**Full Disclosure: I test-drove the 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD for seven days for review purposes. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
Camping with my family is something I find tremendous joy in … for about 6 months of the year! From October to March, I am more than willing to pack up the car and set up camp in the wilderness.
It’s been unusually cool in South Texas, so a few weeks ago I agreed to one last camping trip with friends. Except this time we got to take the 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD instead of my regular car.
The Mazda CX-9 was delivered a few days before our camping trip. It took about a day to get used to it because it’s wider than my own car – and it was hard to get used to turning the car off and leaving the key nub in the steering wheel column.
Soon enough, it was time to pack up the CX-9 and head out! The back of the car has so much more space than my small SUV. I folded down the third row seats and my husband loaded it up. Everything from the camp chairs to the tent & sleeping bags, to the ice chest & camping box fit easily in the back – and we had a little space to spare (not that you can see it)!
Unpacking and setting up camp was a breeze with the easy open (and close) back end. My only complaint is that I had to climb into the back to reach things that slid to the backs of the second row seating.
After our camp site was set up, we headed down to have dinner overlooking the river. It was a fantastic way to spend the weekend!
Needless to say, I was incredibly sad to see it go when the car was picked up a few days later. I don’t usually let myself get attached, but I did with the Mazda CX-9!
No, we don’t camp, BUT my dad has this car and he loves it. He keeps telling me that I should get one, too!
You should drive his around for a bit – it’s SO roomy and nice!
That looks like a great vehicle and has so much room in the back! I’m always running out of places to put the kids stuff and this would be perfect!
We are going camping for Father’s Day. The Mazda looks like it could store all of our gear and still have room for us! I would love to give it a test drive.
This looks like a great vehicle for camping! I love a vehicle that doesn’t feel like I’m driving a boat yet still has enough room for Costco stock ups. I’m going to have to check this one out.
I’m not a camper – more of a glamper! But it seems like you can definitely fit a lot in that car!
I’m going to be needing a new car soon. All the storage space would be awesome for me.
My idea of camping is Motel 6! But that car is big enough that you could probably even camp inside of it! It sure holds a ton!