and front passenger. 
Other standard features include tri-zone automatic climate control, power windows/locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Leather upholstery, unique rosewood inlay, aluminum trim and power/heated front seats are optional.
The CX-9 has standard safety features that include a backup camera and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available active safety features include blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention, automatic high-beam headlights and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
The CX-9 is priced starting at about $33,000 and ranging to about $45,000.
So at its higher end, the CX-9 gets a little pricey. But when you think about all of the great standard features, the attractive styling and the fun driving dynamics, you are basically talking about a luxury, or at least premium, vehicle. For that, the price tag is surely worth it.