The Mazda CX-9 Signature and Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD RST captivate in numerous ways.
Photos courtesy of Mazda and Chevrolet
Whoever said having a vehicle to host five or more passengers is uncool will be eating crow thanks to the 2021 editions of the sexy Mazda CX-9 and Tahoe 4WD RST.
2021 Tahoe 4WD RST
The Tahoe line has always been popular due to its rugged-meets-hip persona in the auto industry. In 2021, I reviewed the RST version equipped with generous standards such as the remote vehicle start, wireless charging, LED lighting combinations, hands-free power liftgate, and 9-speaker Bose sound system, loaded with three game-changing options—Luxury (HD Surround Vision, numerous seating enhancements, driver alerts); Rear Media and Nav Package (Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium with navigation, 10.2-inch HD color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, high-tech rear seat media system including dual 12.6-inch HD screens); and Max Trailering Package featuring the handy transfer case 2-speed and fascinating Hitch Guidance with “hitch view” for phenomenal rear visibility when carrying big loads.
Dressed in Cherry Red Tintcoat coupled with 22-inch black wheels brandishing
the respected RST designation, this SUV turned more heads than a lot of the exotic
sports cars I have maneuvered in the past year. Packing the powerful 5.3-liter
ECOTEC3 V8 pushing 355 horses, a 10-speed auto transmission, and all-wheel
drive mobility, virtually any task will be a fun one. Equally important, you
will look good doing it.
Fuel Economy: 16 city/20 highway/18 combined
Price: $68,135 (Including the three packages
totaling $6,740)
For more information, visit Chevrolet.com.
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2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature
For such a gorgeous, well-equipped, three-row SUV to start at $34,160, the Mazda CX-9 line is one of the best values to pamper up to seven passengers. Coming in trims, the Signature edition is the most luxurious. This brand continues to ascend when it comes to quality, reasonable price points, consistent 5-star safety ratings, and captivating style.
For power and pleasurable driving performance, I applaud the signature SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine powered by 227 horsepower and 6-speed sport mode, alongside the nimble-enhancing I-ACTIV all-wheel drive.
Inside, the first and second rows come Nappa
leather-trimmed; great visibility with the 10.25-inch color center display; a 360-degree
view monitor; second row captain’s chairs with a center console; and the
12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 Surround Sound System with AudioPilot 2 adds to
the pampering.
Ultimately, driving the family around is cool again; this
is especially true in the reviewed “Machine Gray Metallic” exterior, titanium
metallic front grille, and 20-inch alloy wheels. With all the generous standard
equipment and maneuvering that rivals virtually every competitor, this large
SUV is a winner.
Fuel Economy: 20 city/26 highway/23 combined
Price: $46,605 (Signature price)
For more information, visit Mazdausa.com.