2015 Mazda CX-9 Reviews

Mazda has taken the wraps off a new look CX-9. But those hoping for a diesel version will be disappointed. It does however get some extra goodies and is the second Mazda to feature its range of active safety systems, although they remain optional.Prices range from $44,525 up to $63,828 for the top of the range Grand Touring model, $100 more than before in the case of the entry model but for a better equipped vehicle. It's available in front wheel and all-wheel drive and comes in three different grades: Classic, Luxury and the top of the range Grand Touring.All CX-9s get three-zone climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. An MP3/WMA compatible CD player is operated through a display which includes a reversing camera with rear parking guidelines. The range topping Grand Touring model adds Bi-Xenon headlamps, a remote operated power tailgate, as well as keyless entry and engine start.The upgraded infotainment system features the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems based on an intuitive HMI (Human Machine Interface) and Bluetooth comes as standard across the entire range. A USB connector has been added to the audio system and the Bluetooth profile has been upgraded and allows the user to repeat tracks, shuffle tracks, and select folders via the steering wheel controls.The classy seven seater is powered by the same thirsty 3.7-litre petrol V6 that powers the current model. The 3.7-litre V6 pumps out 204kW of power at 6250 revs and 367Nm of torque at 4250 revs. It's hooked up to a six-speed auto and goes like a jet, delivering between 11.0 and 11.2 litres/100km depending on model (all wheel drive is a little thirstier).'i-ACTIVSENSE' - active what? Active safety systems that go looking for trouble before it finds you. They include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC)-- all of which anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it. Unfortunately, this suite of safety systems is available only with the top of the range model.Not rated by ANCAP, but comes with a full complement of safety gear including six airbags (offering protection for all three rows), dynamic stability control, anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, roll stability control and a reversing camera.Within the front grille, the new signature wing is adopted, LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) with a halo ring light guide around the head lamp are added to selected models, and rear combination lamps incorporating the new design signature.

An interested group of Australian motoring journalists attended the global debut of the latest Mazda CX-9 SUV at the 2012 Sydney motor show. Now the big wagon is on sale here and we have just enjoyed a great day’s driving in near perfect weather on several hundred kilometres on some scenic roads behind Melbourne.Such has been the success of Mazda downunder that the company’s Japanese head office gave Australia the honour of being the first to see the heavily facelifted new model. This is a real honour as there’s little doubt that importers and Mazda dealers in many other countries put up their hands to get first glimpse of the big SUV / people mover.The infotainment system in the big Mazda SUV has been upgraded and now features the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems in what Mazda calls it’s HMI (Human Machine Interface).Mazda CX-9 has been upgraded inside and out and carries minor refinements to the engine and its ancillaries that are said to have reduced its fuel consumption. However, while it’s no longer the gas guzzler that it was in its early days the new model is still no fuel sipper. In some relatively modest driving on quiet country road, albeit with plenty of hills to climb, the 3.7-litre V6 was typically was using petrol in the range of 12 to 14 litres per hundred kilometres.The biggest feature of the latest version of the Mazda CX-9 is the huge grille that gives it a standout appearance in a market segment that is dominated by sensible looking people movers disguised as SUVs. There's room for seven adults without them being overly cramped, though four adults and three children is more realistic.The centre set of seats can slide back and forward to let you vary the amount of legroom available in this seat and the third row seats. With the centre seat in its rearmost position there's almost limo-like legroom. The third row of seats fold flat very simply to give a useful increase in luggage space. Even with the seats in use there's still space for a couple of fair-sized suitcases.Mazda Australia has been very strong on safety for many years, so the CX-9 has had electronic stability control and rollover protection to help prevent crashes since its introduction downunder in 2007. The list of safety features has been greatly expanded, particularly in the crash avoidance field. Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC) anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it. Not all safety systems are sold in every grade so it’s best to talk about that - as well as the luxury items on offer - with your nearest Mazda dealer.Mazda CX-9 can certainly be used in light-duty running on forest trails, perhaps even at the beach, but almost all owners will use it as a spacious people mover. We did quite a few kilometres running on dirt road and found the suspension did an excellent job of cushioning shocks and providing a comfortable, quiet ride.Suspension and steering haven’t been altered in the new model. Though Australian imports have more dynamic settings than the American models, the big Mazda CX-9 is relatively soft. Which is no bad thing as this SUV is aimed at the sensible person who is much more interested in comfortable travel for the family than in storming around bends at breakneck speed.The big Mazda has a good turning circle for its class and this is a real bonus when it comes to the reality of squeezing it into a tight parking space in an underground parking station.

The elder statesman of the Mazda CX range is a bit like a Swiss Army knife: capable of a variety of jobs well beyond the expected blade. A mid-life nip-and-tuck has improved on CX-9’s distinctive looks without losing any of the utility that has made the seven-seater a popular, if niche, choice in the large SUV market. Mazda loads up the CX-9 when it comes to look and specification and the updated vehicle only has fairly minor price rises. All models have Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, a reversing camera, three-zone airconditioning, auto headlamps and wipers and a 3.7-litre V6 matched to a six-speed auto.The front-wheel drive Classic starts at $44,525, climbing to $52,980 for the Luxury model. The all-wheel drive Luxury is $57,480, with the Grand Touring $63,828. That’s around $5000 more than a Ford Territory (though without AWD) and just under the Jeep Grand Cherokee.The sound and satnav systems have been upgraded to match the newer entrants in this class. There’s now Bluetooth with audio streaming and the speech recognition system has been updated to provide audio and navigation interaction.The TomTom satnav can be updated using CD cards and is straightforward to operate. The Grand Touring model now picks up bi-xenon headlamps, daytime running lights and a remote operated power tailgate.Kodo is the key word at Mazda for the corporate look and the CX-9s new grille follows the CX-5 and Mazda6 styling. Remodelled front and rear bumpers and lights to match make it reasonably easy to pick from the outgoing version. Inside there’s a piano black finish around the instruments and Bordeaux-coloured metal strips run down either side of the centre console.The second row seating can be adjusted 120mm depending on the size of the occupants and adults will cope with short-ish trips in the pair of the third row seats. Boot space is marginal with seven on board but expands dramatically up to 1911 litres when there’s only two on board.The CX-9 hasn’t hit the wall loaded with ANCAP sensors but the US version rates as a five-star car. There are six airbags to protect occupants in all seats, the full suite of safety software and the likes of lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning systems.Big but light on its feet, the CX-9 is analogous with a rugby forward. There’s enough sheet metal to bestow an imposing look on the road but that’s not the impression from behind the wheel, where the lightly weighted steering adds to the impression of agility.Rapid changes of direction, especially on gravel, remind the driver this is a big bus. It’s more inertia than body roll, though, so the passengers won’t feel nauseous even at a brisk pace on back roads. Noise suppression is first rate and there is little evidence the Mazda is essentially a seven-year-old car.The V6 engine has enough urge to propel the CX-9 at a solid pace, either off the line or during overtaking and the wide seats hang on as well as the car does. In most cases, the front-wheel drive model will do most people and impresses enough that there would want to be long stretches of dirt ahead to consider paying the premium for AWD.

THERE is a very simple solution to worrying global overpopulation: Stop having sex. But that's not going to happen. Instead, we build congested cities with rabbit-warren accommodation, invent two-storey trains and prams with tiered seating, and play computer games in the living room because there's no playgrounds downstairs.Thankfully, you can escape all this by buying cars with as much space as a family apartment. The Mazda CX-9 will seat - and possibly sleep - seven people. You won't have room for sex, though.Multi-seat vehicles are usually inflated tissue boxes with the aerodynamics of a brick and the driving thrill factor of diazepam.The US-inspired CX-9 seats seven and is loaded with features, cupholders, storage spaces, cupholders and some extra cupholders. It's big, comfortable and at $56,225, affordable - even more if you forgo the all-wheel drive and save $4500.The CX family - now with its third member, the CX-5 - has clear genetic links and even telling the CX-7 from the CX-9 can be difficult. It's a no-fuss, attractive and large wagon that boasts more room than rivals Kluger and Territory.Big points for the sliding centre row, easy-fold third row and split-seating so versatility is practically unmatched. The spare wheel is under the body.Simple stuff here, with the 3.7-litre petrol V6 transversely mounted under a wedge-shaped bonnet. The AWD gets on-demand drive to the rear wheels.There's no manual transmission available so the CX-9 gets a six-speed automatic and even hydraulic steering remains while many rivals have sought the fuel saving benefits of electric-assist steering. Probably a good move by Mazda.Hmmm. No Australian crash rating for this car. The US crash testers rates it five stars but ANCAP and the European NCAP haven't shot it into a concrete wall to test it out. But the CX-9 has six airbags, mandatory electronic stability control with brake assist, and has a roll-over mitigation system.There's also a rear camera, the seven seats all have lap-sash belts and the spare is near full-size rubber but rated only as a temporary wheel.Vast cabin room makes for a comfortable, loungeroom-feel driving position that's ideal for long journeys. The V6's 204kW/367Nm looks potent on paper but the figures arrive very high in the rev range and inaccessible to most owners. Obviously, push the 2-tonne wagon hard and fuel consumption soars.It's built for hauling seven people in comfort and serenity but the high stance and body mass clip its wings through fast corners. It will take to firm sand trails and gravel roads, but it's no offroader and best steer clear of boggy stuff.

Mazda CX-9 and Kia Grand Carnival go head-to-head in this comparative review.

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?Mazda's big seven-seater people mover/cum sports utility vehicle. The big difference with this particular one is that it is two-wheel drive instead of all wheel drive. This cuts cost and reduces the weight which bodes well for a vehicle of this size.Our test vehicle, the top of the line Luxury with Satellite Navigation FWD, is $59,233 - but you can pick up the front wheel drive entry level model from $44,425. The fronty is $4908 less than the all-wheel drive model.Anything with seven seats really, people mover or SUV. You can  get a top of the line diesel powered Kia Carnival for less than this, so that's worth considering.All CX-9s continue to be powered by a 3.7 litre V6 engine mated to a 6-speed Activematic transmission. FWD models offer fuel economy of 11 litres per 100km while the fuel efficiency of AWD models has improved to 11.2 litres per 100km. Power and torque figures remain unchanged at 204kW and 367Nm respectively.Like a jet. Make sure you don't plonk it the wet though because the front wheels will start scrambling before it gets going.No. In no stretch of the imagination could you call 11.0 litres/100km economical. That's on a good day _ with a full load and plenty of hills you can expect to see a lot worse. Needs a diesel option like its little brother the soon to be discontinued CX-7.The front-wheel drive model has not been rated by the Government's Green Guide, but the all-wheel drive gets three out of five stars (with fractionally better fuel economy it might pick up half a star)Not rated by ANCAP, but comes with a full complement of safety gear including six airbags (offering protection for all three rows), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and a reversing camera.Yep. Plenty of room inside. Comfortable seats. Plenty of vision from the high driving position.Deceptively small. Park it in the driveway and you will soon discover just how big it is, especially across the girth.Luxury model adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding and tilt glass sunroof, heated power mirrors with 3-position memory and reverse tilt-down function, power adjustable leather seats with 3-position memory function and a premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers. Satellite Navigation option adds a large 7-inch touch-screen satellite navigation system and Bluetooth with audio streaming.Yep. Fit and finish are first rate. Don't miss all-wheel drive. Has got plenty of get up and go, but you the cost of running it could be a worry?

VIRILITY was once established by a man's courage in the face of death. Fighting a lion using nothing but his bare hands was one early test, halted when the villages realised they were quickly running out of men.A more sophisticated civilisation softened the need to pursue wildlife, replacing it with the ability to croon to a theatre packed with women. This was replaced by the ability to make lots and lots of money.Which brings me to seven-seat wagons. Clearly, a bloke driving around in one of these says more about his reproductive potential than that of Tarzan, Bing Crosby and Donald Trump.And let's not be sexist. A woman driving such vehicles is telling the world more about her desires behind the wheel than wearing a T-shirt imprinted with "Child Rearer".But what seven-seat wagon has the style to pull it off? This one.Seven seat wagons generally aren't cheap because they're made with a lot of metal and fabric. The Mazda CX-9 comes in three versions priced from $50,015.Tested is the Luxury at $57,015. It's about $11,000 above the five-seat Mazda CX-5 and basically adds more room, more seats and a bigger engine - though no diesel option.It is a serious end of the market. Children aside, bigg-ish SUVs like the CX-9 are loved by outdoorsy people, even those that don't go outdoors.The wagon must be flexible, roomy and with the ability to have a decent tow rating. The CX-9's enemy includes the new Ford Territory, now with the option of a diesel engine. I'd be carefully doing my sums before making judgement.This is a good looking wagon with a big smiley face. It follows the design of the smaller CX-7 and yet doesn't look like an awkward stretch job. More a 110 per cent enlargement. The extra 406mm length allows a third row of seats suitable for two small people. Trust me, if you're an adult you will not be comfortable back there.Boot space shrinks, naturally, to the point where not much more than a suitcase will slip behind the third row of seats. But it's great for family and friends and the versatility of the seating - the centre row is on sliders - gives it a purpose for almost every occasion.Lots of leather and an attractive dashboard is spoilt only by so-so sat-nav graphics and the foot-operated park brake. The rest is great.Not rocket science - a 3.7-litre 204kW/367Nm V6 petrol and all-wheel drive oily bits under an attractive body. It's a well executed and pleasantly simple package.Actually, the wagon is a front-wheel drive and will only start sending power to the rear wheels when needed - for example, when the front wheels slip on a wet surface or during heavy-footed acceleration.Theoretically, you could venture off the bitumen and gravel but reality says this is not intended to compete with 4WDs and besides, I wouldn't want to dig its 2-tonnes out of beach sand.Interestingly, the Toyota Kluger is near identical in spec and market but has almost four times the CX-9's sales - and there's no logical reason for this disparity.Mazda scores a maximum five-star rating for practically all its cars and the CX-9 is no exception.It also adds all the necessary electronic nannies, including ESC, ABS and rollover mitigation. Plus it's tall and looks like it wouldn't dint against a Mack.Yes, it's big but it has a confidence about it that creates the impression it is nimble.The steering is nicely weighted - though there's a bit too many turns lock-to-lock - and the automatic transmission puts down the cogs quickly and without fuss.The V6 engine is silky smooth and willing to rev with a good dab of torque at low revs - about 330Nm is available from 2800rpm - which makes it pointless to scream it out to 6250rpm to find the 204kW of power.Handling is secure though pushed hard will unleash understeer (the car wants to keep going straight ahead during a corner) and body roll. But it is so comfortable and quiet that you lose the desire to drive it quickly. It is, of course, a wagon for lots of people or luggage.

Somebody in Mazda's product department has a sense of humour, or at least an appreciation of the ridiculous.  How else do you explain a naming protocol that has an MX-5 as a two-seater, a CX-7 as a five seater and a CX-9 as you guessed it a seven-seater.The numeric confusion aside, Mazda really does have its ducks in a row when it comes to getting the family around.  The CX-7, essentially a sports sedan on steroids, has long been a favourite (if you could forgive its lack of fuel economy something that has recently been addressed with a new engine). The bigger, roomier and more powerful CX-9 is just more of the same.Styling and space While the stylists have done their best to disguise the size of this big unit, using sweeping lines and upswept wedged glass there is no getting away from the CX-9's imposing dimensions.  At 5.1 metres and more than two tonnes it would be reasonable to expect that room within the cabin would be reasonable, something that is often not the case with vehicles boasting a third row for passengers.One of the nice things about the CX-9 is that you are not going to be disappointed too often. Space is something the car has plenty of.  Leg, shoulder and head room for the driver and front seat passengers is class leading while those in the second row have little to complain about with the possible exception of the runt of the litter who will be settled on one of those half-seat affairs that suffice for the centre seat.In the third row, while the long-legged may find knee space at a premium, the seats are generous to a fault with good bolstering and lots of width for those of a Rubenesque stature.  For a car first launched almost four years ago albeit fully refreshed with a classy interior makeover late last year the CX-9 still ticks most of the boxes, including one that is the focus of more angst for buyers of seven-seaters than any other issue: the lack of space behind the third row when the seats are deployed.In the big Mazda you can fit a good-sized family shop, a couple of suitcases or a golf bag with ease. When the seats are laid flat the load capacity behind the electric-close rear hatch is truly impressive.Engine and gearboxTo move a fully-loaded CX-9 is a considerable task, one Mazda has given to a quite refined 3.7-litre V6 with a handy 204kW and impressive 367Nm of torque. That sort of motive power, even coupled to a custard-smooth 6-speed automatic, is going to come at a cost.Mazda claims a 12.2 litres per 100km combined economy. During our time with the car admittedly all in the suburban and city grind the average fuel use hasn't dropped below 16L/100km. It sounds a lot, but in the world of seven-seaters that is very competitive.The fuel economy is not hurt by the AWD system concentrating on the front wheels until the slip sensors in the rear put out a call for a bit of action.  Overall, it works exceptionally well with the CX-9 giving the impression of shrinking around the driver, responding quickly and without fuss to steering input and acceleration.Fit-out and equipmentThe Grand Touring ($63,186) we are driving is the top of the CX-9 tree and has all the bells and whistles, including a very handy rear-view camera without which reverse parking would be a true test of nerves.  Safety is a given in the Mazda with eight airbags, including curtains for the rear seats, and a full dictionary of electronic aids starring the all-important dynamic stability program. Also included in the top-end package is satellite navigation, a good Bose sound system, keyless entry and start, and an air-conditioning system that is not only effective but feeds to all three rows without the need to have the fan on cyclonic.The most annoying thing about the CX-9 (and a couple of other Mazdas of recent acquaintance) is the Bluetooth phone setup. For whatever reason it does not like my Nokia a phone which has had no problems making friends with any number of other Bluetooth environments.Pairing is easy enough, it automatically connects when the car is turned on and then lies in wait until that first important phone call when the system disconnects. The really clever part of that strategy is that you can't reconnect while the car is moving, necessitating pulling over and then going through the connection a second time which seems to satisfy the beast.I really like the CX-9, so maybe I will just change phones to one it approves of. Bottom line: One of the better non-anorexic seven-seaters on the market.Mazda CX-9 Grand TouringPrice: $63,186Engine: 3.7L/V6, 204kW/367NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, on-demand AWDEconomy: 12.L/100km (combined, supplied), 16.1L/100km (on test)Rating85/100RivalsNissan Murano ($55,890) 84/100Ford Territory Ghia ($57,890) 83/100Toyota Prado ($63,490) 84/100<-->

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.

But there is nothing puzzling about the success of the CX-9. It has rapidly built a strong fan base since being released late last year, with sales enough to more than make up for the declining demand for the older, smaller CX-7.Never mind that the CX-9 is more than $10,000 dearer, it has rapidly established itself as the favourite SUV for Mazda buyers.Here is a roomy sleek-looker which delivers effortless performance without getting flustered.Dull, the CX-9 certainly isn't.Where the firm, turbo-boosted CX-7 feels like it wants to be a sports car, the CX-9 is akin to a refined, big sedan which happens to have a few rows of seats.Its comfort should come as no surprise, really, since it weighs more than two tonnes, even before anyone gets aboard, putting it among the heavyweights of the “medium-sized” SUV class.But the CX-9 always feels responsive and surefooted.Mazda has given it such a smooth and powerful V6 engine that the weight doesn't hamper performance (just as quick to 100km/h as the lighter CX-7), and it has such a well-sorted chassis that it feels positively nimble.However, weight means thirst, in this case officially rated at 13 litres per 100km, making it thirstier than even a Ford Territory. Helping reduce the fuel bill somewhat, at least the Mazda is content with regular unleaded.But there is no escaping its sheer size, noticeable when you tackle a crowded car park. Though the turning circle is commendable (same as the smaller CX-7's), it is longer, wider and taller than even the Territory, so there are some places it simply won't fit.The seat layout gets top marks for convenience. The centre row slides or reclines or can be folded flat. The back row can disappear to floor level by merely tugging on a couple of straps. Very clever and practical, very Mazda.The pair of rear-most pews actually can accommodate adults, and getting in back there is not too difficult.When all the seats are in place, rear luggage space is limited: less than in the CX-7. However, tuck away a seat or two — or five, even — and the CX-9's cargo area becomes vast.Up front, a wide transmission tunnel means it does not feel as spacious as you might expect in such a large vehicle.And though it is more than 5m long, Mazda couldn't find anywhere to fit in a full-size spare tyre. There is a spacesaver instead, which seems to be very much the trend these days.As the tail is such a long way from the driver, reversing is made easier and safer by a rear-view camera.So it's big, and it has a thirst. Both these drawbacks, admittedly, are hard-to-escape consequences of the CX-9 having all the room which seven people might require.