For this evaluation Mazda set us up with an all-wheel-drive 2007 CX-9 Grand Touring, the top-of-the-line model. Base price is $34,470, including a $595 destination charge, but our Stormy Blue Mica version tipped the scales at $38,880. Included with that price were a $450 towing package that bumped capacity up to 3,500 lbs., a $2,100 touch-screen navigation system with voice-activated controls and a rearview parking camera, and a $1,760 power sunroof and Bose surround sound package. In the course of one week, our editors logged about 1,000 miles, covering plenty of asphalt around our Orange County offices, a few trips to LA, and one run up to the central coast just to watch the sunset. We even hit a few dirt roads along the way.
