I've been lurking on the forum, but since I test drove a Grand Touring today I thought I would post some observations.
Overall the CX9 looks nice, I drove the GT and I checked out the Signature in the showroom. I was surprised just how massive the front end looks, it's a lot bigger vehicle than I expected. But the interior volume doesn't reflect the external size, IMO the Highlander and Pathfinder seem more voluminous, yet smaller exterior. The middle seat in the 2nd row is not comfortable for an adult, they really made this with middle seat as a bonus, not a feature. The hump isn't flat, it appears to have a couple height tiers, kinda strange. The third row is ok for kids, but at 6' my head was right against the roof, a little claustrophobic. But the third row seats are comfortable. The 2nd row outer seats were very comfortable, if you're family has 4, then it's a great choice. I have 5 so I'm on the fence. Did I mention how massive the front end is? The cockpit appears nicely laid out, figuring out the whole cruise control and safety features were no intuitive, granted I've never driven a Mazda before. I was super perplexed on the seat controls. In my 2 Honda's including a 6 year old Accord, I can tilt the seat forward and backwards, in addition to up down back forward and it's a LX-P. But I could only get the driver seat to go up and down, back/forward and lumbar. Is this normal for Mazda, the seat was comfortable, but the controls were terrible and I couldn't get a comfortable position, felt to slanted forward, I don't know if Mazda has some unique adjustment method, the CX9 doesn't tilt or mine was faulty. Either way it was disappointing, unless I messed up, which I don't think is the case. If it is a design flaw, bummer, if it's a faulty seat, bad quality control.
Onto driving, getting in I felt like I was in a tank, feels like you sink down into it like a car rather than sit up like a SUV or it's just got a high belt line. It wasn't bad, just weird. To be honest it drove more like a car than a SUV, not bad. Pilot drives like the Odyssey van, and the Highlander felt like a truck to me. Acceleration was good, nice get up and go. Handled nicely. In my limited drive it was pleasant to use.
I can confirm that the HUD does NOT work with polarized glasses. I had on my polarized sunglasses and it was barely noticeable, but when I took them off it was very clear. It looked really nice to be honest, better than the 2015 Corvette's HUD.
Honestly the 2nd row middle seat might be the deal breaker for me. I want to have a decent 2nd row in case we have to load up the back, I don't want it to be just ok, not at $40K+ for the GT. I'll have to go back with the family and get their thoughts. A nice ride for sure, just maybe not right for me. I can always get non-polarized sunglasses, but can't replace the seat.
If you have any questions, I'll be happy to try and answer.
