2010 Mazda CX-9 vs 2010 Hyundai Veracruz

2010 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9, which competes in the crossover class, is an excellent alternative to those considering a minivan or SUV.  It offers large cargo capacity and passenger room, along with the fuel economy, ride quality, and handling of a car. In addition, the Mazda CX-9 benefits from Mazda's commitment and reputation to produce vehicles with better than average handling and driving, or as Mazda calls, its 'Zoom Zoom' philosophy. The Mazda CX-9 was introduced as a 2007 model. The CX-9's exterior is restyled for 2010, bringing it in line with the rest of the Mazda family. It also boasts interior upgrades, including new upholstery and trim, and the optional heated front seats now have two heat levels. The thin card-shaped remote control has been replaced by a more conventional key fob for use with the Grand Touring's keyless entry and start features. The optional backup camera has a wider angle to improve the rear view. All Mazda vehicles come with a roadside assistance program, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout the United States and Canada.

CX-9 Power and Handling

Performance is provided by a 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This refined, 24-valve power plant was designed by Ford and is built in Ohio before being shipped to Japan where the CX-9 is assembled. It works with an impressive six-speed, Japanese-made automatic transmission that can be shifted manually if the driver is interested in some frisky motoring. The CX-9 is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, providing a nice option for those who worry about snowy travel in hilly areas. Properly equipped, the CX-9 is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds. For safety Mazda equips even the least-expensive CX-9 model with electronic stability control, roll stability control, and air curtains, which provide head protection in a side-impact crash.

Design of the Mazda CX-9

The 2010 CX-9 has sleeker lines and a sportier look than most crossovers, especially large, three-row ones. The most noticeable changes compared with the 2009 model are the smiling grille and the shape of the taillights, both of which follow the lead established by other redesigned 2010 Mazdas, such as the Mazda3. The standard 18- and optional 20-inch wheels have been redesigned.

2010 Mazda CX-9 Cabin

The CX-9 can carry seven six-footers, thanks to a third-row seat designed with adults in mind. The second row's backrest can recline or fold flat, and the seat can slide fore and aft to optimize legroom and cargo space. There's room for two in the 50/50-split third-row seat, which also can fold flat

2010 Hyundai Veracruz

The Hyundai Veracruz, like the CX-9, competes in the crossover class. Again, this model is a great alternative to SUVs or minivans.  The Veracruz seats seven in three rows and has numerous standard safety features, including stability control. The base GLS and upper-crust Limited are the two trim levels offered, and a 3.8-liter V-6 is standard. All-wheel drive is optional. For 2010, the base GLS gains more standard features, including a power driver's seat, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and automatic headlights. New GLS options include a navigation system and an Infinity Logic 7 stereo. Six new colors are also available. The Hyundai Veracruz is the company's first larger sport-utility vehicle. Hyundai hopes to beat the class benchmarks in powertrain performance, standard safety features, and cargo volume.

Veracruz Power and Handling

The Veracruz is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6, which is used in a number of Hyundais, including the Azera full-size sedan and Entourage minivan. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive Veracruz are 17/23 mpg city/highway and all-wheel-drive models are rated at 16/22 mpg. The Veracruz uses advanced systems like continuously variable valve timing and a variable intake system. This engine delivers 260-hp and 257 pound-feet of torque and is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Veracruz is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

Design of the Hyundai Veracruz

Swooping curves and two-tone bodywork define the Veracruz, which emulates styling themes set by Hyundai's other crossovers, like the Santa Fe. The front view shows a rounded face as smooth as an egg shell, and somewhat reminiscent of same, with the mildest of upper lip on the bumper. Two air intakes, the top one ringed in chrome and sporting the Hyundai flying H logo, share the mostly seamless fascia. A brace of almost imperceptible ridges pick up the sweep of the top intake and carry it back across the hood to the feet of the A-pillars framing the windshield.

2010 Hyundai Veracruz Cabin

The Veracruz's seating arrangement includes front bucket seats, a three-person second-row bench seat and a two-person third row. GLS models have fabric seats, but the uplevel Limited trim gets leather upholstery. The Veracruz has instruments that are illuminated with a crisp blue backlighting, cupholders that are ringed with glowing blue light, and cubbies that are lined with a soft, velvety material. All Veracruz models will seat seven, with a third row that tumbles flat into the floor. For 2010, GLS models now come equipped with a power driver seat, backup warning system, temperature controlled center console, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic headlights, roof rack side rails and fog lights. Navigation is now available on GLS models. Power adjustable pedals are no longer available.

Conclusions

The Mazda CX-9 and the Hyundai Veracruz are both capable crossovers, which in an overcrowded crossover class, are impressive and unique. What sets the CX-9 apart are its sporty looks and the road manners to back them up. The CX-9 responds quickly to driver input, feeling surprisingly enthusiastic about travel on a serpentine two-lane. The CX-9 has received the U.S.government's highest possible ratings (five stars) in frontal and side impact crashes, and four-star ratings for rollover resistance.  For the 2010 model year, the CX-9 seven-seat crossover gets its most significant update since 2008, when its V-6 engine grew in size from 3.5 to 3.7 liters. For more information and up to date news, visit the official Mazda CX-9 site. The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz is the latest and most impressive in a lineup of larger, fancier, more powerful, quieter and pricier vehicles from Hyundai. The Veracruz is a practical and enjoyable crossover SUV that's an affordable alternative to others in its class. When comparing prices, the two crossovers are similar. The CX-9 has an MSRP of $28,805 - $34,215MPG, while the Veracruz can be had for an MSRP of $28,145 - $35,895MPG. Fuel efficiency, too, is similar. The 2010 Mazda has a gas mileage of 16 City / 22 Hwy, while the 2010 Hyundai get an mpg of 17 City / 23 Hwy. While both vehicles compete at the top of their class, consumers looking for a sportier drive and handling may want to consider the CX-9, after all, few automakers can beat out the ability of Mazda vehicles when it comes to a 'fun to drive' experience.