2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD COMFORT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES

Transcription

1 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD Odometer: 40,689 Transmission: 6-Speed Sport Automatic Engine: 3.7L V6 DOHC 24V VIN: JM3TB3DA6F Color: Jet Black Stock #: 1C183879A Interior: Black w/leather Trimmed Seats Drive Train: AWD COMFORT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES Safety 4-Wheel Disc Brakes ABS brakes Anti-whiplash front head restraints Dual front impact airbags Dual front side impact airbags Additional *3RD ROW SEAT *ALL WHEEL DRIVE *LEATHER INTERIOR *HEATED FRONT SEATS *BACK-UP CAMERA *BLUETOOTH Exterior Power Liftgate Delay-off headlights Front fog lights Fully automatic headlights High intensity discharge headlights: Bi-Xenon Electronic 6 Speakers AM/FM radio AM/FM Sound System w/cd & 6 Speakers CD player MP3 decoder Technical Four wheel independent suspension Speed-sensing steering Traction control Interior Air Conditioning Automatic temperature control Front dual zone A/C Rear air conditioning Rear window defroster Financing Available (330) CITY MPG: 16 HWY MPG: 22

2 CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING: JM... Page 1 of 6 $cip.showmeheader.merge($thisvelocitycontext) English Español Vehicle Information: 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING VIN: JM3TB3DA6F DOOR WAGON/SPORT UTILITY 3.7L V6 F DOHC 24V GASOLINE ALL WHEEL DRIVE Standard Equipment Safety Options CARFAX Report Provided By: Fred Martin Superstore 3195 Barber Rd Norton, OH (866) No accidents reported to CARFAX No damage reported to CARFAX CARFAX 1-Owner vehicle 10 Service history records Personal lease vehicle Last reported odometer reading This CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX and available as of 7/19/18 at 11:13:26 AM (CDT). Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car. The number of owners is estimated Ownership History Owner 1 Year purchased 2016 Type of owner Estimated length of ownership Owned in the following states/provinces Estimated miles driven per year Personal lease 2 years Ohio 19,453/yr Last reported odometer reading 40,689 Title History CARFAX guarantees the information in this section Salvage Junk Rebuilt Fire Flood Hail Lemon Not Actual Mileage Exceeds Mechanical Limits Owner 1 Guaranteed No Problem Guaranteed No Problem GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.register View Terms View Certificate Additional History Not all accidents / issues are reported to CARFAX Total Loss No total loss reported to CARFAX. Owner 1

3 CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING: JM... Page 2 of 6 Structural Damage No structural damage reported to CARFAX. Airbag Deployment No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX. Odometer Check No indication of an odometer rollback. Accident / Damage No accidents or damage reported to CARFAX. Manufacturer Recall Check with an authorized Mazda dealer for any open recalls. Basic Warranty Original warranty estimated to have expired. Indicated No Recalls Warranty Expired Detailed History Glossary Owner 1 Purchased: 2016 Type: Personal lease Where: Ohio Est. miles/year: 19,453/yr Est. length owned: 1/5/16-2/1/18 (2 years) Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 09/02/2015 NICB Vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer 09/15/ Kings Mazda Cincinnati, OH kingsmazda.com 09/24/2015 Kings Mazda Cincinnati, OH kingsmazda.com 12/15/2015 Montrose Westside Auto Campus Cleveland Cleveland, OH westsideautomotivegr oup.com Vehicle offered for sale Pre-delivery inspection completed Oil and filter changed Vehicle offered for sale 12/15/2015 Montrose Westside Wholesale Outlet Parma, OH montrosewestsidewhol esaleoutlet.com Vehicle offered for sale 12/17/2015 Montrose Westside Wholesale Outlet Cleveland, OH montrosewestsidewhol esaleoutlet.com Pre-delivery inspection completed Maintenance inspection completed 12/17/2015 Montrose Westside Wholesale Outlet Cleveland, OH montrosewestsidewhol esaleoutlet.com Vehicle sold 12/17/2015 Service Plan Co. Brunswick, OH 01/05/2016 Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. Brunswick, OH 01/07/2016 Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. Service contract issued Vehicle purchase reported Titled or registered as personal lease vehicle Title issued or updated First owner reported

4 CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING: JM... Page 3 of 6 Fort Worth, TX Title # /21/2016 Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. Brunswick, OH Title # /29/ Montrose Westside Auto Campus Cleveland Cleveland, OH westsideautomotivegr oup.com 04/20/ Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. Fort Worth, TX Title # /26/2016 8,488 Montrose Westside Auto Campus Cleveland Cleveland, OH westsideautomotivegr oup.com 06/21/2016 Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. Brunswick, OH Title # /14/ ,308 Montrose Westside Auto Campus Cleveland Cleveland, OH westsideautomotivegr oup.com 12/26/ ,966 Montrose Westside Auto Campus Cleveland Cleveland, OH westsideautomotivegr oup.com 05/20/2017 Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. Brunswick, OH Title # /21/ ,278 Lube Stop Medina, OH /31/ ,345 Brunswick Auto Mart Brunswick, OH brunswickautos.com 02/01/2018 Brunswick Auto Mart Brunswick, OH brunswickautos.com 02/06/2018 Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. 02/13/2018 Ohio Motor Vehicle Dept. Brunswick, OH Title # /14/ ,350 Brunswick Auto Mart Brunswick, OH brunswickautos.com Registration issued or renewed Vehicle serviced Title issued or updated Duplicate title issued Maintenance inspection completed Body electrical system checked Exterior trim checked Registration issued or renewed Maintenance inspection completed Tires rotated Oil and filter changed Exterior trim checked Drivability/performance checked Registration issued or renewed Oil and filter changed Wiper(s) replaced Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned Maintenance inspection completed Battery/charging system checked Tire condition and pressure checked Brakes checked Vehicle offered for sale Vehicle purchase reported Title issued or updated Dealer took title of this vehicle while it was in inventory Battery replaced

5 CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING: JM... Page 4 of 6 06/29/ ,662 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale 07/05/ ,689 Service Facility Vehicle washed/detailed Have Questions? Consumers, please visit our Help Center at Dealers or Subscribers, please visit our Help Center at Glossary View Full Glossary First Owner When the first owner(s) obtains a title from a Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of ownership. Ownership History CARFAX defines an owner as an individual or business that possesses and uses a vehicle. Not all title transactions represent changes in ownership. To provide estimated number of owners, CARFAX proprietary technology analyzes all the events in a vehicle history. Estimated ownership is available for vehicles manufactured after 1991 and titled solely in the US including Puerto Rico. Dealers sometimes opt to take ownership of a vehicle and are required to in the following states: Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. Please consider this as you review a vehicle's estimated ownership history. Title Issued A state issues a title to provide a vehicle owner with proof of ownership. Each title has a unique number. Each title or registration record on a CARFAX report does not necessarily indicate a change in ownership. In Canada, a registration and bill of sale are used as proof of ownership. Follow Us: CARFAX on Google+ CARFAX DEPENDS ON ITS SOURCES FOR THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF ITS INFORMATION. THEREFORE, NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED BY CARFAX OR ITS AGENTS FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THIS REPORT. CARFAX FURTHER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CARFAX 2018 CARFAX, Inc., a unit of IHS Markit. All rights reserved. Covered by United States Patent Nos. 7,113,853; 7,778,841; 7,596,512, 8,600,823; 8,595,079; 8,606,648; 7,505,838. 7/19/18 11:13:26 AM (CDT) I have reviewed and received a copy of the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2015 MAZDA CX-9 vehicle (VIN: JM3TB3DA6F ), which is based on information supplied to CARFAX and available as of 7/19/18 at 12:13 PM (EDT). Customer Signature Date Dealer Signature Date

6 CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING: JM... Page 5 of 6 Number of Owners: 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING VIN: JM3TB3DA6F Body Style: 4 DOOR WAGON/SPORT UTILITY Engine Size: 3.7L V6 F DOHC 24V Drivetrain: ALL WHEEL DRIVE Last owned in the following state/province: Ohio Annual average mileage: 16,284 None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles: Salvage, Junk, Rebuilt, Fire, Flood, Hail, Lemon Not Actual Mileage, Exceeds Mechanical Limits Guaranteed No Problem Guaranteed No Problem Original Manufacturer's Warranty: Basic Warranty Expired Please confirm remaining factory warranty and extended warranty options with your dealer! The original manufacturer's warranty includes: 36 months or 36,000 miles No issues reported to CARFAX on the following: Total Loss Structural Damage Airbag Deployment Courtesy of Fred Martin Superstore 3195 Barber Rd Norton, OH (866) Odometer Rollback Other Accidents / Damage Information excerpted from the CARFAX Vehicle History Report and/or Safety & Reliability Ratings; see full reports for additional information, glossary of terms, source attributions,disclaimers & limitations. Go to carfax.com for complete Buyback Guarantee terms and conditions CARFAX, Inc., a unit of IHS Markit. All rights reserved. Covered by United States Patent Nos. 7,113,853; 7,778,841; 7,596,512, 8,600,823; 8,595,079; 8,606,648; 7,505,838. 7/19/18 11:13:26 AM (CDT)

7 CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING: JM... Page 6 of 6 CARFAX VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT COURTESY OF FRED MARTIN SUPERSTORE CARFAX Buyback Coverage for: Guarantee Coverage: 0-07/19/2019 CARFAX Vehicle Description: 2015 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING VIN: JM3TB3DA6F Driveline: ALL WHEEL DRIVE Body Style:4 DOOR WAGON/SPORT UTILITY Engine: 3.7L V6 F DOHC 24V CARFAX will buy this vehicle back if you find that any of these severe problems were reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles and were not included in this report. SEVERE DAMAGE Salvage/Junk Rebuilt/Reconstructed Dismantled Fire/Flood/Hail ODOMETER PROBLEMS Exceeds Mechanical Limits Not Actual Mileage LEMON HISTORY Manufacturer Buyback Terms and Conditions Apply View Terms and Conditions for CARFAX Buyback Guarantee coverage 2018 CARFAX, Inc., an IHS company. All rights reserved. Patents pending. 0 11:13:35

8 Mazda CX *100 *1st Limited Warranty: Internal Engine, Transmission, Front Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive, Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive. See written Dealer Limited Warranty for the complete details. 2nd Limited Warranty: Engine and Transmission Internally Lubricated Parts. See written Dealer Limited Warranty for the complete details. JM3TB3DA6F *100 *1st Limited Warranty: 3 months or 3000 miles from the vehicles sale date or 3000 miles from the odometer reading at the time of vehicle sale (whichever comes first). The customer pays the first $200 deductible of the total cost of covered component repairs preformed during each repair visit. 2nd Limited Warranty: The Limited Lifetime Warranty applies as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle. The selling dealer shall pay 75% of the total cost of the parts and labor charges on covered repairs. The purchaser is responsible for 25% of the total cost of the parts and labor charges on covered repairs.

9 Thursday, July 19, 2018 Retail Breakdown NADA Publication: 07/2018, Region: Central 2015 MAZDA CX-9 Utility 4D GT AWD V6... $24,975 VIN: JM3TB3DA6F Stock #: 1C183879A MSRP Weight Condition... Clean Total Value without mileage... $24,975 Mileage adjustment (40689) miles... $500 *** NADA Retail $25,475 Fred Martin Motor Company - fmss office NADA publication for Ohio: Publication: 07/2018, Region: Central Values are subjective opinions. NADA and vauto, Inc. assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. vauto, Inc. 2018, all rights reserved.

10 Thursday, July 19, 2018 Typical Listing Price Breakdown KBB.com 7/13/ Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Sport Utility 4D... $24,036 VIN: JM3TB3DA6F Stock #: 1C183879A *** Itemized Add/Deducts *** V6, 3.7 Liter... Included Auto, 6-Spd Sportshift... Included AWD... Included Blind-Spot Alert... Included Power Liftgate Release... Included Technology Pkg... Included Traction Control... Included Dynamic Stability Control... Included ABS (4-Wheel)... Included Anti-Theft System... Included Keyless Entry... Included Keyless Start... Included Air Conditioning... Included Air Conditioning, Rear... Included Power Windows... Included Power Door Locks... Included Cruise Control... Included Power Steering... Included Tilt & Telescoping Wheel... Included AM/FM Stereo... Included CD/MP3 (Single Disc)... Included SiriusXM Satellite... Included Bluetooth Wireless... Included Parking Sensors... Included Backup Camera... Included Dual Air Bags... Included Side Air Bags... Included F&R Head Curtain Air Bags... Included Heated Seats... Included Dual Power Seats... Included Leather... Included Third Row Seat... Included Privacy Glass... Included Daytime Running Lights... Included Bi-HID Headlamps... Included Fog Lights... Included Roof Spoiler... Included Oversized Premium Wheels Included 20" Condition... Fair* Total Value without mileage... $24,036 Mileage adjustment (40689) miles... $983 *** KBB.com Typical Listing Price $25,019 *"Fair" - 18% of all cars we value meet this criteria. This car has some mechanical or cosmetic defects and needs servicing, but is still in safe running condition and has a clean title history. The paint, body and/or interior may need professional servicing. The tires may need replacing and there may be some repairable rust damage. Fred Martin Motor Company - fmss office KBB.com publication for Ohio: 7/13/2018- Values are subjective opinions. KBB.com and vauto, Inc. assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. vauto, Inc. 2018, all rights reserved.

11 D MARTIN SUPERSTORE*********************** 3195 Barber Road Barberton-Norton, OH (330) Wayne Miller Technician - Inspection x226 wmiller@fmcars.com RO /2/2018 1:27 pm Technician: Jeremy Tarle 2015 Mazda CX-9 JM3TB3DA6F L AWD 6 Cyl GAS Automatic Mileage: 40,687 OK Needs Attention N/A ROAD TEST Engine Operation þ Transmission Operation þ Clutch Operation þ Squeaks/Rattles þ Cruise Control Operation þ Wiper/Washer Operation þ Radio/Tape/CD þ Gauges/Indicators þ Second Key Needed FLOOR CHECKS Front Lights þ Tail/Brake Lights þ Turn Signals þ Windshield/Glass þ Hood/Fuel/Trunk Release þ Power Switches þ Window/Mirror þ Lighter/Power Outlet(s) þ HVAC Controls þ A/C Outlet Tempurature 50 þ Clock þ Horn þ Rear Defrost þ SRS/SES/Warning Lights þ Sunroof þ Interior Lights þ Interior Trim/Panels þ Seat Coverings/Adjusters/Carpet þ Seat Belts þ Glove Box/Console þ All Locks/Handles þ Spare/Jack/Tools þ Body Condition- Dings, Dents, Scratches, Chips þ yes 2018 OEConnection. All rights reserved. Service Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6pm, Saturday 8am - 5pm 0 Page 1 of 2

12 UNDER HOOD Spark Plugs/Wires þ Battery/Cables 12.5 þ Cooling System/Level/Hoses þ Coolant Protection Level (temp) -20 Power Steering Fluid Level/Reservoir þ Brake Fluid Level/Reservoir þ Transmission Fluid Level(if it has a dipstick) þ Air Filter þ Belts/Pulleys/Tensioners þ Emission Components þ ON LIFT LF - Tire Wear/Condition 11 þ RF - Tire Wear/Condition 11 þ LR - Tire Wear/Condition þ 11 RR - Tire Wear/Condition þ 11 Tire Size(s) 245 / 50 / 20 Steering Components þ Front Suspension þ Front Shocks/Struts þ Rear Suspension þ Rear Shocks/Struts þ Exhaust System þ Engine Oil Leaks þ Transmission Fluid Leaks þ Fuel Tank/Filler þ Wheels/Covers/Lugs þ Front Brakes 6 þ Rear Brakes þ 6 E Brake Adjustment þ Brake Lines þ Axle Boots/Seals þ U-Joints þ Front/Rear Differential þ Transfer Case þ 2018 OEConnection. All rights reserved. Service Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6pm, Saturday 8am - 5pm 0 Page 2 of 2

13 Page 1 of Mazda CX-9 By New Car Test Drive Updated: April 16, 2015 Review Pages Print This Page Return to Overview Page 2015 Mazda CX-9 Mazda CX-9 is a midsize crossover utility vehicle with big cargo capacity and the ride and handling of a large sedan. It s a swift and stylish alternative to a minivan. The Mazda CX-9 is a great people hauler. It can carry seven adult passengers, thanks to a third-row seat designed with adults in mind. It s easy for an older driver to get into the CX-9 because there s no need to climb up into it. Yet the seating position is high enough that the driver looks over at, not up to, drivers in big SUVs. We found the cabin surroundings handsome though not luxurious. The CX-9 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, providing a nice option for those who worry about snowy travel in hilly areas. Properly equipped, it is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds. What sets the CX-9 apart are its sporty looks and the road manners to back them up. The CX-9 responds quickly to driver inputs, feeling surprisingly enthusiastic about travel on a serpentine two-

14 Page 2 of 7 lane road. A 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque provides plenty of power. This refined, 24-valve power plant was designed by Ford and is built in Ohio before being shipped to Japan where the CX-9 is assembled. It works well with a six-speed, Japanese-made automatic transmission that can be shifted manually if the driver is interested in some frisky motoring. First introduced for the 2007 model year, the CX-9 is aging. It has received updates through the years, but has not benefitted from a complete redesign. While it received the U.S. government s highest possible ratings (five stars) in frontal and side impact crashes upon its release, the front crash standard has become stricter and today the CX-9 gets only three stars in that test. Changes for 2015 are minimal. The only change of note is the addition of a Recreational Accessory package that adds roof rails with cross bars, a cargo net, and a stainless steel rear bumper guard. Model Lineup The 2015 Mazda CX-9 comes in three trim levels. Each is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD ($29,985) and AWD ($31,575) come with cloth upholstery, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, trip computer, three-zone automatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5.8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, HD radio, USB and auxiliary inputs, six-way manually adjustable driver s seat, split-folding second- and thirdrow seats, roof spoiler, and P245/60R18 tires on aluminum wheels. The Touring FWD ($32,480) and AWD ($34,070) add leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver s seat with power lumbar adjustment, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring system, rear park assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a rearview camera. The Grand Touring FWD ($35,035) and AWD ($36,625) add driver s seat memory, upgraded exterior and interior trim, keyless access and starting, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, second-row center armrest with console storage, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, fog lights, automatic wipers, power liftgate, and P245/50R20 tires. Packaged as an option for the Sport are heated mirrors, heated front seats and an eight-way poweradjustable driver seat with power lumbar ($740). A Touring Technology package ($3,000) includes fog lights, sunroof, power liftgate, keyless access and starting, navigation system, premium 10- speaker Bose surround-sound system, and satellite radio. A Grand Touring Technology package ($2,435) comes with a sunroof, a navigation system, a premium 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system, and satellite radio. The Grand Touring is also available with a Rear Seat Entertainment System ($3,245) that features a 9-inch screen, an 11-speaker Bose surround system with satellite radio, the navigation system, and a 115-volt power outlet. A Recreational Accessory package ($650) adds roof rails, cross bars, rear cargo net, and a stainless steel rear bumper guard. Other options include remote engine starting ($350), roof rails $300), and satellite radio with a four-month subscription ($525). Safety features include electronic stability control with roll stability control and traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, active front head restraints, tire-

15 Page 3 of 7 pressure monitor, side air curtains with rollover deployment, front-seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and dual frontal air bags. The Touring and Grand Touring also have a Blind Spot Monitoring system, rear park assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a rearview camera. Walkaround and Interior The Mazda CX-9 shares its basic structure with the five-passenger Ford Edge, although the Mazda is longer, by two inches of wheelbase and 14 inches overall. In fact, at just over 200 inches long, the CX-9 is the largest Mazda ever. What is perhaps most surprising about the CX-9 is that it doesn t look big from the outside. The CX-9 s nose features a version of the five-point grille that is used on most of today s Mazdas. It s clean and simple, and far better looking than earlier versions of the CX-9 s nose. The windshield is sharply raked, leading to a roof that arches, crests and then slides back and down. One surprise is a pronounced bulge in the tailgate, like an old-fashioned bustle. It is a neat trick that adds a little extra storage capacity. Along the sides, the fenders feature prominent flares. Safety researchers say the strength of the vehicle s body is also crucial in providing protection in a side-impact crash. Mazda took this into consideration, providing B-pillars that are extra wide and strong. (The B-pillar is the second roof pillar back from the windshield, which uses the A-pillar.) It works because the CX-9 gets a five-star rating in the government s side impact safety test. Interior Features The CX-9 s cabin is attractive but not entirely upscale. The armrests are nicely padded, but the dashboard and door panels are mostly plastic with only a few soft-touch surfaces. The basic controls are simple and easy to use. The infotainment system, however, isn t up to today s standards. It features a small 5.8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, a TomTom navigation system with real-time traffic information, and, when connected to a smartphone, text-to-speech delivery of text messages and Pandora internet radio. The text-to-speech and Pandora capability are nice features, but most of today s infotainment systems offer far more features with larger central screens. Storage includes a relatively small center bin with a split lid, a small cubby at the base of the center console, and relatively thin storage compartments on the front doors. Buyers have a choice of black or beige upholstery, and the latter makes the interior seem brighter and roomier. The look is appealing, and nothing about it says boring family transportation. The CX-9 s step-in height makes entry easy for shorter drivers, yet the seating position is as high as in most truck-type SUVs, which provides a good look down the road. However, average to taller folks will have to duck out of the way of the front pillars when entering because the windshield is so sharply raked. Once inside, there is plenty of head room, though. The CX-9 has a surprising amount of room inside. Carrying seven people means two up front, three in the second row, and two in the rear. One tester, at 6-feet, 4-inches, could be comfortable in the driver s seat, then move back to the second row and still find enough legroom. That second row, incidentally, is split 60/40, and both sides move fore and aft up to five inches. That allows a nice

16 Page 4 of 7 amount of flexibility for carrying people and cargo of different sizes. Second-row legroom is good if the seat is set halfway through its range or farther back. With the second row set halfway back, we climbed into the third row and found adequate legroom there, too. Head room is tight, though, as anyone over about 5-foot, 8-inches will rub their heads on the roof. To get to the third row one grabs a handle built into the top of the second-row seat and pulls. That releases the seat and slides it forward. The opening is smallish, in part because the wheel arch intrudes, but with a wiggle and a twist an adult can reach the third row without a severe loss of dignity. Mazda says there is 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row upright. That s about the size of a trunk of a midsize sedan, and to use it all would require piling luggage up to the roof, blocking the rearward view. To carry more stuff and fewer people, the Mazda s third row (a 50/50 split) can be lowered by pulling a strap. Gravity does the work. With both sides down the result is 48.3 cubic feet of space. Getting the seat back up requires pulling the same strap, which isn t a problem because it s easy to reach. The second row can also be folded down easily. However, it doesn t create a completely flat cargo area. There is a slight uphill slant. With both rear rows folded, there is a cavernous cubic feet of space. You wouldn t know it looking at the CX-9 from the outside. One thing the very tall person (6-foot 4-inch, for one of our testers) will quickly learn is that the open tailgate does not have a 6-foot 4-inch clearance. There is nothing like a good rap on the forehead to brighten the day. Driving Impressions Mazda s mantra is to build sporty vehicles. That s easy to do with a two-seater like the MX-5 roadster, but it becomes a challenge with a seven-passenger vehicle that weighs over 4,500 pounds in its all-wheel-drive version. Still, it is a challenge that Mazda engineers have met quite nicely, based on the models we drove, with both front- and all-wheel drive. The CX-9 comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It s rated at 273 horsepower. The torque curve surges from 3000 to 6000 rpm and peaks with 270 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. Best of all, the CX-9 runs on 87-octane regular unleaded gas, despite a sporty compression ratio of 10.3:1. EPA fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway with FWD, and 16/22 with AWD. Those numbers are much better than any truck-type SUV but only average for a crossover. We found the V6 to be well-matched to the vehicle. It provides willing power from a stop, with just the right responsiveness. It doesn t start with a jolt and reacts readily to throttle inputs. We d call that linear response. Our only complaint has to do with the transmission, which is usually smooth and responsive. When attempting to pass on the highway, however, we thought the transmission was a bit too slow to downshift to provide the best power delivery. When it comes to handling, the CX-9 is surprisingly fun to drive for a large vehicle with so much weight up front. That is no small accomplishment. It feels remarkably like a sedan, turning into corners with ease and staying impressively flat through turns.

17 Page 5 of 7 The price for the responsive handling, however, is a relatively stiff ride on anything but a smooth surface. The passengers will just have to suffer quietly while Mom or Dad has fun at the wheel. Meanwhile, the CX-9 feels tight on rough roads, refusing to quiver even when striking potholes. For the driver who wants to be a bit more involved, on mountain roads, for example, the transmission shift lever can be moved to one side, which then allows the driver to manually shift gears by tapping the lever. It is a system that works well with the computer doing a good job of blending the upshifts and downshifts to avoid any jerks or stumbles. There is a slight difference in steering feel between the front- and all-wheel-drive models. The steering in our AWD test vehicle had a feel that could be called rubbery, weakening the connection between the vehicle and the driver. The steering on our FWD model was much better. The steering is tuned a bit differently for FWD and AWD models. One downside of front drive is torque steer: Push hard on the gas pedal, and the steering wheel tugs to one side as the front wheels scramble for traction. This requires the driver to make minor steering corrections to keep the CX-9 going straight. (This is with the gas pedal slammed down, so it may not even be noticeable in most situations.) Torque steer is eliminated in the AWD models because some of the power is being sent to the rear, reducing the demand on the front tires. AWD models send most of the power to the front wheels in normal driving. But under hard acceleration, or if the front wheels begin to slip, as much as 50 percent of that power can be sent to the rear wheels. It is an automatic system and does not require the driver to do anything. We found the brake pedal felt slightly soft but overall feedback was reassuring, and it was easy to trim a little or a lot of speed. Summary, Prices, Specs The Mazda CX-9 is an impressively well-rounded package offering practicality and a healthy list of standard safety equipment in an attractive package. It s enjoyable to drive, offering sporting road manners, though with a ride that some might consider stiff. However, its aging design means it doesn t perform well in the latest safety tests and the infotainment system is behind the times. The CX-9 is worth a look, but you might want to opt for a one of its newer competitors, like the Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Traverse, or Toyota Highlander. Christopher Jensen filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from his home base in New England. Correspondent Kirk Bell contributed from Chicago. Model lineup: Engines: Transmissions: Safety equipment (standard): Model Line Overview Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD ($29,985), Sport AWD ($31,575), Touring FWD ($32,480), Touring AWD ($34,070), Grand Touring FWD ($35,035), Grand Touring AWD ($36,625) 273-hp 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 6-speed automatic dual frontal air bags; side-impact airbags in the front seats; three-row air curtains with rollover deployment; electronic stability control; roll stability control; traction control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; tire-

18 Page 6 of 7 pressure monitor; active front head restraints; Blind Spot Monitoring system; rear park assist; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; rearview camera Safety equipment none (optional): Basic warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles Assembled in: Hiroshima, Japan Specifications As Tested Model tested Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD ($36,625) (MSPR): leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, driver's seat memory, premium exterior and interior trim, cruise control, keyless access and starting, power windows, power door locks, heated power mirrors, trip computer, three-zone automatic climate control, tilt-andtelescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, 5.8-inch touchscreen display, Standard equipment: Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, HD radio, USB and auxiliary inputs, split-folding second- and thirdrow seats, automatic headlights, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, second-row center armrest with console storage, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, fog lights, automatic wipers, power liftgate, Blind Spot Monitoring system, rear park assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, rearview camera, roof spoiler, P245/50R20 tires on aluminum wheels Options as tested none (MSPR): Destination charge: $880 Gas guzzler tax: N/A Price as tested $37,505 (MSPR): Layout: all-wheel drive Engine: 3.7-liter dohc 24-valve V6 Horsepower rpm): Torque rpm): Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA fuel economy, 16/22 mpg city/hwy: Wheelbase: in. Length/width/height: 200.6/76.2/68.0 in. Track, f/r: 65.1/64.7 in. Turning circle: 37.4 ft. Seating Capacity: 7 Head/hip/leg room, f: 38.4/56.5/40.9 in. 39.0/56/39.8 in.

19 Page 7 of 7 Head/hip/leg room, m: Head/hip/leg room, r: 35.4/43.7/32.4 in. Cargo volume: cu. ft. Payload: N/A Towing capacity: 2000 Lbs. Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, hydraulic shocks, anti-roll bar Suspension, r: independent, two lateral and one trailing link per side, coil springs, hydraulic shocks, anti-roll bar Ground clearance: 8.0 in. Curb weigth: 4559 lbs. Tires: P245/50R20 Brakes, f/r: ventilated disc/ventilated disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist Fuel capacity: 20.1 gal. Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSPR) effective as of April 16, 2015.Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges. N/A: Information not available or not applicable. Manufacturer Info Sources: