Motor Trend Magazine Chooses Mazda CX-9 as its “SUV of the Year”
After much deliberation and a number of test drives, Motor Trend Magazine has chosen the 2008 Mazda CX-9 as its best sport utility vehicle for the year. The awarding details, together with the not-so-lucky eleven finalists, would be featured in the November issue of the magazine.
Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend’s Editor-in-Chief, has this to disclose in a brief announcement of the final winner: “We wondered if it would be possible for Mazda to inject its sports car DNA into their first-ever three-row crossover — a crossover that happened to be one of the largest in the lineup.”
But apparently, it was possible, with the result turning out to be the best of the lot. MacKenzie further praises the CX-9 for being “arguably the most enjoyable sport utility to drive, and a great reminder that SUVs can be as exciting as any car.”
The other finalists that fought for the same category include the Land Rover LR2, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Tribeca, Hyundai Veracruz, Buick Enclave, Jeep Liberty, Saturn Vue, and the Toyota land Cruiser.
The seven-seater Mazda CX-9 is fully equipped with a 3.7-liter 273 horsepowered V6 engine. In terms of speed, said SUV can go from zero to 60 mph in a mere 7.8 seconds. Current base price is $35,250, but was otherwise listed at $41,540 relative to its test.
