2010 Mazda Cx 9
Family cars generally don’t come with many more uses than the 7-passenger 2010 Mazda CX-9 SUV without requiring some form of special licensing. Taking into account its standard 273 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 engine, spacious cabin and ability to tow a load up to 3,500 pounds (AWD model) it is easy to see why this vehicle has been such a big hit for Mazda.
Oh yes, and there is also the small part about how the CX-9 is easily one of the best looking SUVs on the new car market today. There are few more difficult styling exercises than trying to make a 7-passenger SUV both highly functional and sleek looking all at the same time. In fact, how Mazda managed to pull off that visual trick may just be a question for the ages.
The 2010 Mazda CX-9 may look like it stickers in the $40,000-$50,000 range yet it starts at just $29,385 which is hugely impressive considering the standard feature count. Base Sport model CX-9 models come very well equipped with three-zone climate control, halogen headlights, Bluetooth, three rows of seats and power windows, mirrors and locks all featuring.
Moving up to the $31,305 Touring model adds leather, power driver and passenger seats, heated front seats and heated side mirrors to the standard features list. Topping the 2010 Mazda CX-9 range is the Grand Touring model which adds 20-inch alloy rims, auto headlamps and wipers, electro-luminescent dials, a blind-spot warning system, keyless entry and push button start, Xenon HID headlamps, a power rear hatch and upscale dark silver/wood trim all for $33,395. Adding all-wheel drive adds about $1,000 to the price of the CX-9 and can be ordered with all trims.
Top level Grand Touring CX-9 models can also be ordered with a Rear Entertainment Package for $3,055 that gives you a rear DVD entertainment system for the kids, a Bose Audio system with 11 speakers and Sirius satellite radio. If you prefer to actually talk to your kids you can order the Bose system with a moonroof as part of the $2,255 Moonroof/Bose option package.
No matter which CX-9 model you choose, however, you will always be treated to a driving experience that lives up to Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom” ad campaign. The steering rack gives the driver plenty of feedback and the suspension capably absorbs even the worst bumps modern supermarket parking lots can throw its way. It may not offer the same wind in the air driving experience as the Miata but in comparison to most 7-seat crossovers on the market today the CX-9 is on the sportier side of things.
The standard six-speed automatic also knows how to keep the engine on the boil to give you plenty of passing power when you need it yet 16 miles per gallon city and 22 on the highway. Not bad for a seven passenger SUV that can actually accommodate adults in the third row without any need for their legs to be cut off.
The engine in the CX-9 also runs on regular unleaded which can be a big money saver for any family on a budget. Taking into account how many years you tend to own your vehicles that could save you some serious coin considering the price difference charged at most gas stations for premium unleaded. The CX-9 also has a 20.9 gallon gas tank meaning it can probably go further on a tank of gas than you can go between bathroom breaks on road trips.
The interior of the CX-9 feels decidedly upscale and all of the materials used feel durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily abuse. Cargo room is also impressive with 17.2 cubic feet with the third row in use, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and a whopping 100.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. With that much room you can not only raise four kids with you CX-9 but you can also move them and all of their stuff off to college.
The 2010 Mazda CX-9 really does offer everything you could want from a 7-passenger SUV—it is stylish, economical, solidly built and a real honest to goodness bargain. Really, what more do you want out of life? And you know the CX-9 can be just the ticket to tide you over until the kids are gone and you can finally buy the Miata you’ve always wanted.
