We're in!

[Stuart Pidassle]

After much hand wringing and teeth gnashing, my wife has finally decided on the CX-9 over an Odyssey. The decision came down to the comfort and driving experience of the CX-9 vs. the space of the mini van. We currently own a Sienna and she was concerned that there isn't enough room in a CX-9. Has anyone else made this switch? Do you have any words of advice to make us more comfortable about our decision?

Thanks,
Stu

 

[Lindyrect]

great choice

I cannot speak to the minivan switch myself as I would never be caught dead owning a minivan. I have had 4 adults and 4 children in the car and never a complaint except the 2 that have to share a belt in the back. The best part of the 9 is that it handles like a ferrari compared to a minipig.

Congrats on the choice again.

 

[Wisconsin Proud]

How often do you completely load up the minivan? If it is every weekend then the space is needed. Otherwise, the CX9 will have you covered about 90% of the time. If you need more storage, get a soft top carrier and strap it to the roof rack.

Congrats!!

 

[Davicho]

You can't really compare apples to oranges. Minivans and CUVs are completely different entities, yes both carry 6-8 passengers but that is pretty much where it ends.

I always had the same mentality as Lindyrect..."I would never be caught dead owning a minivan." However,although some current and previous minivans are just plain rolling bricks, the newly redesigned Sienna, Odyssey and coming soon redesigned Mazda5 and all new Mazda8 are not bad looking at all.

The first time I started to change my feelings about the "minivans" was when we rented one for a road trip to NorCal. Man that was one awesomely comfortable and spacious ride! Also, previous to my CX-9 I owned a Mazda5 which Mazda categorizes as a MAV (Multi-Activity Vehicle) I call it a "microvan". I loved my Mazda5, that was one fun, tossable, great handling people mover. Unfortunately with the addition of our third child thingd got cramped up very quickly in the little 6 passenger microvan, so we stepped up to the CX-9, which we love even more. The one thing I do miss from my Mazda5 is the versatility of getting in and out with the slider door in place, not to mention the kids swinging the door out and hitting the vehicle parked next to us, and man all you should know how big those rear doors are in our CX-9s!

 

[Wisconsin Proud]

Tossible? hahahh! (burnout)

 

[Wisconsin Proud]

Tossible? hahahh! (burnout)

 

[biglou]

tough one

I have both a cx9 and a odessy(the wifes). You can't beat the minivan on a long trip , however for everyday driving the cx9 is tops. The number of kids is also a big factor. More than 3 ( my opionion )the minivan is the winner. The odessey gets better gas milage, on the other hand the cx9 is better in bad weather. I think I have the best of both worlds since I have both. So far the wife hasen't asked for cx9. I think your fine with your decsion.

 

[Zoom3r]

We've owned a few minivans, they were really our only option for a number of years given our family size and lifestyle. But my wife LOVES the new CX9 and so do I.

As for added storage, I'm somewhat torn. I have the Roof Rails and a hitch both. If you go with a carrier on the roof, you can still throw a receiver-mounted bike carrier onto the hitch. But from past experiences, I find roof carriers to be really obnoxious to load/unload and no matter how well they are built (Thule's come to mind as the best) they still create wind noise and drag, reducing your mileage.

I think this time around, I'll go with a hitch carrier. Yes, it can block your rear hatch access, but since I'm only using one on long trips where I need the extra luggage space, I'm not too worried about that.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Try this:

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?page=luggage&nav=cargo

 

[Davicho]

Dude, those are awesomely cool. Never thought of one of those but if I ever need extra cargo room I will definately look into them.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

You could even have it painted to match your car.

The one I am looking at isn't as stylish, but will do a lot more work, especially with a lumber rack installed. With a crossbar set on it will also haul our kayaks and extra bikes:

http://www.redtrailers.com/MPT-DM5288.asp

 

[Davicho]

You know, it never crossed my mind but I have a small 4' x 6' utility trailer that I use to haul around pretty much whatever. I can retrofit it to also carry luggage or my (cheap) bikes when we need to.

Thanks again CX9SO...you lit up my idea bulb!

 

[drchuck]

We're In

We've owned a few minivans, they were really our only option for a number of years given our family size and lifestyle. But my wife LOVES the new CX9 and so do I.

As for added storage, I'm somewhat torn. I have the Roof Rails and a hitch both. If you go with a carrier on the roof, you can still throw a receiver-mounted bike carrier onto the hitch. But from past experiences, I find roof carriers to be really obnoxious to load/unload and no matter how well they are built (Thule's come to mind as the best) they still create wind noise and drag, reducing your mileage.

I think this time around, I'll go with a hitch carrier. Yes, it can block your rear hatch access, but since I'm only using one on long trips where I need the extra luggage space, I'm not too worried about that.

I went with the Rola cargo carrier, and fully loaded it allows the lift gate to open completely. I added a 7 inch riser to get it up off the ground. Looks good, I added the light kit (plugs into the trailer wiring) and it comes with a spot for the license plate to be relocated. I also bought the Rola carrier bag, which I have not yet used. The Rola is a 2x2" tongue, and will carry 200 pounds more than than my allowable tongue weight. I have the Sport model, so I had to add the hitch, and I chose a Curt class III.

 

[drchuck]

We're In

BTW, one thing I forgot was to mention there are several double box receiver adapters that allow the installation of a cargo carrier, or trailer, and a bicycle rack at the same time. eTrailer has them

 

[IslandTractor]

Try this:

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?page=luggage&nav=cargo

Man, those are ugly. Retro or not.

I'd opt for a roof top luggage carrier first then go to the hitch mounted cargo tray if necessary.

Having said that, I'll also come to the defence of the minivan. Tremendously flexible and competent transport vehicles. Not necessarily fun but when you need the space and hauling capacity nothing beats them. You just have to be secure enough in the size of your own equipment to be willing to drive one.