Today’s SUV drivers expect more. After years of being toted as a family vehicle that was just another option to owning a minivan, SUVs have emerged as some of the hottest luxury vehicles on the market.
Drivers of all demographics love the ample space, performance, and design of today’s SUVs, and the all-new 2018 Mazda CX-9 is no exception. This full-size luxury SUV is big and it’s equally powerful. Many competitors have tried to match its overall aesthetic, but it simply can’t be beaten.
To demonstrate, we’ve ranked the CX-9 against one of its competitors, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2018 Mazda CX-9: Quick facts
Engine:2.5L 4 cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Seats: 7
Fuel: Gas
Drivetrain: AWD
Doors: 4
Legroom: front row (1,041 mm); middle row (1,001 mm); back row (754 mm)
Cargo capacity: 2,017L behind front seats; 1,082L behind the middle seat; 407L behind the rear seats
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Dimensions: wheelbase (2,930 mm); overall length (5,065 mm)
2018 Mazda CX-9 vs 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Both vehicles are marketed as spacious, luxury SUVs. But only one of them lives up to this claim. While both the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2018 Mazda CX-9 both seat 7 passengers, the third-row seat in the Santa Fe is significantly more cramped than the Mazda. As far as being comfortable is concerned, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 comes out on top in terms of front hip room and second hip room, meaning that when your passengers are in the second row, they won’t be crammed up against one another. Overall, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is both longer and taller than the 2018 Santa Fe–the Mazda comes in at 199.4 inches compared to the Santa Fe’s 193.1 inches, and 69 inches in height, compared to the Santa Fe which stands at 66.5 inches. The overall wheelbase on the Mazda CX-9 is also longer, measuring in at 115.3 inches, compared to just 110.2 inches on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The cargo volume on the third seat in the Mazda CX-9 is better than the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, coming in at 14.4 cubic ft as opposed to the Santa Fe’s 13.5 cubic feet. This means that once those 60/40 split folding seats are down, you get even more room in the back to store your belongings.
Mazda’s best SUV yet
To date, this is the latest luxury full-size SUV that Mazda has released. The hype surrounding Mazda’s newest three-row crossover is huge, and it’s no surprise given the number of new updates that this model has had, like mandating Smart City Brake Support, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring on every vehicle. Here’s what some new drivers are saying, according to Kelley Blue Book:
“Tried Toyota and Honda. This was the best vehilce for the money. Very good power,comfort and safety equip. This vehicle rides and handles like a dream If you are looking, look no further this is the one for you. You will not be sorry!!” — By First Zoom-Zoom on Tuesday, November 8, 2016
“CX-9 (2016 Grand-Touring AWD) is a nice family SUV that is very practical and fun to drive. I have driven 12k miles already and enjoy owing this SUV. Looks: This is definitely a great looking SUV and since I have started owning it, I have noticed it grabbing the attention of quite a few drivers on road. Space: We are a family of four with adults slightly less than 6ft. Front seating feels luxurious. I can position seats in all rows so that passengers in all 3 rows can have good leg room and are very comfortable. Some reviews talk about leg room in 3rd row being small but it is quite sufficient for kids and even for adults less than 6ft for long drives.” — Aswath80 on Thursday, December 14, 2017
Are you looking to purchase a brand new luxury SUV? Look no further than the brand new 2018 Mazda CX-9! Mazda’ best full-size SUV has just arrived at our dealership. Call us today at 1-(855) 264-7025 or contact us online to set up a test drive.