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by Tony Swan
Car and Driver's annual 5Best list denotes the magazine's favorite trucks in a variety of categories. Small, large and luxury SUVs are covered, as well as pickup trucks and vans. The Mazda CX-9 wins in the… large crossover SUV category, displacing the Honda Pilot, the 2007 winner. Car and Driver says that Mazda has improved on the formula offered by the Pilot, and describes the CX-9 as roomy, agile and fun to drive.
by Editors of Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports tests dozens of cars and trucks each year for safety, reliability and performance, selecting SUVs as Recommended or Best Buy along the way. Consumer Reports includes helpful historical data… on long-term reliability and owner satisfaction, based on its annual subscriber survey. Editors do not focus on performance stats to the same degree as dedicated car enthusiast magazines, however.
by Editors of Motor Trend
In the most recent installment of Motor Trend's annual SUV torture test of 11 new models, SUVs are thoroughly tested for their off-road ability, comfort and value. The Mazda CX-9 is the unanimous pick of… the judges. Editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie says of the CX-9: "It was arguably the most enjoyable sport/utility to drive, and a great reminder that SUVs can be as exciting as any car." Motor Trend also highlights the Buick Enclave and Hyundai Veracruz as well as the CX-9.
by Ben Stewart
Editors at Popular Mechanics test the Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Tribeca and Honda Pilot at the track, on highways and on mountain roads. Editors loaded and… unloaded each vehicle with ice chests, beach chairs and baby seats, and also spent time riding in the third row. The Mazda CX-9 is the unanimous winner, with editors claiming it is best at satisfying the needs of a large family while being fun to drive. The Hyundai Veracruz places second, with praise for its upscale features. The Saturn Outlook places third and is lauded for its cargo space and people-hauling capabilities.
by Ron Kiino
This review tests three models in the premium midsize crossover SUV field. All three SUVs seat seven adults while driving more like cars than traditional SUVs. Available with all-wheel drive, the test… vehicles include luxury options such as leather seats, power tailgates and navigation systems. SUVs are tested on a 600-mile round trip to California's Sierra Nevada mountains, during which the SUVs tackled both highways and mountain roads. The Mazda CX-9 wins for excellent driving dynamics and value. The Acura MDX places second.
by Frank Markus
Motor Trend editors compare three crossover SUVs during a two-week period of winter commuting from their homes to the Motor Trend offices in Detroit. Round trips were a bit over 20 miles each day, and… included snow, road construction and parking in an underground garage. Editors crown the GMC Acadia and Suzuki XL7 the winners of this contest; editors particularly like the remote-start features on these SUVs.
by Bob Nagy
Motor Trend tests three crossover SUVs with young, active buyers in mind. The Acura and Mazda SUVs offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the Toyota has a powerful naturally aspirated V-6. All were… substantially less expensive than the models in Motor Trend's comparison test of premium crossover SUVs, and the magazine found many things to like about each model. The Acura RDX is the top pick, followed by the second-place Toyota RAV4.
by Matt Stone
Motor Trend compares the Lexus RX350 to the top-of-the-line, all-wheel-drive Hyundai Veracruz Limited. While the lighter and more powerful Lexus accelerates faster than the Veracruz, the Hyundai's engine is… found to be the quieter of the two. Both vehicles exhibit equally good brake behavior; the Veracruz wins handling tests due to an overactive electronic stability system on the Lexus, plus the Veracruz costs $10K less.
by The Car Family
Each member of The Car Family gives his or her unique perspective on the vehicles being reviewed. While The Car Family does not normally recommend large SUVs, they found their GMC Acadia test vehicle to be… fairly economical, averaging 18 mpg over a weeklong test. Mom likes the interior room and ride, but finds parking difficult and recommends buyers order the parking-assist system option. Dad describes performance as "relaxed," but is impressed with interior room.
by Erin Riches
In this comparison test of midsize crossover SUVs, Inside Line editors test the 2009 Honda Pilot against 2008 versions of the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander, all with a third-row seat and loaded with… options. The '09 Pilot brings up the rear in this test, with unimpressive braking, engine, transmission and tires. The Toyota Highlander finishes second, with praise for its fuel economy, but the Mazda CX-9 wins overall.
by Frank Markus
by Editors of Truck Trend
by Bob Plunkett
For 2008, Road and Travel awards the Buick Enclave the title of International Car of the Year -- Most Versatile Crossover. A jury of automotive journalists from newspapers, websites and automotive magazines… select the winner. The new-for-2008 Buick is noted for its quiet interior and its six-speed automatic transmission, resulting in decent fuel economy of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive versions. Editors also praise the smoothly elegant styling, second-row console, and the fold-flat seating that contributes to impressive cargo space.
by Don Sherman
by William Lee
by Editors of MotorWeek
Each year, MotorWeek doles out what they call Drivers' Choice awards for vehicles in a variety of categories. In 2007, the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook won the title of Best Crossover Utility Vehicle. For… 2008, the Acadia, Outlook and the new Buick Enclave share this title. MotorWeek calls them "potent," with praise for their shared engine and drivetrain. Editors claim that while they are full-size inside, the GM crossovers feel smaller while being driven.
by Editors of Consumer Guide
Consumer Guide's editors rate vehicles in a bunch of performance areas, but results here are little harder to read than on others' sites. For 2008, the GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Saturn Outlook… earn a Best Buy designation in the standard midsize SUV category. For the same category, the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz and Toyota Highlander are listed as Recommended. For the premium midsize SUV category, the Acura MDX and Buick Enclave earn Best Buy designations, while the Volvo XC90 is listed as Recommended.
by Mark Solheim
by Editors of Edmunds.com
Based on experience and road tests throughout the year, Edmunds editors pick their favorites in a bunch of classes. Among midsize SUVs for 2007, the Mazda CX-9 wins the award for Most Wanted SUV Under… $35,000. Edmunds.com praises the Mazda's six-speed automatic transmission and calls the CX-9 affordable and fun to drive. Traditionally, this list has ranked higher in our reviews, but this pick is from 2007 and unfortunately Edmunds.com had not updated the list for 2008 at press time.
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