Page 42 - Motor Trend (May 2020)

THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs

LAYOUT, MAZDA CX-9

67.6”

65.3” 65.2” 115.3”
77.5” 199.4”

lacking, its transmission slower to shift
2020 Mazda CX-9
and less decisive.” On the freeway, every
HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.3/38.5/35.4 in judge noticed its poor noise insulation,
LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.0/39.4/29.7 in and our unit suffered from a whistle
SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 57.9/58.1/53.1 in coming from the windshield during
CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 71.2/38.1/14.4 cu ft freeway driving, which speaks to the
F/M/R Explorer’s build quality.
CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,333 lb; 55/45%
GROUND CLEARANCE 8.8 in Safety The primary job of these SUVs
APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 17.7/20.0 deg is transporting your family safely. IIHS
has data on all of these SUVs except the The 2.5-liter turbo engine and six-speed
TURNING CIRCLE 38.8 ft automatic make the CX-5 a spirited SUV.
Highlander, which has not been tested
TOWING CAPACITY 3,500 lb
as of this writing, but with the new safety and Volkswagen got five-star ratings—the
with all-wheel drive, but because it was standards for 2020, no three-row SUV best possible score—from NHTSA. (As of
much more than our $50,000 limit, we received the coveted Top Safety Pick+ this writing, the Explorer has not been
instead took delivery of a rear-wheel- award. To qualify for a 2020 Top Safety tested by NHTSA.)
drive XLT. It might sound cool to say you Pick+ or Top Safety Pick, vehicles must Although we enjoyed the way the Ford’s
have a rear-drive Explorer, but once you have Good ratings in each of the six smart cruise control adjusted to speed
get behind the wheel, your perception crashworthiness tests and have Good or limits, it leaves just enough of a gap in
could change. Its powertrain was poorly Acceptable headlights and available front front for other cars to cut you off. “The
calibrated, and we all complained about crash prevention technologies. cruise braking takes a little long to react,
its bouncy and unsettled ride. “On paper, The Palisade, Telluride, CX-9, and and the turbo-four is slow to respond once
this engine should be a winner, tied for Ascent all received the IIHS’ Top Safety a gap opens in front of you,” Rechtin said.
the most torque of the group,” Walton Pick award (the Traverse, Explorer, Pilot During our testing we also knocked the
said. “But in practice it ends up feeling and Atlas did not), but the Chevy, Honda, Traverse for not having adaptive cruise

42 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020