Shortcomings of Touring trim?

[sjg]

I am about to replace a beloved '05 Subaru Legacy GT Limited Wagon and it looks like the CX-9 will be the replacement. From the research and test drives I've done I'm leaning towards the Touring vs. the GT mostly because I don't want the 20" wheels (easier to damage, firmer/harsher ride, more expensive tires) and I'm happy to save the $$ required to upgrade to the GT. However, there are a couple GT items that I might miss and wanted to get a sense from others as to whether my concerns are legit or not.

Headlights: Edmunds.com had a Touring in its long term fleet and most of their observations were positive but there was a complaint about the strength of the headlights. Are the Touring's lights really that bad? Bad enough to be a safety issue? Are the GT's a big improvement?

Fog lights: Not available on the Touring. Has anyone installed them?

Side mirrors with turn indicators: I think this is another safety feature that is appearing on more and more cars. Why does Mazda limit it only to the highest trim level?

These are the only shortcomings of the Touring that seem to bother me. Are they legitimate concerns? Are there others?

[TheKandyman]

I don't have a CX-9 yet (that will hopefully change by end of next week) and haven't driven a Touring at night. However, the mazda web site indicates that the Touring comes with halogen lights (sports does not, and GT comes with xenon). Halogen lights are generally pretty decent. Maybe a current owner can confirm?

As for fog lights, looks like there is a kit. Seems a bit expensive though.
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123736024&highlight=fog+lights

Side mirrors with turn indicators IMO are more a fashion thing than safety. I can't image where a person or vehicle would have to be such that they will see only the side mirror indicators and not the regular indicators, which are placed in such a way that they are visible from both the front and side...


I plan to pick up a Touring by end of next week. It will be my wife's car, and she thinks things like navigation, moonroof and premium audio are pretty much a waste of money. Thats fine with me, we get to save the dough. Touring gives us the leather and power seats which I insisted on. The only other option I'll be adding is the rear view mirror with backup camera. I think with little kids around, you can never be too cautious.

[rckt]

I wanted the GT for sunroof, 20" tires, advanced key, BSM, blinkers in the mirrors, etc.

[CX9 SportOwner]

The Touring is a nice in between. It's a Sport, which is already very nice, with some nice luxury options like leather seats, power liftgate, etc, without the more gimmicky items like HIDs, 20" Wheels, 'fog' lights, and turn signal mirrors.

HIDs aren't needed. We have the halogens and they work just fine. We regularly drive winding mountain roads, and interstates. No problems with visibility.

I'll take the 18s over the 20s any way. All the complaints of harsh ride I've read for the CX9 are on the GT. I am VERY happy with the ride of the CX9 with 18s.

The 'Fog' lights aren't even fog lights. Fog lights are lower intensity amber to prevent flashback in fog. What most modern cars have are oncoming driver annoyance devices because people think they look cool driving with aux lights on.

Side turn signals are great IF they can be seen as you approach the car from the rear, as with a bicyclist, so they can see your intentions. The ones that are on the front of the mirror are cosmetic.

Blind Spot Monitor really isn't needed on this car if you adjust the mirrors properly and practice good driving habits.


Personally, I'd never buy a GT because of the 20s, and the ugly blue accent lighting, but may trade our Sport in for a '10 or '11 Touring in another year or so to get some of the newer features that weren't available when ours was new. We bought ours so early we couldn't even get a power liftgate yet.

Just my 2 cents on why we got the Sport. (Love the piano black, too)

[fxpthl]

We've had our 09 9 for over six months and 15K miles. We are very pleased with this ride and don't think much can be improved upon. We have the Grand Touring package and the head lights, (adjustible up and down) are great. If your rear cargo area is heavy you can adjust the headlights down accordingly. The fog ligs don't really do much other than light up the lower and side view of the roadway ahead. We did wish that the NAV system allowed the pasenger to use it while underway. Our 06 BMW X5 did allow this and we miss that capability. This a a super comfortable ride for long trips. Our 5500 mile road trip was fantastic. Be sure you keep an eye on this forum for more useful data.

[sjg]

We finally settled on the Touring with AWD, Bose/Moonroof, Backup camera package and Roof Rails. I don't really feel like the car is "missing" anything other than all the blanks on the lower part of the dash for features our car doesn't include. Haven't had a chance to miss the fog lights yet (there probably will be a few times but no more than 5 or 6 days a year). I'm sure I'll get used to the blind spots and I don't know how effective BSM is but if it works, I'm a little sorry I don't have it. Lower cars seem to disappear in the rear corners of the CX-9.

[petesamprs]

I have a related question regarding Touring vs. GT. On the website it lists the following 'upgrades' when going from T to GT:

Touring trim features plus:
* 20" alloy bright finish wheels
* Smart Card with Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
* Xenon auto on/off headlights
* Fog lights
* Side mirrors with turn indicator marker lights
* Chrome door handles
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and memory
* Electroluminescent gauges and blue indirect interior lighting
* Compass auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink®

I recently purchased a 2009 GT but it doesn't have i) side mirror turn indicators (only the BSM) and ii) no compass in the rear view mirror.

Am I missing something or is the website wrong.

[petesamprs]

Just doublechecked and I do have side mirror turn signals - just never noticed it. But I definitely don't have a compass in my rear view mirror. (huh)

[Going_Going_Gon]

The compass mirror comes with Homelink which is an option I believe.

[petesamprs]

The compass mirror comes with Homelink which is an option I believe.

My mirror has homelink (garage opener buttons), and I believe it's standard on the GT. Just no compass.

[AreYouWithMe]

I have had a CX-9 "Touring" for over a year and a half and really like it. I preferred the black interior over the fake wood of the GT. The ride is quiet and comfortable. Mine came with the sunroof package which works well. For me it was a good compromise between what I want and need. The in-dash nav might have been nice but I can always buy a portable GPS.

The only problem is the floormats seem to be a magnet for every type of dirt and is harder to clean than other cars I have owned. That and the gas cap release lever is right under where my power seat control is and everytime I get gas I have to take off my watch or else I wind up moving my seat accidentally.

I have gotten many compliments on the looks and driving of the car.

Good luck!

[Marin Mazda]

I have had a CX-9 "Touring" for over a year and a half and really like it. I preferred the black interior over the fake wood of the GT. The ride is quiet and comfortable. Mine came with the sunroof package which works well. For me it was a good compromise between what I want and need. The in-dash nav might have been nice but I can always buy a portable GPS.

The only problem is the floormats seem to be a magnet for every type of dirt and is harder to clean than other cars I have owned. That and the gas cap release lever is right under where my power seat control is and everytime I get gas I have to take off my watch or else I wind up moving my seat accidentally.

I have gotten many compliments on the looks and driving of the car.

Good luck!

Try the all weather mats... for an alternative... We did...and they're awesome.

[Touring9]

The 2010 Touring is the best version, I think. It's a nice upgrade from the Sport, without the less useful things like NAV (too inaccurate), Mirror turn signals (which are on the wrong side to be useful), and 20" Wheels (harsher ride), out of place blue accent lighting (ick).

What it adds is the two stage heated leather seats, 8 way power driver/4 way power passenger seat, moonroof, power liftgate, smart key.

You also now can get the 4.3" MFD with the 10 speaker Bose, which displays the back up camera image, and 7 device bluetooth phone/streaming audio.

Useful features on an already well equipped car.

I also prefer the Piano Black trim to the wood