Two words: fuel efficiency. If the AWD system were "always on", the mileage would be worse. Tuning the car to make the AWD "always on" just isn't necessary for most buyers, but fuel efficiency is. I think that's why Mazda marketed the whole "predictive AWD" with 900 sensors or whatever, they wanted to make it sound like it would be similar to an "always on" AWD system for marketing purposes, but in reality the predictive AWD is probably quite limited.
I can get like or better fuel efficiency from Subaru and other manufacturers with a system which is always on. Buyers arent going to prefer a Mazda over a competitor for an extra 1-2mpg; it is more likely that Mazda is attempting to boost numbers for reasons of regulatory compliance. From what Ive seen, most of the segment has slightly worse fuel economy numbers, but that doesnt stop them from outselling the CX-9.
Lets be honest, it is fuel economy regulation and not market demand which is the reason for the Turbo 4 rather than a V6 in the CX-9. A smoother, quieter V6 would be a much better match and may not even produce appreciably worse fuel economy, but we get forced induction small engines because manufacturers dont want to bet on relaxed fuel economy regulations over the long term.
Blaming a FWD-biased AWD system for poor performance only applies if everything else is ideal (ie. good tires, good conditions). Take a look at (and listen to) the video I posted earlier of my own CX-9 with better all-season tires. No wheel spin, and traction control didn't engage. The AWD system isn't perfect, but it's not the reason for the OP's concerns. It's the tires that come with the car.
My point is that if the AWD system shifted power to the rear in dry conditions when stopped, it is unlikely that the quality or condition of the tires would be so relevantand that should be a benefit of AWD. In the perhaps dozen test drives that Ive done with the CX-9, torque steer is evident, and noticeable to me because its something Im not used to noticing even on FWD-only vehicles. I will say that Ive never turned TCS off, and perhaps if I had there would have been a difference, I dont know.
As a prospective buyer, Im drawn to the CX-9 because of the driving dynamics and the attention to detail that Mazda has put into the vehiclethings like the control layout and infotainment I actually see as a plus over the competition. However, since I live in snow country, I am spooked by reports of a marginal AWD system. Ive seen the part-time systems from Honda and Toyota in action, and theyre not impressive. If Mazdas system is similarly unimpressive, and theres no way to control it, that might be enough for me to consider another brand. I dont want a system which solely reacts to slipping, I want one which works to prevent me from slipping in the first place.
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