Tell me about the Mazda CX-9

My wife is shopping for a 3-row something to replace her Subaru XV Crosstrek. It's basically too small for us and the baby, so we're looking at the 3-row but not quite land yacht SUV class. She likes the Explorer, Pilot, and Highlander/4-Runner, looking at 2-4 years old or leasing something new as she doesn't drive much.

While searching the used lots, we found a nice 2014 CX-9 touring. I've always liked Mazda's, she likes the size and styling, so what's there to know? Reliability? Performance? Good stories, bad stories, story stories?

Edmunds said it was the best all around cross over in it's class and still handled like a Mazda.

I've read nothing but good things about them, and honestly, it's probably the only SUV-like thing that could ever get me away from the vehicular perfection of the minivan. I've gone so far as to sit in a CX-9, and frankly I didn't care for the "down in a bathtub" feeling of the cockpit, but that seems very much the norm nowadays. Some good friends of ours have had a CX-9 for a few years now, and they love it. Probably the only thing I'd find lacking is fuel economy, but that's only because of my unrealistic expectations.

1988RedT2 wrote: ... I've gone so far as to sit in a CX-9, and frankly I didn't care for the "down in a bathtub" feeling of the cockpit, but that seems very much the norm nowadays.

So, the new CX-9 is available to sit in? Where ... ??? I am only still seeing the 2015 models in the Cincinnati area so far.

There are probably a bunch of 2015's left out there that he sat in.

But there is one less 2014 available, wife bought it on Monday. Great power compared to our Subaru's, typical Mazda suspension and handling , and a lot more space than her former Crosstrek.

einy wrote:

1988RedT2 wrote: ... I've gone so far as to sit in a CX-9, and frankly I didn't care for the "down in a bathtub" feeling of the cockpit, but that seems very much the norm nowadays.

So, the new CX-9 is available to sit in? Where ... ??? I am only still seeing the 2015 models in the Cincinnati area so far.

I meant sometime since the vehicle's inception, which I gather was around 2007 or so. I may have sat in one anytime after that, but it was definitely not a 2016.

Of the three row vehicles, I don't think you'll find something as fun to drive as the CX-9, with the possible exception of a three-row X5. Some lament how long in the tooth the outgoing generation had become, but I actually think sometimes models that have been around a while can be wonderful because they have had time to get them right.

Let us know how you like it.