Yes, I found that a quick test drive of the Pacifica confirmed that, but with a much better and quiet drive than our old Routan ever had. I did have a week or so with the CX-9 while the Routan was at the dealer with the Chrysler ignition recall a couple of years ago. Nice drive, though the Mazda didn't have enough space for us with three kids, and a wheelchair to cart around.
Exactly why I got the van after just 4 short years with the CX-9. Wish it had more space, but we cannot even do a weekly grocery shopping with it and the family in tow. We have to take two cars if we want to go on a camping trip... and a trip to the airport resulted in someone's feet on a suitcase wedged in between the first and second rows. Of course, I could utilize the roof racks or a hitch carrier bin but that second row door is so big that I often struggle getting the kids in the third row (which is still bigger than most three row SUVs).
