SF 2.0T vs CX-9

[angelo]

I consider the CX-9 one of the top SUV out there regarding prompt sprint, handling, ride quality, comfort, room, etc...
I know the LWB would be more appropriate to compare vs Mazda CX-9.
In the meantime, has anyone compared them?

[golfermack]

Have you compared them? If so, what did you find?
John

[angelo]

Originally Posted by golfermack

Have you compared them? If so, what did you find?
John

Two friend of mine have one... I never had a chance to drive a CX-9...

[golfermack]

Originally Posted by angelo

Two friend of mine have one... I never had a chance to drive a CX-9...

Have you had a chance to go online? You can learn a lot
about the two cars there. The web sites have pictures of exteriors, interiors, colors, dimensions, weights, engines, mpg, features/options, trim lines, warrantys, etc. about each car for you to compare.
John.

[angelo]

Originally Posted by golfermack

Have you had a chance to go online? You can learn a lot
about the two cars there. The web sites have pictures of exteriors, interiors, colors, dimensions, weights, engines, mpg, features/options, trim lines, warrantys, etc. about each car for you to compare.
John.

John,
I do a lot of research online and that is why I believe CX-9 is a good SUV, roomy, powerful, good mpg...
I have had a change to be in CX-9 as a passenger and I believe that promptness and handling are excellent. I have never been in it for a long trip though.

[7milesup]

The CX-9 gets 17/19/24. Not what I would call stellar MPG. I looked at it too but went with the Enclave which only has a 1 MPG worse rating but I felt the ride/fit/finish/interior room was better than the CX-9. I do like the exterior styling of the CX-9.

I don't quite understand the hangup about driving performance on a crossover. Who slings these things around corners? Maybe a Porsche Panamera would fit the bill.

Oh...and again today I saw a CX-5 driving down the road. As I looked down at it from my truck I heard two words screaming at me as it went by..... "Econo Box". You couldn't give me a CX-5 (well acutally you could but I would drive it over to the Hyundai dealer and trade it for a SF

Nothing against your choices Angelo...I'm just ranting a little in general here

[Cary28]

Before I purchased my 2013 SF 2.0T FWD last week, I considered the CX-9GT, CX-5GT, and Kio Sorrento. I test drove each model, as well as the 2.4L vs 2.0T, and settled on my current CUV. I really liked the CX-9, especially in GT trim. Unfortunately, I felt like I was in a boat when sitting inside it. Its huge, and has lots of tech toys in the GT version. But the deciding factor was the poor MPG as compared to the SF. I was in a MB R350, which was also a very long, wide, and large SUV, but doesn't feel that big. The CX-9 looks relatively small on the outside, but felt like a boat IMHO. Just a personal observation. It has really high ratings and positive feedback, but I just felt the SF was a modern design vs the CX-9's more dated, but still very nice design.

[blackmamba]

Originally Posted by 7milesup

The CX-9 gets 17/19/24. Not what I would call stellar MPG. I looked at it too but went with the Enclave which only has a 1 MPG worse rating but I felt the ride/fit/finish/interior room was better than the CX-9. I do like the exterior styling of the CX-9.

I don't quite understand the hangup about driving performance on a crossover. Who slings these things around corners? Maybe a Porsche Panamera would fit the bill.

Oh...and again today I saw a CX-5 driving down the road. As I looked down at it from my truck I heard two words screaming at me as it went by..... "Econo Box". You couldn't give me a CX-5 (well acutally you could but I would drive it over to the Hyundai dealer and trade it for a SF

Nothing against your choices Angelo...I'm just ranting a little in general here

Well, I , for one, love to " sling these things around corners ". I've been doing it for years in various modified Subaru Foresters. I drive this particular style of vehicle for very specific reasons. That doesn't mean that I have to forego crisp handling and a little excitement along the way.

As you might imagine, the parts and pieces to improve on the Sante Fe are pretty scarace now. I expect that situation will loosen up some...there are more folks like me out there than you might realize.

At the very least, I'll replace the anti-sway bars, put on some serious high-performance all-weather tires ( maybe different wheels, as well ) and, quite possibly, more capable shock/strut assemblies. There's no doubt that I'll increase turbo boost and go for some engine-management computer re-mapping. The boost controllers are available now and one big outfit is currently working on the re-mapping unit.

I'm not out to create a race car.....I've already got that. But I'm darn sure going to take this vehicle to a much higher level of overall performance....which in my case translates into a vehicle that is much more satisfying to drive.

I certainly realize that the average guy has no interest in doing what I will do. But perhaps they don't enjoy blasting through the mountain back roads like I do.

[angelo]

I absolutely enjoy the "sling" thing too. No need to push the vehicle to the limit to be able to enjoy the feeling. I do believe that CX-9 has an advantage in that particular area vs all SUV in that category. I wish the LWB will be equal (or better) than CX-9, at that point my decision will be really easy.
Also, I am considering the mods suggested by blackmamba very interesting.

[7milesup]

Originally Posted by blackmamba

Well, I , for one, love to " sling these things around corners ". I've been doing it for years in various modified Subaru Foresters. I drive this particular style of vehicle for very specific reasons. That doesn't mean that I have to forego crisp handling and a little excitement along the way.

As you might imagine, the parts and pieces to improve on the Sante Fe are pretty scarace now. I expect that situation will loosen up some...there are more folks like me out there than you might realize.

At the very least, I'll replace the anti-sway bars, put on some serious high-performance all-weather tires ( maybe different wheels, as well ) and, quite possibly, more capable shock/strut assemblies. There's no doubt that I'll increase turbo boost and go for some engine-management computer re-mapping. The boost controllers are available now and one big outfit is currently working on the re-mapping unit.

I'm not out to create a race car.....I've already got that. But I'm darn sure going to take this vehicle to a much higher level of overall performance....which in my case translates into a vehicle that is much more satisfying to drive.

I certainly realize that the average guy has no interest in doing what I will do. But perhaps they don't enjoy blasting through the mountain back roads like I do.

Sounds fun but as you point out you are "outside the norm" for average guy. Absolutely nothing wrong with that

I had a truck that was slightly lifted, chromed out, and my favorite part...Cat back exhaust system. Loved how it sounded when I was towing our boat. I want to do the same thing to my next truck and the wife asks me when I'm going to grow up - NEVER!

Doing what you guys do, I would afraid of scratching the new baby BTW...I do get to fly the jet every other week so that is my "slinging it around" fun.