Yes, it ranks high on the style scale, but the CX-9’s on-road behavior will have you believing you’re piloting a sport-tuned machine instead of a 4,400-pound family bus with three rows of seats.
For many years, Mazda’s focus for its entire fleet has been to deliver MX-5-Miata-sports-car-like driving enjoyment. The SkyActiv moniker that the company advertises extends past the powertrains and into vehicle dynamics. The marketing spin is that no matter what Mazda you buy, you’re getting a sharp-handling machine that will put a smile on your face.