Thanks to DriveShop for loaning me the 2016 Mazda CX-9 for a week! All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Being a Tourist in my Own City in the Mazda CX-9

I’ve been in Atlanta for 15 years now. I like to think that I know all about the city, and where everything is. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a cool invite only travel blogger conference called SITSUM. This conference shows Atlanta from a tourists perspective, so I was able to dig into the cities highlights more than normal. For the weekend of the conference I drove the all new 2016 Mazda CX-9. 

Right now the Mazda CX-9 is at the top of my list for crossovers with a 3rd row. It seats 7 people very comfortably in all leather seating throughout. Even though my kiddos didn’t have a lot of time to hang out in this car because I was at a conference, with kids leather seating is a must. Easy to wipe down after any drops or spills that are inevitable to happen with children. It has a bunch of space especially if you’re picking up kids and driving to after school sports activities. The trunk space is nice and wide, good for groceries or packing up the car for  a weekend away. You can stow the back seats for several different seat configurations. 

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 comes with all of the great features I would look for in a new car. Rear view back up camera with touch screen GPS, push button start, and heated seats that you’ll need for the upcoming cold winter days. One of my favorite features is the keyless entry. It never fails that I’m always fumbling for my keys in a purse filled with too much stuff. With the keyless entry, as long as the keys are in close proximity to the vehicle, you can just press a button on the driver side door handle and hop in. You can also lock the car this way. I can just press a button and I’m off. At this point I’ve never gone in my purse to find the keys, but I know that they’re in there. It’s awesome! 

The EPA has ranked Mazda the most fuel efficient auto manufacturer in the U.S. The CX-9 gets about 28 MPG on the highway. For a crossover, I think that’s pretty good. I drove it all over the city for a couple of days and I didn’t have to put any gas in until my time was almost up with the vehicle. Overall I really enjoyed the 2016 Mazda CX-9! Don’t be shocked if you see one in my near future.

Mazda also gifted me with another $25 Mazda Drive For Good Charitable Giving Card to donate to a non-profit organization. With Thanksgiving approaching, this is definitely the season for giving. My son is still battling Epilepsy daily and November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month so I’ve once again donated my giving card to CURE: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy. 

To learn more about the 2016 Mazda CX-9, including specs, and to find a dealer near you head to MazdaUSA.com! 

Ashley