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The Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System is not available with a moon roof. To be honest with you, with the thousands you will be saving going with the CX-9 over the MDX, just go to Best Buy or Circuit City and purchase and have them install a DVD entertainment system.
You have to ask yourself if a factory entertainment system is really worth thousands more?
I was pretty fortunate with my moonroofed CX-7 that I could've got the OEM DVD system if I had wanted it. After looking at the Mazda entertainment system, though, I thought it was cheap and NOT a good value. Frankly, it LOOKED like a tacked-on aftermarket unit. I think I ended up spending $200 on a cheapie dual 7" screen unit that slings over the headrests. Granted, we only use it for long-haul vacation trips, but it serves its purpose for a lot less than the Mazda option.
An indash 6.5" lcd w/ dvd player and 5.1 surround, backup camera, 7.3" lcd in the sunvisor, (2) 7" lcd's in the headrests, (3) wireless headphones, and a center channel speaker
It makes you wonder why most manufacterers charge upwards of $1200 for their systems with just one 7" screen.
Thank you in advance for your opinions.
The GL450 is a much tougher vehicle than the CX-9 in terms of it's chassis. The CX-9 is best relegated to onroad duty, but it is a bit more spacious inside than the Mercedes. Reliability is better for the Mazda, but quality of material definitely goes to the Mercedes. I suppose you get what you pay for in that respect.
"... the interior of the Grand Touring model mixes color and trim in a cool, sophisticated way that even the Lexus RX350 can't match."
I've driven the RX350 and was very impressed by its interior. Is the Mercedes better than the Lexus?
How do you know this?
Mazda Starts Production of the CX-9, its Second Crossover SUV for the North American Market
- Line-off ceremony held at Hiroshima's Ujina Plant No.1 -
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today held a ‘line-off’ ceremony for the CX-9 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) being built for the North American market at the Ujina Plant No.1 near its global headquarters in Hiroshima. Hisakazu Imaki, Mazda's representative director, chairman of the board, president and CEO, along with approximately 450 staff—comprised of several senior executives, union representatives and employees—attended this ceremony. The Mazda CX-9 will be arriving in North American showrooms in early 2007.
“The CX-9 will be the latest addition to Mazda's product lineup in the all-important North American market, joining the Mazda CX-7, which went on sale there in May”, said Hisakazu Imaki. “CX-9 is a key model aimed at raising the visibility of Mazda in North America and will be an integral part of building the brand. Furthermore, to keep on providing the best Zoom-Zoom products that will exceed our customers' expectations around the globe, we must continue our efforts as 'One Mazda' to build even higher-quality vehicles.”
The Mazda CX-9 is a seven-seat crossover SUV designed and engineered specifically for the North American market. The CX-9 showcases Mazda's unique design and strong, dynamic driving performance as well as an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatched versatility. The CX-9 debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2006, earning high marks for its versatility and remarkable styling that makes a clean break from traditional medium-sized SUVs.
Pricing
GS 2WD: $39,595
GT 2WD: $43,955
GS 4WD: $41,595
GT 4WD: $45,955
:surprise:
The same thing goes for luxury/near luxury cars: I remember when I bought my Audi back in 2000, my buddy in Canada priced it out and the exact same model would have cost him $15k more! I laughed and laughed at him.
As Arumage said, the crossover SUV market is hot right now, and will probably remain hot for several more years to come, so the minivans might depreciate more through the years as people make a transition.
My mother drives a 2004 Acura MDX Premium. Wonderful SUV to say the least. Why did we purchase it over a Honda Pilot? Pretty much because we came up with such a large list of positives:
*higher quality leather
*firmer, yet more supple ride (if that makes sense)
*more power
*longer warranty
*better door panelings
*thicker carpeting
*quieter interior
*more ambient lighting
*standard wood trim that looks better than the optional one in the Pilot
*Acura dealership experience
*Acura brand name
Now to some, those things may seem trivial, but to us (like many other Americans) those little things which make a luxury vehicle a luxury vehicle are deal breakers. That's not to say a Pilot is bad, but the MDX just comes off as a different flavor of coffee.
As for myself, I drive a 2006 MAZDA3s Grand Touring 5-door automatic with navigation, Bose, moonroof, Sirius, bumper step plate, wheel locks, moonroof deflector --- pretty much fully-loaded. I cannot sum how much I love this car! The sporty handling, the abundance of features (HID headlamps, LED taillights, rainsensing windshield wipers, etc), the gorgeous looks, and the low price are just part of the plethora of praise I give my car.
Now onty my current situation...
My mother is looking for a new SUV. It must have a navigation system in it because after not getting one in her MDX and me getting one in my 3, she has come around after seeing how impressive my 3's nav is. Logically, we have looked at both Acura and Mazda first since we service our cars at David McDavid Acura and El Dorado Mazda.
First, we looked at the RDX. You can tell where Acura took cost-cutting measures on the interior of the RDX because the door panelings (aside from the top-notch leather door inserts) are just average plastic. Everything else on the vehicle was great. The navigation system has a large 8" screen, restaurant reviews, and traffic rerouting. The carpet is quick thick, and the headliner is soft and padded. All in all, the RDX seems like an entry-level luxury SUV because it gets the job done well.
Then, we looked at the CX-7 when I got my second oil change. The coolest feature was the advanced keyless entry, which the RDX does not have. However, the rest of the vehicle was kind of so-so, especially for only 3K less than an RDX with navigation. The leather was of the same above-average grain as the 6, the dashboard was made of hard plastic, the door panelings were hard plastic, the steering wheel did not telescope, the Bose CenterPoint system (while better than my 3's basic Bose) could not compare to the ELS 5.1 in the RDX, there was no Bluetooth, no restaurant reviews, no traffic rerouting, etc. Now for a mainstream brand, not having all those goodies is fine...but for a vehicle that's only 3K less than a luxury vehicle, that pricing scheme doesn't make sense. For us, the RDX won by a long shot.
Like the RDX, the MDX includes the ELS 5.1 audio system with the same superb navigation system. It adds LED taillights, power tilt/telescoping wheel, even higher-quality leather, even thicker carpeting, auto-leveling headlamps, and more.
After carefully reading up about the CX-9 online, we have put it right up there on our list. It's got Bluetooth, a navigation system (however, it's the same one as the CX-7's which cannot compare to Acura's, but it's still a good value nonetheless), ambient lighting, leather door panels, and a more powerful Bose audio system (though I'm not holding my breath as the Bose in my dad's 05 STS - the 15-speaker 5.1 - isn't all it's hyped up to be...just like my 3's), memory seats, HID headlamps with manual leveling control (which is fine by us), LED taillamps, and more. In the end, it will be about 4K less than a comparable MDX.
So either we go for the sportier, more luxurious, more technologically-advanced SUV (MDX) or the more practical, cheaper, sleeker SUV (CX-9). Like they say, you get what you pay for...
I know it's probably not up to par name-wise, but the upcoming Hyundai Veracruz is a valid alternative too. It has a better power-to-weight ratio and will be available with all the same options (more if they bring all the same options the Koreans get). Hyundai is really stepping up the luxury quotient on this model. They even considered bringing it out under a new luxury brand they intend to create in the near future. (They are working on a RWD V8 sedan too.) It debuts in January at the Detroit auto show, but there are lots of pictures floating around already.
List of features: (Translated from Korean, not sure if the US models will get all of this):
300X Value
17" Nophlange Alloy Wheels
Class-leading stain-proof cloth seats (Tri-Coat Swade Material)
Manual Air-Con
MP3 Audio System
Wheel arch/Side Garnish
Signal Lamp installed Exterior Mirrors
ECM Interior Mirror
Rear Spoiler
Aero-Blade Wipers
LED Door-Courtesy Lamps
EBD ABS
Dual Front Airbags
300X Deluxe
18" Nophlange Alloy Wheels
Deluxe Leather Seats
Dual-Zone Auto Air-Con& AQS
Premium Sound 8 Speakers with Subwoofer JBL
Solar/Privacy Glass
Active Headrests
Rear Sonar Parking Assist
2nd Row Heated Seats
Centre Console with Coolbox
Rain-Sensing Aero-Blade Wipers
Safety Sunroof
Conversation Mirror
300VX Luxury
Adaptive HID Headlights
Headlamp Washer
LED Rear Taillights
Super-vision Cluster
Driver's Power Seats
Power Lumbar Support
Auto Compass
Luxury Door Scuff
In-Dash 6-Disc Changer Audio
300VX Premier
IMS II
Power Adjusting Pedals
Power Front Passenger Seats
ECM Exterior Mirrors
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)
Rear Heater/Air-Con
Power Tailgate
Safety Sunroof
300VXL Supreme
Black Monotone Interior Trim
Maple Woodgrain
Black Monotone Leather Seats
Door Scuff Lamps
Side/Curtain Airbags
300VXL Premium
Premium Leather Seats
Best-In-Class Leather Quality
Brown Two-Tone Seats
Brown Door-Trim
Black Monotone Interior Trim
Speed-Sensitive Power Steering
Power Tailgate
Safety Sunroof
Still happy with our choice. I'll report in February. Our CX-9 is scheduled to be built today in Hiroshima!
Jay
I've taken a close look at the new MDX, but can't bring myself to pay that much as compared to the CX-9. The CX-9 has the same technology (i.e. bluetooth, touchscreen NAV, AWD, etc) for $8k less (taking the MDX with tech/ent package vs. Grand Touring CX-9 with NAV/ent). Interior quality of the CX-9 is supposedly very nice, so that might also be a close comparison to the MDX. Some might argue that the SH-AWD in the Acura is a superior system, but you would only notice at the track. So at this point the $8k difference is due to Acura's position in the marketplace, i.e. trying to compete against Audi/BMW, and not against Mazda of the new GM crossovers (and the Veracruz).
At least the CX9 can tow more than 2000lb...
*doesn't look big from a distance but once you get within 15 feet you start to realize this is a big vehicle! Not too big though. We have an MDX now and are looking for a little more room. The CX-9 seems perfect. Visually, while good looking in pictures, it is that much better looking in person.
*interior is very nice quality and quite substantial. While the CX-9 interior is fine, this is much more sturdy and luxurios.
*second row slides forward and back - great feature.
*3rd row much easier to access as promised. I didn't go back there but seemed bigger than the MDX. Nice cargo area behind the third row as well.
Overall, I was very impressed and think this vehicle is going to be a big success for Mazda, especially if it delivers on the fun to drive promise.
but the CX-9 Grand Touring also has HID's, rain sensing wipers, memory seat, smart card, 3 zone auto a/c that are just a little more than the basics.
but more money buys you more goodies.
Additionally the CX-9 also has that attention to detail that I like, (I'm sure the MDX also has all this): leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, LED tail-lights, woven headliner (not the cheap cloth type), indirect interior lighting, and all the other options mentioned in the previous posting that might not be present in the MDX.
So I believe they are much closer than MDX owners would like to believe, but to your point Mazda doesn't have a reputation for high end luxury vehicles, and thus won't attract that specific crowd. So, in the spirit of your comparison, if the MDX is a nice Polo sweater, then the CX-9 is really closer to being nearly the same quality sweater you buy at reduced price at the Polo Outlet store.
The Nav system for the CX-9 also has POI's as well.
AWD that transfers torque from side-to-side on the rear axle
Same for the CX-9. In regards to the stereo, the CX-9 has an improved system. We will have to wait to hear it to see the real difference.
Yes, the MDX will have a few more features, but, not too many. The fit and finnish is expected to be better as well, however, it comes with a significant price tag.
I do agree with you that the CX-9 does come with plenty to satisfy the majority, however, there are those that feel the need to get all that the market has to offer. In that case, the MDX is for you.
I like that analogy!
I'm surprised that some of these wider CUVs don't have three way splits to their 3rd row (like the Toyota Sienna) then you could put the car seat in the middle and still be able to flip-fold either side. Even the big Outlooks/Acadias don't do this and they're as wide as a minivan.
As for the AWD systems, they are both quite different. Mazda's Active Torque Split AWD can only transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, and that mostly occurs during slippage. Of that 50% that is on the rear wheels, none is transferred from side-to-side. Instead, either the left or right wheel on the rear axle is braked during cornering when slippage is detected thanks to DSC.
SH-AWD, however, can transfer up to 70% of torque can be sent to the rear wheels, and all of the rear axle torque can be sent fully to either side even with VSA disengaged. That's why the SH-AWD system has been getting a lot of praise around the world since it's the first Honda/Acura AWD system that makes a car perform more like a RWD car than a FWD vehicle, even though their vehicles are FWD-based and most people will hardly notice a difference.
Finally in regards to the audio system, I'm not holding my breath. Since we won't be getting one with a rear entertainment center, we won't get the true 5.1 Surround sound but the 10-speaker CenterPoint audio system, which is virtually identical to the one in the CX-7. Bose systems have been going downhill lately, though again most people could care less.
But in the end, we're still more likely to end up with a CX-9 than a new MDX...
A CX-9 GT AWD with the moon roof/ Bose Audio package is $36,230. If you add the GT Assistance Package, it goes to $38,730. The MDX is $44,169 when equipped similar. Roughly a $5,440 difference. Which equates to more then $100/mo difference on a 60mo finance, not to mention the use of more expensive Premium fuel, and the higher priced service costs because Acura is considered "high line". The true cost of ownership is substantial if you choose the MDX over the CX-9.
Just things to consider when buying a vehicle.
I suspect the SUV/crossover market will have moved to something else by then...just a few years ago mini-vans and full size SUV's were all the rage now having a bad rash is more desirable.
If you get every option, and really get a "fully loaded" CX-9, it is $39,980, with the Rear Seat Entertainment System, Bose 5.1. No moon roof. You cannot get the RSES with a moon roof, and GT Assistance Package, and add the tow package, it is $39,980.
If you get every option in a true "fully loaded" MDX, it is $48,465 with the Sport and Entertainment Package, according to Acura.com.
So far, I'm happy anticipating the CX-9. (It was built in Hiroshima on 12/1 so, it's on the way!)
Jay
A CX-9 GT AWD with moonroof/Bose/6CD changer/Grand Touring Assistance package, autodim mirror, splash guards, in-dash MP3 player, and Sirius comes out to $39,440. An MDX with technology package and autodim mirror comes out to $43,495. That comes out to about $4K more.
Now for truly fully-loaded vehicles, the two cannot really be compared. A fully-loaded CX-9 can either have a moonroof or a RES, not both whereas the MDX can have both. Also, a fully-loaded MDX would unclude magnetic dampers, which the CX-9 doesn't have an option for. That's why they can't truly be compared. For nearly-fully-loaded models, they can be.