Im coming from a Audi Q5 2012, which has been in the shop so much I have a stacked binder with paperwork. Trying to find something more reliable yet still affordable and fun (enough) to drive and landed on CX9. With the current generation is there any model year to avoid that has been problematic? I was thinking about buying a 2018 because the awd system was updated then to help address it not passing the awd diagonal test. Im not sure how the 2016/17 models do in snow. It looks like 2019 got Apple carplay but mazda offers a conversion for previous model years so that doesnt really spur me to buy a 19 model. Any input appreciated.

Thanks!

 

My 2016 with Blizzak snow tires has been great in deep snow. A small percentage of the 2016 & later cars have an engine defect that requires a new engine, and Mazda has been stepping up to provide these. Small percentage, but if it's yours, it's 100%. I think some of the 2021s have a valve stem seal problem causing high oil consumption...and I may be corrected on this.

There is no perfect car. My 2016 has been great to me. I've had one service campaign, squeaky rear spring & spring seat replacement, no cost. (It's not a recall, because it's not a safety issue.)