Pretty blown away at how nice this vehicle is. I worked at a luxury dealership not too long ago and this is the most impressive vehicle I've ever driven.
It feels so substantial while driving smaller than rivals. By this I mean it feels so solidly built with premium materials that it feels heavily planted yet moves like a lighter, sportier vehicle at the same time.
The engine is phenomenal. It absolutely does feel like a V6 except more responsive. Mazda really nailed it here. Nothing like the lagging turbos I've driven in the past where there's nothing then a sudden jerky rush of power. This is purely linear delivery right out of the gate.
Not sure if this is because of the extra sound deadening added for 2018, but I don't hear any coarseness or noise from the engine. This is remarkably quiet even under full throttle.
After driving it in a number of ways, I now have no concern that this engine is ever overtaxed for this 3-row. It's always calm, never overworked. It's spinning at just about 2600 RPM at 80 mph. People don't know what they're talking about when they say this car needs a V6. They simply haven't driven it and are basing opinions on the old days of engine tech.
The interior is pure luxury vehicle. We drove a Highlander Limited Platinum same day and my wife was disappointed at how far behind it was compared to the CX-9 Signature's interior. I already knew that but she went in leaning Highlander but came away in the CX-9's corner.
It feels so substantial while driving smaller than rivals. By this I mean it feels so solidly built with premium materials that it feels heavily planted yet moves like a lighter, sportier vehicle at the same time.
The engine is phenomenal. It absolutely does feel like a V6 except more responsive. Mazda really nailed it here. Nothing like the lagging turbos I've driven in the past where there's nothing then a sudden jerky rush of power. This is purely linear delivery right out of the gate.
Not sure if this is because of the extra sound deadening added for 2018, but I don't hear any coarseness or noise from the engine. This is remarkably quiet even under full throttle.
After driving it in a number of ways, I now have no concern that this engine is ever overtaxed for this 3-row. It's always calm, never overworked. It's spinning at just about 2600 RPM at 80 mph. People don't know what they're talking about when they say this car needs a V6. They simply haven't driven it and are basing opinions on the old days of engine tech.
The interior is pure luxury vehicle. We drove a Highlander Limited Platinum same day and my wife was disappointed at how far behind it was compared to the CX-9 Signature's interior. I already knew that but she went in leaning Highlander but came away in the CX-9's corner.
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