Thats interesting- short falls like what? I know nothing could be perfect but still what kind of niggles have you observed? Did you feel it underpowered anytime or something else? I didnt see any issues like body roll or lack of tech features other than missing Apple car play and android auto during my test drive.
The lack of AA and ACP seems to be a big thing for the majority. It's not important to me at all, but Mazda has been promising it for over a year now.
By falling short, I'm talking about features and things that were not included, that would truly make it a function-specific SUV.
For example, to truly make it a luxury SUV like the GX, it would need things like power folding mirrors, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, passenger seat memory settings, panoramic roof, or a higher-end audio system.
To truly make it a sport SUV like the GC SRT, it needs a more powerful engine/drivetrain option, paddle shifters, an LSD, and an even better suspension system with better components (bigger brakes/rotors, thicker sway bars, better dampers and springs).
To truly make it an all terrain SUV like the LX, it would need stuff like crawl control, better height clearance, adaptive variable suspension, better towing capabilities, 4WD instead of AWD, and a standard tow hitch.
Instead, the CX-9 seems to take bits and pieces from the different types of SUVs to create its own package that, for most, is a happy medium. Personally, if the CX-9 had a more high-end audio system, power folding mirrors, passenger seat memory, 4WD, 100hp more, and bigger brakes/rotors and an upgraded front and rear sway bar, it would be absolutely perfect for me. The issue is that adding that stuff increases the cost, reduces fuel mileage, and costs more to maintain, so I managed my expectations, and I'm very, very happy with what I have in the 2018 CX-9 Signature.
Hope that clears my previous statement up for you
