Drivability
The innovation continues throughout the driving experience, starting with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T 4-cylinder with Dynamic Pressure Turbo. The Dynamic Pressure Turbo provides a higher level of power at lower levels of rpm with no noticeable turbo lag. A class-leading 310 lbs-ft of torque at a minimal 2,000 rpm gives you immediate power exactly when you ask for it. The Mazda CX-9 also is equipped with SKYACTIV Vehicle Dynamics, which was the winner of the AJAC award for Best New Innovation Technology for 2017. This technology works behind the scenes to provide a smoother, less tiring drive for both you and your passengers. The i-ACTIVE AWD monitors 27 sensors 200 times per second, so everything from steering angle, windshield wiper use, exterior temperature, and braking patterns is considered to perfectly deliver the right amount of traction right to when and where you need it. At 200 times per second, the CX-9 can start to lose traction, use the electromagnetic clutch to shift power from front to rear tires, and regain traction all before your brain could even compute the minor changes in road conditions. Also, ensuring optimal distribution of torque, minimizing drivetrain energy loss, allowing you to only be using fuel to power AWD when required, providing an exceptional combined fuel economy of 9.6L/100 km. As for the size and available room in the CX-9, the 3 rows of seating provided enough room for us to drive 6 full grown adults out to dinner on a few occasions while testing. Although the people in the back rows might not be the most comfortable if they are over 6ft and have to sit back there for an extended period of time. For use as a family vehicle, you could easily take the kids and all their toys out for an extended road trip without any worries.