Let's dive deep into the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD, a vehicle that made a splash when it hit the market and continues to be a relevant choice for families and individuals alike. We'll cover everything from its performance and handling to its interior features and overall value. If you're considering buying a used SUV, or simply curious about what this model has to offer, you're in the right place. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Performance and Handling

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is designed to provide a balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily driving and longer trips. The engine delivers around 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gasoline, but can bump up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. This gives the CX-9 enough pep to handle highway merging and passing with confidence. The turbocharger helps to provide strong low-end torque, which means you'll feel the power right away when you hit the accelerator. This is especially useful in city driving, where you need to accelerate quickly from stops.

The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, providing seamless gear changes. It's not the most cutting-edge transmission on the market, but it is well-suited to the engine's characteristics and provides a comfortable driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system gives the CX-9 enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for people who live in areas with snow or rain. The AWD system can automatically transfer power to the wheels that need it most, helping to prevent slippage and maintain control. The CX-9's handling is one of its standout features. It feels more like a smaller, sportier vehicle than a typical three-row SUV. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, but it also keeps the body roll in check when cornering. This makes the CX-9 surprisingly fun to drive on winding roads.

Overall, the performance and handling of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD are impressive. It offers a good balance of power, fuel efficiency, and driving enjoyment. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or taking a road trip with the family, the CX-9 is a capable and comfortable companion. The combination of the turbocharged engine, smooth transmission, and all-wheel-drive system makes it a versatile choice for a variety of driving conditions.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD, you'll find a cabin that exudes a sense of premium quality and thoughtful design. Mazda has paid close attention to the details, using high-quality materials and creating a layout that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Grand Touring trim level comes with a range of features that enhance the comfort and convenience of both the driver and passengers. Let's start with the seating. The front seats are power-adjustable and offer excellent support, making them comfortable for long drives. They are also heated, which is a welcome feature on cold days. The second-row seats are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. They can also slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, as they are a bit cramped. However, they are still usable for shorter trips.

The infotainment system in the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD is easy to use and offers a range of features. The system is controlled by a rotary knob and buttons on the center console, which is a more intuitive interface than some touchscreen-only systems. The 8-inch touchscreen display is clear and easy to read. It displays information such as navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music and make hands-free phone calls. The Grand Touring trim level also comes with a premium Bose audio system, which delivers excellent sound quality. Other notable interior features include a sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light, a power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo, and a rearview camera, which helps with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The interior design of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD is one of its strong points. It feels more luxurious than many other SUVs in its class. The materials are high-quality, the fit and finish are excellent, and the overall design is clean and modern. The cabin is also quiet, which helps to reduce fatigue on long drives.

Overall, the interior and features of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD are impressive. It offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The infotainment system is easy to use, and the premium audio system delivers excellent sound quality. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or taking a road trip with the family, the CX-9's interior will make your journey more enjoyable.

Technology and Safety

When it comes to technology and safety, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD doesn't disappoint. This vehicle is equipped with a suite of features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and, most importantly, safe on the road. Let's start with the tech features. The CX-9 Grand Touring comes standard with Mazda's Connect infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The system is relatively easy to use, with intuitive menus and responsive controls. It also offers integration with smartphone apps like Pandora and Aha Radio. One of the standout tech features of the Grand Touring trim is the head-up display, which projects important information like speed and navigation directions onto the windshield. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road while still staying informed. The Grand Touring also comes standard with a premium Bose audio system, which delivers excellent sound quality. This system includes 12 speakers and a subwoofer, so you can enjoy your favorite music in style. Other tech features include keyless entry, push-button start, and automatic climate control.

Now, let's move on to the safety features. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to help prevent accidents and protect you in the event of a collision. These features include: Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, which alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot; Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up; Lane Departure Warning System, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane; Lane Keep Assist System, which helps you stay in your lane; Smart City Brake Support, which can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision at low speeds; Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a set distance between you and the vehicle in front of you; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which alerts you when your tires are low on pressure. In addition to these advanced safety features, the CX-9 also comes standard with a full complement of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

Overall, the technology and safety features of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD are impressive. It offers a good balance of convenience, entertainment, and safety technologies. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or taking a road trip with the family, the CX-9 will help keep you connected, entertained, and safe.

Overall Value and Conclusion

Considering the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD in terms of overall value, it presents a compelling package for those in the market for a mid-size SUV. When it was new, the Grand Touring trim sat near the top of the CX-9 lineup, offering a blend of luxury features, advanced technology, and impressive performance. Now, as a used vehicle, it represents an even greater value proposition, as depreciation has lowered its price while still offering a wealth of features and capabilities. One of the key aspects of the CX-9's value is its driving experience. As mentioned earlier, the CX-9 stands out from its competitors with its sporty handling and responsive engine. This makes it a more engaging and enjoyable vehicle to drive than many other SUVs in its class. The interior of the Grand Touring trim is also a highlight, with its premium materials, comfortable seats, and user-friendly infotainment system. The abundance of technology and safety features further enhances the value of the CX-9. Features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control add to the convenience and safety of the vehicle.

Another factor to consider is the reliability and dependability of the 2016 Mazda CX-9. Mazda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the CX-9 is no exception. While it's always a good idea to have a used vehicle inspected before purchasing it, the CX-9 is generally considered to be a reliable and well-built SUV. Of course, the overall value of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD will depend on its condition, mileage, and history. It's important to carefully inspect any used vehicle before making a purchase, and to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic. However, assuming that the vehicle is in good condition, it represents a strong value in the used SUV market. It offers a combination of luxury, performance, technology, and safety that is hard to find in other vehicles in its price range. In conclusion, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD is a well-rounded and capable SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. Its sporty handling, luxurious interior, and abundance of features make it a compelling choice for those in the market for a mid-size SUV. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle or a comfortable and stylish daily driver, the CX-9 is worth considering.