So here we are one year and 12,000 miles later since we picked up our '21 CX9 GT AWD. It seems to be a good time to give everyone an update on our ownership experience.
We are still very happy with our choice and so far this is the nicest vehicle we've ever owned. Here are some of my thoughts.
We have had no mechanical issues at all, knock on wood, but there has a been one factory recall for a safety problem with the rear bench seat. If you have captain’s chairs this recall doesn’t apply to you. I brought it to the dealer and in they finished the work and washed my car in about an hour - Watch yourself with letting dealerships wash your vehicle. Just went through the BBB to get my local dealership to reimburse me for a full paint correction because their guys scratched the entire thing during a poor wash. So no big deal. So far this is about all I had to do, well except for an oil change a few month back. We do get considerable snow in Central New York, approx. 130 inches between November and March. While the CX9 handles reasonably well it is no match for our Audi A4. While the CX9 does have very good ground clearance it is prone to wheel slip. It does have the factory tires which don’t help in snow either. But our Audi is equipped with similar tires and yet it has no problems. Get snow tires? Maybe.
My likes and zonks may differ from yours, so please bear with me. - Sounds like a Raiti's Rides subscriber, haha
Likes:
1. Very quiet at highway speeds, no squeaks or rattles
2. Comfortable seats, but I can see that the Signature model has much nicer seats - I know everyone is different but nicer doesn't necessarily equate to more comfortable. I have the 2021 Signature and comfort is lacking for me. But I am heftier and have much beefier legs than lots of folks. Just another way to say comfort is subjective, I guess.
3. Infotainment is easy to use and fast
4. Paddle shifters are fun and work just fine
5. Auto-Folding side-view mirrors
6. Good handling, not sports car like but good for a big heavy vehicle
7. Doesn't look or feel like a minivan, but doesn’t have the inside room either
8. Heads-up display gives useful information, speed, nav, blind spot warnings
9. Smooth shifting transmission, 6 speeds are plenty, no annoying gear hunting
10. No start/stop
11. City MPG - 23, Highway MPG 27, mileage was better when the car was newer, not sure why MPG has slipped - That's really good mileage. I'm at 5500 miles and I don't think I have ever gotten 27 mpg. I've really only been on one good road trip of about 400 or so miles each way and I may be a little more lead footed when on the highway.
12. Highway range is about 450 miles, with the needle is very close to E.
Zonks:
1. AWD, adequate, but could be better
2. Still can't get the wireless charging station to work, even with new phones - Not only do they not work great but their location is in a terrible spot at an awkward angle. I really feel like they could integrate them into the dash somehow without it looking terrible and still make it non slip too.
3. Push button fan speed, can’t turn the fan completely off, and what's wrong with knobs? - The AC/Heat controls are my biggest peeve with this vehicle. so that says something about it if this is my biggest gripe. But I'm with you. I think knobs for the the fan speed with up/down temp controls in the center of the knobs would work best. As it stands you have to reach around the shifter awkwardly to adjust fan speed and it really annoys me. Also wish there were rear AC controls in the front. Our daughter is 5 and in a car seat and if she's hot or cold my wife has to lean back and adjust her fan and temp that way. The 2020 Highlander had the right setup for HVAC. That's the only thing I miss about that vehicle.
4. No 110 volt AC outlet – these would be very useful
5. Phones don’t stay paired, it seems I have to re-pair every time my wife uses the car. Never had to re-pair in an 8 year old Chevy Equinox regardless of who drove the car. So go figure.
6. Mazda Connect not useful, prefer using the FOB, especially for the remote start
Probably like most folks, I use my CX9 like a truck and have hauled furniture, loads of firewood, mulch and stuff most people wouldn't put in their SUVs. My point is the CX9 has great utility. If I could get the CX9 Signature with a bench rear seat, that will be my next vehicle. Bottom line, still love the car and have no regrets. Poppy D