2016 Mazda CX-9 Wins At Texas Truck Rodeo

The Texas Autowriters Association (TAWA) chose Mazda’s all-new CX-9 crossover as its favorite full-sized CUV this year. The annual Texas Truck Rodeo brought together over 70 writers from around the U.S. (despite its name, TAWA has no borders) to drive and test about 85 vehicles this year. When the ballots were tallied, the Mazda CX-9 had won its category.

The Truck Rodeo takes place both on and off road. This year’s two-day event was held in Dripping Springs, Texas. The writers at the event tests all manner of “trucks” including crossovers and SUVs. The total number of categories totals 23. Commenting on Mazda’s category win with the new CX-9, Nic Phillips, Texas Auto Writers Association President, said, “Mazda’s all-new CX-9 earned class-leading marks from our judges particularly in exterior styling, premium interior finishes, the performance of the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T powertrain and overall personal appeal in the highly competitive full-size CUV category.” Phillips went on to add, “Mazda’s CX-9 is a combination of sleek style with exciting, driver rewarding dynamics and family efficiency which makes for an award-winning package, one that carried the CX-9 to be our runner-up for the overall CUV of Texas award.”

The overall CUV of Texas winner was the 2017 Volvo XC90. See the full list of winners here.

Image courtesy of Mazda Media and Kevin McCauley