4 ft in 5 days
Just got back from a long weekend in VT. Truly epic (for Southern VT) snowfall. It was falling pretty steadily and accumulations were significant. Over several days got to drive in wet snow, dry snow, freezing rain, rain, you name it. Absolutely no problems with the CX-9 with Blizzaks. Some observations:
- A much better snow car than I thought. Can get through anything that the ground clearance will allow.
- The AWD system is pretty solid. Drove on some slick surfaces with no drama.
- AWD is good but snow tires are a must. Our house is on a pretty steep hill. The surface was slick and even walking was difficult. The CX-9 had no trouble going up/down, starting/stopping, or turning. I spent a good deal of time helping a neighbor in his 328xi who kept ending up sideways on the hill. I think the xdrive might be crappy as you could see the wheels trying to "figure out" how to deal with limited traction. But I know his all seasons weren't helping.)
- In cold weather with a lot of snow on it, the hatch hangs down even lower...watch your head!
- If you drive with snow on the roof it will loosen and slide off the back of the car. But if the snow is wet and heavy it falls in clumps down the rear glass and comes to a rest on the wiper. The wiper must be pretty tough as it kept catching a couple pounds worth of falling slush but it does make me nervous that it might take some damage at some point.
- The rear washer fluid spray nozzle is not well designed. It sprays too much fluid in a spot that does little good. Most ends up running down the tailgate before the wiper gets to it.
I bought the CX-9 because I needed a bigger car. I truly loved my Subaru Legacy GT Wagon and expected the CX-9 to be a car that I would appreciated but never love. This is changing fast. The CX-9 continues to make a great impression. I just might love it after all.
Just got back from a long weekend in VT. Truly epic (for Southern VT) snowfall. It was falling pretty steadily and accumulations were significant. Over several days got to drive in wet snow, dry snow, freezing rain, rain, you name it. Absolutely no problems with the CX-9 with Blizzaks. Some observations:
- A much better snow car than I thought. Can get through anything that the ground clearance will allow.
- The AWD system is pretty solid. Drove on some slick surfaces with no drama.
- AWD is good but snow tires are a must. Our house is on a pretty steep hill. The surface was slick and even walking was difficult. The CX-9 had no trouble going up/down, starting/stopping, or turning. I spent a good deal of time helping a neighbor in his 328xi who kept ending up sideways on the hill. I think the xdrive might be crappy as you could see the wheels trying to "figure out" how to deal with limited traction. But I know his all seasons weren't helping.)
- In cold weather with a lot of snow on it, the hatch hangs down even lower...watch your head!
- If you drive with snow on the roof it will loosen and slide off the back of the car. But if the snow is wet and heavy it falls in clumps down the rear glass and comes to a rest on the wiper. The wiper must be pretty tough as it kept catching a couple pounds worth of falling slush but it does make me nervous that it might take some damage at some point.
- The rear washer fluid spray nozzle is not well designed. It sprays too much fluid in a spot that does little good. Most ends up running down the tailgate before the wiper gets to it.
I bought the CX-9 because I needed a bigger car. I truly loved my Subaru Legacy GT Wagon and expected the CX-9 to be a car that I would appreciated but never love. This is changing fast. The CX-9 continues to make a great impression. I just might love it after all.
