2021 Mazda CX-9: Big enough for your Bear World
This year’s CX-9 is still considered a Midsized SUV, and seriously, I really don’t know who is doing the measuring.
But let me just say that you will be satisfied once you and your friends get in and relax, whether that means cranking up the Pride music or setting the tone to Ultra Mellow and letting the elegance overtake you.
U.S. News and World Report, my top source of reliable information on just about anything, ranks this car as Number Two in the midsize SUV category. “Excellent gas mileage, Energetic, lively handling, powerful engine, opulent cabin.”
I couldn’t agree more. Driving around town with my friends, who are anything but ‘petites’ (even when they are trying to eat healthy), there was plenty of room for their ‘largess’ (I say that with love –- they are handsome) and their purchases. We looked good, even when we could not necessarily find a place to park.
Starting at $34,160 US (if you are lucky enough to find one at that price in this currently insane car market), the CX-9 is a reasonable mid- to-large SUV for those who need one.
Mileage is 22 city / 28 highway, which is good for the class. It’s 16 ½ feet long and almost 6 feet high, so it can get a little cumbersome if you are trying to zip in and out of city life. For the record, you can tow almost two tons, but… why?
Safety features are becoming more and more standard, and that is music to my ears; a nice, melodic symphonic music. Lane-keep assist, forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are all standard.
Also standard are items like a turbo, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers. As you go up the food chain, more items (of course) become available.
What I liked most about this year’s CX-9 is the ease with which we could get in and get out of the vehicle –- with or without snacks. It rides high enough off the ground so you don’t have to worry about it cramping your style. And you don’t have to worry about you having to perform any limbo/cruise line moves just so you can get into the vehicle to warm up or cool down.
I will admit, however, that Mazda tech, especially when it comes to just syncing your phone so you can play all the latest music you hear on your RuPaul’s Drag Race –- it still is a challenge. I may need a refresher course.
There is third row of seats, but, yeah, well… I would not count of using it, unless you have very young children or pets who like small spaces. Just sayin’.
Overall, there does not seem to be any end in sight when it comes to chip shortages -– and thus automobile shortages. Dealer lots are still seeing limited supply everywhere, and I am amazed at what people in this current market for a car are paying for even a beat-up old used car.
Patience is the key here. If you can, take your time and shop carefully.
I wish I had some better news for you.
