Driving the 2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring All Wheel Drive

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There is something just awesome about driving a brand new car. Thanks to the awesome folks at DriveShop USA and Mazda, I got to drive the 2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring All Wheel Drive for a week. I loved the car and was sad when our week together came to an end but I'm excited to share some details with you.

Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals
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Driving the 2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring All Wheel Drive

If you're in the market for a new car, the Mazda CX-9 is worth a look. It's sassy and sporty looking and it definitely doesn't have the look of a “mom car” but it's super roomy.

Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals
The third row seat makes this car a great option for when you're carrying a few extra passengers. For the mom who often carts her kids' friends around, the CX-9 is PERFECT. When not in use, the third row folds up for more rear storage.

This car was smooth and sleek and I loved driving it around town.

Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals
This car has a really unique feature. It drives to Target all by itself. Kidding…but wouldn't that be cool?

Did I mention how awesome it is to drive a brand-new car? I probably did.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2018 CX-9 All Wheel Drive:

  1. Improved second row for both greater comfort and easier third-row access and greater sound insulation;
  2. All 2018 CX-9 models receive Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for the first time;
  3. Mazda’s CX-9 has earned a reputation for excellence, being named a finalist for both North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and World Car of the Year for 2017;
  4. The CX-9 features many new drivetrain technologies, including its world-first Dynamic Pulse Turbocharger system, which helps CX-9 deliver both outstanding immediate torque and top-of-class fuel-efficiency;
  5. The three-row Mazda CX-9 is available with real wood, Nappa leather and aluminum trim in the new Signature trim level;
  6. Signature trim elevates CX-9 into a premium competitive set, complementing its already outstanding driving dynamics – a trait for which all Mazda’s are known;
  7. Because of lightweight, efficient SKYACTIV Technologies, CX-9 is approximately 250 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. Even with the weight loss, CX-9 is now one of the quietest vehicles in its class, thanks to generous amounts of sound deadening.
Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals
I loved the shiny red color. You can see my husband's Halloween handiwork in the background!

This car had a really luxurious feel. The leather interiors were butter-soft and the real wood and aluminum trim really just contributed to the overall high end vibe. Mazda has a great reputation for making sound, road-worthy vehicles but I felt like I was driving a luxury car…and I liked it!

Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

We got the opportunity to drive the Mazda CX-9 around San Antonio in October. Here's us at our date night. We went to Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. If you like creepy clowns, you'll want to put that on your list of things to check out next October.

Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Me on that one sort of almost cold day in San Antonio.

Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

I drove the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive to New Braunsfels for a media event at the new Texas Med Clinic. I got royally lost, which is about typical for me but I enjoyed the sunshine and the drive in this beauty.

This is a great-looking, great performing and still practical (because yes, that's still important, even when the car is red and shiny) car.

Available packages and options:

Power Driver's Seat and Heated Side Mirror Package includes:
Power driver's seat with power lumbar support
Heated front cloth seats
Heated outside mirrors
Auto On/Off Headlights
High Beam Control
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Rain Sensing Wipers
Smart Brake Support

Options:

Snowflake White Pearl Mica Paint (Extra Cost Option)
Machine Gray Metallic Paint (Extra Cost Option)

The MSRP is around $32,000.

Thank you to my friends at Drive Shop and Mazda for allowing me to drive the 2018 CX-9 Grand Touring All Wheel Drive. It was sweet and I was sorry to see pick up day come around. Sad trombone.

Driving the Mazda CX-9 All Wheel Drive|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals
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3 Comments

  1. HI Jill

    Thanks for the great review of the CX9!

    My wife and I had a Mazda tribute back in the day ( a 5 seater) and we loved it!

    We are actually currently planning for our next vehicle and we are hoping to get a new one. We really like the red color of the CX9 int her pictures here and we ave always loved the looks of the CX series of SUVs by MAzda.

    I did see that there was a 3rd row seat in the back that can fold down. With the seat in the upright position is it a 7 seater SUV? OR does it fit 8?

    Thanks again for the review!! Looks like you guys had a fun time for the week driving this beauty!

    Mike