
#Small crossover cars 2014 drivers
Ultimately, the looks, room, and flexibility should leave drivers and their families feeling like they’re in something that’s sophisticated, entertaining and ready for anything - even very deep snow. Discounting this exceptional situation, mileage landed at 15L/100km, which was as expected.įurther, the remote tailgate only worked some of the time, which was weird, and the leather on the steering wheel was a bit on the slippery side, so make sure you’re grabbing on tight. During a lead-footed filming session in very deep snow, I saw 20L/100km. The cargo hold is just massive, and conceals a third seating row that flips out of the floor as needed when you’ve got more than five total occupants along for the ride.Ĭomplaints? As expected of a big powerful ute, gas mileage can get thirsty. Rear-seat occupants get their own climate control, and the accessory, form-fitted rubber mats make for easy cleaning of winter messes, cargo spills, and the like. It’s also roomy: Up front there is generous space for two adults and their stuff, thanks to plenty of storage. The navigation and phone interface isn’t the market’s most advanced - but, all in all, test-drivers should find the CX-9 to be a sporty, upscale and well-equipped place to be.
#Small crossover cars 2014 driver
The driver computer is a small LCD readout, rather than a full-colour screen. So, the cabin pulls off some excitement, too. Material use is about average for the segment, but the design will rival a premium crossover’s cabin any day of the week. Shoppers will notice the perforated leather, suede inserts, glossy and metallic accents and intricate panel intersections, and how they work to show off some attention to detail. I liked the powerful, high-performance xenon lighting system, and those who don’t like looking behind them will like the blind-spot monitoring mirrors and a backup camera, too.

Go with the top-line GT model like the tester, and you get Bose audio, a sunroof, heated seats, automatic climate control, navigation, Bluetooth, and more. The 6-speed automatic works well with the engine, quickly finding a gear ratio to maximize acceleration or gas mileage depending on your intentions. The tester wore a set of Blizzak winter tires, and proved confidently entertaining, even during a snow-plowing session through over a foot of powder on my favourite empty backroad. No issues with needless wheel spin or off-the-line traction. Mazda’s slick Active Torque Split AWD system was also on board, making quick work of slippery winter conditions. It’s not a quiet engine, but it sounds good and blasts the CX-9 along adequately when you give it the boots. Under the hood is a 3.7L, 273-horsepower V6. It’s a nicely balanced ride and handling equation. The CX-9 rides with a firm sportiness without compromising much comfort. The 2014 Mazda CX-9 is nice and quiet at highway speeds as well, even wearing aggressive winter tires. The top-line GT, with standard AWD and a very lengthy list of premium features, is priced at $44,750.Įven if it’s not the most “zoom zoom” Mazda model on the road, CX-9 stays flat in corners, feels more agile than its size suggests, and steers and maneuvers more like a car than a truck. The CX-9 starts at $33,995 with front-wheel drive in GS trim, with AWD spiking the price to $36,995. That’s a good start to making a crossover that’s a bit exciting. Thanks to a new KODO design language (check out the new Mazda6 and CX-5 for other examples), this big hauler packs much of the visual energy and passion you’ll find in your favourite sports car. The new face and body here are more elegant, mature, easily identifiable and modern than before.

The CX-9 competes with machinery like the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, and Nissan Pathfinder with an eye for premium looks and the promise of a sporty driving experience.

Fresh out of a recent update, the latest CX-9 boasts refreshed styling, inside and out, that targets an affordable high-end look and feel. The CX-9 is the Japanese brand’s big-dog family hauler - one that boasts three rows of seats, room for the crew and their things, and available AWD. After all, most crossovers, and especially large ones, are about as exciting as a bowl of rocks. As such, it must be a tricky business to market a big, heavy crossover SUV when your reputation is built upon lightweight, thrilling, and sporty rides.

Mazda has a history of building track-tuned and enthusiast-oriented vehicles like the MAZDASPEED3 and 6, the MX-5, and the RX-7/RX-8.
