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Crossover SUV Comparison

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Comments

  • kbhaktakbhakta Member Posts: 17
    Ford owns 1/3 of the Japanese company Mazda.

    Seems like Ford makes at least half decent cars when they use Mazda designs......too bad they don't let them design the whole car, Ford would have much better cars and might not be in the financial shape they're in.

    Mazda is borrowing the engine from Ford and the anti-roll over system from Volvo. Everything else is Mazda designed in Japan.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Ford's biggest problem is that they do not share. Europe and Australia have some awesome designs and technology. GM has realized this and brought us the new Vue and Astra which are Opels.
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    The Mazda6 and Fusion are on the same chassis. The Mazda5 is on the same chassis as the Mazda3, which is also used for the European Focus.

    And the Mazda3 shares its underpinnings with the Volvo S40. Your point is what? Albook was making the case that the CX-9 is simply a rebadged Edge. You agree with that? There's a difference between sharing some components and chassis vs. old-fashioned badge engineering.
  • wheelie1wheelie1 Member Posts: 21
    "Seems like Ford makes at least half decent cars when they use Mazda designs......too bad they don't let them design the whole car, Ford would have much better cars and might not be in the financial shape they're in."

    I don't think Ford needs to turn to Japan for design help. Every time I go to an auto show, I see concept cars from Ford that match or exceed Japanese designs. Obviously, they have good designers. The problem then must be either management or their process or both. More manufacturers are using concepts as a testing forum for designs intended to go on the road. Chrysler has had success with this process. The 300C and Dodge Nitro are very close to their concept origins. GM on the other hand has finally responded to the criticism that most of their brands look alike. Ironically, they hired the ex-chief from Chrysler to lead this effort and it's starting to pay off. My hunch is Ford listens to it's marketing data and not it's gut instincts (or it's designers). It also hurt they rode an old design (ford explorer) for too long. They did the same with the Taurus.

    I think we'll start seeing bolder designs. I believe the 'blade' grill is an example of this. It's just too bad nice hard working folks lose jobs because waited until they were backed into a corner. In the end, smaller may end up working for Ford. They should dump their Mercury brand and sell Jaguar and a few others. Brand focus and aggressiveness is key.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    How do you really get that I agree with Albook's statement from any statements I have made? Up until now, I haven't referenced anything he has said.

    I believe I said earlier in this forum (although it may have been in the CX-9 forum) that despite any they share a similar chassis that the engine is retuned by Mazda, the suspension is quite different, and the CX-9 uses an Aisin transmission. The CX-9 is also assembled at an entirely different facility... in Japan.
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    You were replying to my response to his statements, so I thought you were on the same topic. I thought you were agreeing with him based on your response to my (sarcastic) questions re: which Ford the Mazda6 and Mazda5 were based on.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    I guess I didn't read far enough back. :blush:
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Where have you been? Ford has slipped the Mazda 6 platform (which they co-developed with MAzda) under everything from the FUsion to the edge to the MKZ to the Milan to the MKX. Whoa- I guess that is everything. :P
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Your point is what? Albook was making the case that the CX-9 is simply a rebadged Edge.

    No- what I was saying was that the Edge and CX9 xhare underpinnings and a lot of components. I would bet if you drive them both, you'll think you're having Deja Vu. i bet this is just a little more than the difference betweenthe Enclave and Acadia. These are two badge engineered CUV's I'd rather have in my garage then the CX9 and Edge.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Has anyone heard the rumor that the '08 pilot is coming out at New York Auto Show? Not sure it's true, but I'm anxiously awiting.
  • unixxusunixxus Member Posts: 97
    "Has anyone heard the rumor that the '08 pilot is coming out at New York Auto Show? Not sure it's true, but I'm anxiously awiting."

    You dont have to wait for the Pilot, the '08 pilot and the current MDX xhare underpinnings and a lot of components. I would bet if you drive them both, you'll think you're having Deja Vu. By your definition, I guess we can call them badge engineered vehicles. :confuse: (see why we should not make assumption when we dont have all our facts?)
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    "You dont have to wait for the Pilot, the '08 pilot and the current MDX xhare underpinnings and a lot of components. I would bet if you drive them both, you'll think you're having Deja Vu."

    I was about to jump in and correct you, and then the sarcasm hit me. I think you win "funniest post in the thread" so far. ;)
  • music287music287 Member Posts: 116
    ...and my wife and I are in the end stages of choosing a cuv. The Veracruz, Tribeca and MDX have almost no storage behind the third row. The Pacifica storage is marginal. The upcoming Taurus X ain't bad, but it's "bland" and the rep wasn't sure they'll offer hid's. The Outlook is very plasticy, the Acadia kind of mid-range, but the Enclave looks spiffy (from behind the barrier we weren't allowed to cross!) The CX-9, one of which will be arriving for us shortly, I feel possesses "personal luxury" in the sense that it isn't as spacious as the PAC or Enclave but it has high-end features i.e. voice-activated nav, Smart-Key, blue-tooth, 5.1 radio, stitched two-tone leather, real wood(?), etc. It's a little tight with an overly large front console and b-pillars that are too far back hindering entry into the 2nd row. OTOH, the 3rd seat is useable and the storage behind that seat is adequate. One can hang the full-size flat tire where the space saver spare resides...no other cuv allows that! It also offers ~100 sq. ft. with the two rows folded. (Our daugher is a harpist and often needs to transport her instrument!)

    We were honestly leaning towards the PAC (There's a $2K rebate and our dealer is offering invoice plus $100.00) but the CX-9 appeals to us middle-aged boomers on an emotional level. The Enclave appears to be a very close 2nd place. Since, very nicely equipped the AWD version is ~$37K, I predict it'll be a winner, too.

    Your thoughts, gang? :blush:

    Jay
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,629
    their styling shares a lot with the prior trailblazer based triplets. the acadia lower front end looks better in real life than what i have seen on the web. it does not look good on the web.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • selooseloo Member Posts: 606
    I was also impressed with the PAC, but I would look for a better deal before I purchase one. The deal would need to include a price below invoice then minus the rebate. Special financing and a comprehensive extended warranty to 6yr/100K miles as part of the deal. The PAC's warranty is the worst in the business! Unless you must buy now, I would wait for new incentives, while the cars sit on the lot a few more months.

    Good Luck!
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    The CX-9's 3rd row is only usuable for those 5'10" or less, and 1st and 2nd row entry is marginal at best. When the 2nd row is comfortable, only short people will be comfortable in the 3rd row. I'm not sure how Mazda measured the interior dimension, but I don't think there is much truth in advertising there after sitting in it and the Acadia. After all those criticisms, I have to say that, IMO, it is the most striking of the group as far as exterior looks, especially in that beautiful blue color. I like the Veracruz for interior looks the best. I also like it's maneuverability (small turning radius) and parkability (length... is that a word? :) ). I think the CX-9 is still in the running, but we are very interested in the Veracruz providing that it will still be a good deal in comparison.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    I didn't realize there was sarcasm in your voice at first. They (MDX&Pilot)are the same vehicle basically. They will drive the similar and you will know they are related. Where have you been? only diff, more space in Pilot and 10gs less. Bad example on your part.
    Though by true definition (Colbalt vs G5) we can't call them badge engineered. My fault- I guess I did misword. But my main point still stands. Edge and CX9 are not two totally different vehicles.
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    My fault- I guess I did misword. But my main point still stands. Edge and CX9 are not two totally different vehicles.

    If that was truly your point and you had more clearly articulated it in the first place, it would have saved us all some arguing. :P
  • practicalpractical Member Posts: 53
    1> Visit Mazda's web site, looked for their Jan. sales numbers, clicked on a link, went to Ford.com/Mazda. There were only 82 sold in Jan. Seems like a late Jan. introduction.

    2> Based on some post, CX-9 uses Ford's engine same as Edge's. Tranny is Mazda's own tune. Platform is Ford as well. But many others are different. I don't think Ford just own 30% to be the a parent.
    Since an engine is a car's heart, not sure if I should give them the money for only 5 years. Consumer Reports ranked Mazda pretty high in 5-yr reliability, I think it's the fifth, even before Nissan.

    3> Since Vera claims they do offer a driver adaptive 6-sp, I asked my dealer, the mgr came up said yes, but he wasn't sure for how long it would change. Say after being driven by me for 2 months, my wife wants it, CX-9 may not change the way it reacts and coops after just a day.
    And, it is not tied to any seating memory.

    4> Is that 20" a low-profile? No, he said it's not. Speed6's are low-profile. LP does not move even equip w/ AWD in snow, CX-9 are definitely not. But wait a min, the brochure says so. Umm. So, I checked BridgeStone's site, one of theirs for Mazda, P245R50/20 is especially for winter. Can anyone tell us more on this? I don't want a high performance but expensive and hard to find replacement.

    5> Driver's seat is firm but comfortable.

    6> 2nd row has 3 position for back and forth.

    Anxious to see Veracruz.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "Excuse me but I have sat inthe Freestyle at least a dozen times. It's comfortable, but not as much as in outlook. "

    Can you please confirm that you have sat in the third seat at least a dozen times? Why? :confuse:
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Why?

    Can we simply stipulate that both of you have sat back there but disagree on comfort -- and then just move on? :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • The Enclave and Acadia are not badge engineered. Yes, they are the same underneath, but they do not share body panels, doors, etc. Badge engineered is like the 500/Montego, the Fusion/Milan, the Cobalt/G5, the Opel Astra/Saturn Astra. Badgge engineering as a term came about when manufacturers started taking the same body, and after modifying some minor trim (usually grill and tail lights), and selling them as completely different brands. GMs CUV triplets may be close, but GM put in more effort than simple badge engineering.
  • mxylplik21mxylplik21 Member Posts: 18
    How many people out there have three young kids (in car seats) and how has that influenced your analysis?

    As I have posted before, you can install a car seat on a second row seat of the CX9 and slide it forward to gain entry into the third row. That way, you can have two car seats installed in the second row whereas only one car seat can be installed in the second row of the Acadia (thus, need two kids in the third row and one kid in the second row). Can't install two car seats in the second row with the Acadia because the second folds into itself as you begin to slide it forward. So two kids in third row of Acadia and one kid in the 2nd row.

    In addition, how much bigger is the third row of the Acadia versus the CX9? - I believe the Acadia's third row is built for three whereas the CX9 is designed for two people.

    Finally, third row seats drops into floor for Acadia whereas CX9 does not. But I guess that doesn't matter much if I'm going to have two car seats in the third row.

    Thoughts?
  • husky92husky92 Member Posts: 56

    As I have posted before, you can install a car seat on a second row seat of the CX9 and slide it forward to gain entry into the third row. That way, you can have two car seats installed in the second row whereas only one car seat can be installed in the second row of the Acadia (thus, need two kids in the third row and one kid in the second row). Can't install two car seats in the second row with the Acadia because the second folds into itself as you begin to slide it forward. So two kids in third row of Acadia and one kid in the 2nd row.


    Actually, one of the big selling points of the Acadia etc. is the second row captain's chairs which allow you to get to the back row without moving the seats at all. I actually tried this in an Acadia and it was fairly easy to do, even easier for kids so putting two car seats in the captains chairs doesn't really prevent you from getting to the third row.


    In addition, how much bigger is the third row of the Acadia versus the CX9? - I believe the Acadia's third row is built for three whereas the CX9 is designed for two people.


    The Acadia's third row seats 3 (has 3 seat belts). I'm sure it's very cramped back there with three and probably impossible to fit a third (even if it's a child) if you already have 2 car seats back there.


    Finally, third row seats drops into floor for Acadia whereas CX9 does not. But I guess that doesn't matter much if I'm going to have two car seats in the third row.


    This is not true unless I'm misunderstanding what you are saying. The third row of the CX-9 does fold flat. It's a 50/50 split vs. a 60/40 split for the Acadia.
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    A couple thoughts:

    1. If you go with the middle row bucket seats in the Acadia, you can install 2 car seats in that row and just let the 3rd (probably oldest) kid walk between the bucket seats to the 3rd row. That way you need not slide the seats forward to access the 3rd row. Of course, that 3rd kid would probably need to be able to buckle themselves in.

    2. The Acadia 3rd row doesn't really "drop into the floor". It just folds flat.

    3. I sat in the 3rd row of the Acadia at the local auto show with my wife, who's 5' 3" and my 8 year old son. I'm 6'0" and we were relatively comfortable. You could not put 3 of my size folks back there comfortably for a longer distance. The 3rd row of the CX-9 is designed for two and felt cramped to me for leg room.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Can you please confirm that you have sat in the third seat at least a dozen times? Why?
    I go to auto shows and I always sit in it- for some reason. Someone was saying in an earlier post that I didnt' know what i was talking about because I'd never sat in it. But i have the experience.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    only one car seat can be installed in the second row of the Acadia
    What do you mean by this? YOu can slide both seats forward in Acadia on bith sides. and you ca gwet row 2 bench instead of captains.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    i never said the CX9 and adge were badge engineered. i just said they were basically the same Vehicle. ANd i still say that. And they are no diferent than the difference b/t the Anclave and Acadia-well a little more, but still Nothing different sheetmetal and different interior.If I sit in the Audi A8, I don't have to look at the (discontinued) VW Phaeton.
  • selooseloo Member Posts: 606
    As a parent with three kids, you need to keep (if you have one) or purchase a mini-van!

    You can buy a crossover after your kids are done with the car seats.
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    i never said the CX9 and adge were badge engineered. i just said they were basically the same Vehicle. ANd i still say that. And they are no diferent than the difference b/t the Anclave and Acadia-well a little more, but still Nothing different sheetmetal and different interior.If I sit in the Audi A8, I don't have to look at the (discontinued) VW Phaeton.

    As you are fond of saying, "where have you been?" The Edge and CX-9 are different sized vehicles with different transmissions and built on different continents. The Acadia and Enclave are the same size with the same transmission and are built at the same plant.

    Actually, the Acadia/Enclave have the same transmission as the Edge. Does that mean they are "basically the same vehicle as the Edge?"
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    The Ford version of the transmission and the GM version have some fundamental differences. GM choice to include more mechanical controls while Ford opted for more software control.
  • rick2456rick2456 Member Posts: 320
    I would tend to agree with you there. The FS is plenty wide enough. Any wider and I would have to buy another house with a wider opening for the garage door. As it is now, the FS has only 5 " clearance from the mirrors and each side.
  • stmssstmss Member Posts: 206
    Disagree. I have three boys who grew up in 99 Volvo wagon after trading in a mini van. In 99 they were 5,4 and 1, they are now 13,11 and 8 and getting rid of the Volvo is not in sight. I leased a 06 FS last year to give them some more room but guess what - we still use the Volvo for our longer trips - most recently a 4 day ski trip.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    "Disagree. I have three boys who grew up in 99 Volvo wagon after trading in a mini van. In 99 they were 5,4 and 1, they are now 13,11 and 8 and getting rid of the Volvo is not in sight. I leased a 06 FS last year to give them some more room but guess what - we still use the Volvo for our longer trips - most recently a 4 day ski trip"

    That almost make sense... might as well get rid of the FS then. You can't tell me it wouldn't be more comfortable in the FS for 5 people....with 6/7 seats available.
  • selooseloo Member Posts: 606
    Let's be honest. I am sorry, but your post makes no sense!
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    The only real size diff b/t CX and edge is lenght. CX longer for row 3. They are basically same and share the same 3.5 liter engine. You might even find a few of the same design cues in the interior. So the transmissions are different. You can get two separate transmisions in the Nissan ALtima- and that's only one car!
    THis is off subsect, but I think the platform was developed by ford.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Have you been in either vehicle? :confuse: It may be the same engine, but the power curves are different. If you look at performance comparison in handling, you'd see that there is no comparison in suspension setup. They weigh nearly the same despite the CX-9 being quite a bit longer too.
  • stmssstmss Member Posts: 206
    Makes perfect sense. Just trying to point out that because someone has three kids they are not destined to a mini van as suggested.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    I believe that discussion started from three kids in car seats. ;)
  • stmssstmss Member Posts: 206
    That almost make sense... might as well get rid of the FS then. You can't tell me it wouldn't be more comfortable in the FS for 5 people....with 6/7 seats available.

    Yes, the FS will be going back at lease end. But don't know what will replace it, I'll worry about that next year. The FS was a replacement for the Volvo as the kids got bigger but that never happened even after almost two years in.

    Other than the FS DVD system the kids have no problems with comfort in the Volvo but not sure if that will change when they grow a bit - and for the driver and front seat passenger, the Volvo wins out here with more comfortable seats.

    Don't get me wrong, I think the FS is a great vehicle, mine has been very reliable and well put together, it just didn't take over from the 7 yr old wagon like I thought it should.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "I believe that discussion started from three kids in car seats. "

    And we'll know the discussion has really tanked when we start talking about those three teenagers in car seats... :surprise:
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Here's where my comment came from:

    "As a parent with three kids, you need to keep (if you have one) or purchase a mini-van!

    You can buy a crossover after your kids are done with the car seats."

    Try to read back a bit farther before you post. :P
  • The CX is not the same platform as the Edge and its twin, the MKX. The engine was Ford developed, although the Edge and CX9 have slightly different power ratings. The CX-9 was developed separately from and ahead of the Edge. Certain minor structures are shared, i.e., some of the architecture forward of the A pillar. However, they have different floor pans (which are usually shared at least in part if it is the same architecture), and the CX9 has a longer wheelbase as well. Certainly there is some cross-pollination, but one could make the case that the CX-7 is actually closer to the Edge in execution, with some of its underpinnings and layout...though Mazda again developed it separately, and Ford doesn't have a direct version of the CX-7. Fusion, MKZ, MKX, CX-7 and CX-9 all share some components, and the plan for each started life as a Mazda6.

    Dynamic differences are significant enough that the CX-9 is seen as the superior vehicle. But if you don't want/need 7 passenger room--and you don't like the more nimble dynamics of the 5 passenger CX-7--then the Edge (and its likely price advantage) may appeal to you.

    The Acadia, Outlook and Enclave each have a different look and focus, using the same platform underneath. They are not clones. Within the group though, these three are a foot to more than a foot longer than all the others. Parking and maneuverability are factors to consider too. That may not matter to anyone trading from a fullsize SUV, but that extra length means these three are longer than Ford Explorer type vehicles. If a tidier package with nearly the same passenger space is wanted, then one of the others would be more suitable.
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    "The Acadia, Outlook and Enclave each have a different look and focus, using the same platform underneath. They are not clones. Within the group though, these three are a foot to more than a foot longer than all the others."

    Except for the CX-9, which is only an inch and a half shorter than the GMs.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "Here's where my comment came from:

    "As a parent with three kids, you need to keep (if you have one) or purchase a mini-van!

    You can buy a crossover after your kids are done with the car seats."

    Try to read back a bit farther before you post."

    I had read the original posts. You might try checking with your funny bone before posting as well, since I was making a joke... :surprise:
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    Get this - I just came across someone on another forum that has BOTH a CX-9 GT and an Acadia SLT2 on order. Don't know if they're lurking on this forum too, but I'm going to try to pump them for info on why they are buying both (not to mention how they are affording it :confuse: )
  • loachloach Member Posts: 246
    Here was her initial answer:

    "Well, the Acadia is my husband's work car, so he wanted to have room for cargo and that was a car for when we drive up to the cabin in the summer.
    I loved the Mazda CX-9 because it is sporty and is comfy for the kids, plus it has bluetooth and a great dvd player. You're right, we may be the only ones with both! I also didnt want a minivan or a tahoe type suv, so the Mazda was perfect"
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    "The CX is not the same platform as the Edge and its twin, the MKX."

    Except they are (CX-9, Edge, MKX) - all sit on the Mazda6 platform, and more than minor structures are shared.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Sat in CX9 twice and Edge three or four times. The CX's suspension is probably just sport tuned. But something must be different because EDge is Plain Overweight!
  • rick2456rick2456 Member Posts: 320
    My concerns with the FS have gotten to the point that I got rid of it and bought a new Hyundai Santa FE AWD. I never had any problems with it, I just never got comfortable with the styling. So bland. Anyhow, I got a good offer from a relative, thus didn't lose that much and I really like the Santa Fe. Good luck guys/gals. I will be over in the Santa Fe forum.
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