Topic: Feature: Mazda CX-5 & CX-9 Adventure Rally

[Autos_Editor]

Embarrassing Jeep tour operators, hurtling sideways across the desert throwing contrails of dust, and fighting 12,000 feet of elevation ' foot to the floor through switchbacks ' all in the name of charity.

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[Ace]

A comment or two about how the Mazdas performed would have been nice.

[Brendan McAleer]

A comment or two about how the Mazdas performed would have been nice.

The CX-5 struggled at altitude, the CX-9 was smooth on the highway but not as good in the turns, we passed a jeep convoy up a steep gravel hill without difficulty - these comments are all in there. 

[Mike]

I'm happy to report the CX-5 did not pile into you from behind...but I came close a few times in the zero visibility.

[nlm]

Can you give your thoughs on how the CX-9 compares with the Santa Fe XL even with the different type of driving between your two articles?

[Brendan McAleer]

Can you give your thoughs on how the CX-9 compares with the Santa Fe XL even with the different type of driving between your two articles?

The Mazda is less roomy but a bit more composed in the curves. Much less modern feeling - the Mazda is due for an interior update. The Hyundai was smoother, roomier and its V6 handled the altitude better. The CX-9 is, in my opinion, a bit too expensive to consider without large rebates.

Slightly unfair to compare the high-trim Santa with the CX-9, but it's a typical Mazda vs alternative-brand showdown: overall better driving, less "nice".