Mazda CX-9: Grand Touring on a Family Vacation

2014 Mazda Cx-9
The Mazda CX-9 is filled with comfort, convenience and flexibility

Five Reasons That Families Will Love the Mazda CX-9

Traveling together is something my family enjoys, but finding the right vehicle for family trips is a key component to happy travel.  We just returned from a short road trip to the Central Coast in the 2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring edition and it was the perfect way to test out the many features of the CX-9. With the children on break and the amazing weather in California, we wanted to take the comforts of home along so we could enjoy our trip to visit some of their grandparents.

On our long weekend road trip, we discovered some top reasons to love the Mazda CX-9 (more details about the car and our review can be found here).

1.  You Have Plenty of Space

As we packed the Mazda CX-9 up for our trip, we were immediately pleased with the amount of cargo space available.  The Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring stands out among its competitors in this area.  When comparing the interior space to that of the external footprint, the CX-9 is better than other vehicles in its class.

2014 Mazda Cx-9
Second and third row seats fold so you can to accommodate comforts from home

2.  You Have the Option of a Third Row

The Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring also offers a fold flat third row that allowed our family tremendous flexibility.  We packed all of the bags we needed and even fit our son’s bike and daughter’s scooter in the back as well.   This was accomplished with the third row folded down. We had the added convenience of popping that third row up to accommodate seven of us once we met up with our family.

As a family of four, the third row is something we constantly struggle with.  We don’t technically need one purely based on the size of our family, but we enjoy being able to  have space for family when they visit as well as friends of our children.  The size of the Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring worked really well and met our needs perfectly with a smaller footprint.

2014 Mazda Cx-9
The sliding second row allows passengers to create the leg room they want

3.  You AND Your Children Will Be Comfortable

Our children give the Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring a thumbs up for comfort.   Fastening seat belts and installing car seats was easy in the CX-9.  Parents will love the leather interior and everyone will benefit from the lower height of the car for easy entrance and exits from the vehicle.

4. You Can Truly Access the Third Row With Ease 

The second row slides forward to provide a nice amount of floor space to climb in comfortably.  The third row of the CX-9 is great for children and also fits adults.   Children can ride in the third row comfortably for long periods of time. We tested adult comfort for a shorter duration and found it appropriate for one adult and a child.

2014 Mazda Cx-9
Connect your phone via USB or Bluetooth so you can use it hands-free while you drive

5.  You are Safe and Connected

Families can drive in confidence knowing they are safe with front and rear crumple zones, optional Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alerts, and rain sensing wipers.  Families can also stay connected with Bluetooth integration that is easy to set up and navigate.  With the constant in and out of vehicles, your music will stream easily and resume play as you need.  The hands-free keeps you connected with the ones you love while keeping your family safe.

The 2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring offers families a vehicle they can depend on to provide superior safety for their family.  With pricing below $39,000, the 2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring meets driver and family needs at an attractive and affordable price.

Note: Mazda provided the car for our test drive. Opinions expressed are my own.

Amy Barseghian
Amy Barseghian

Amy Barseghian, founder of OC Mentor, has been a social media influencer and blogger since 2008. A mom of two, Amy shares news, reviews and tips with her readers in Southern California and beyond, advises small businesses on social strategy through Social Halo Media, and is a featured video influencer at MomTV.

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