The Mazda CX-9 had quite a run: 10 years from its early Ford origins up to the 2015 model year. And, there was a time when we weren?t sure if it would have a successor or not, as three-row utilities are not really Mazda?s thing. But, that?s what it takes to be competitive these days, so for 2016 an all-new CX-9 has arrived. Let see if the Mazda touch makes it standout in a segment full of able rivals.

Yes, many impressive 3-row crossover utilities have emerged over the decade since the Mazda CX-9 first came on line; and many of them have even zoom-zoomed as much as, if not more than, it has over the years. So, the redesigned 2016 Mazda CX-9 has a lot of catching up to do.
And, Mazda engineers started with the basics, working their magic with an all-new platform; making the CX-9 smaller outside, yet creating a roomier feel inside.

Even more sleight of hand was performed under the hood, where a 3.7-liter V6 was swapped for a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G turbo-4; the first turbo engine to gain the SKYACTIV moniker. Horsepower is down 23 to 250, but torque is up 40 lb-ft. to 310.

So, thanks to that extra torque, it doesn?t feel any less powerful than before. In fact, torque comes on with an almost diesel-like rush. Dropping over 250-lbs. of weight helps too...

Complete Road Test: https://goo.gl/Xo7emr

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