Even after it’s incredible run of awards and accolades in 2017, Mazda CX-9 engineers didn’t stop and have added a number of significant upgrades to the 2018 model. Now, awards for the 2018 model are rolling in and include:

• Auto123.com: 2017 midsize SUV / Minivan of the year
• Autotrader.com: 2017 Must Drive Award
• IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick⁺ Award
• 2017 World Car of the Year finalist
• AJAC 2017 Best New Innovation Technology for G-Vectoring Control
• Best in Class Fuel Economy
• Best in Class Torque
• Wards 2017 Ten Best Engines Award
• Strategic Vision 2017 Total Quality Impact award
• Car & Driver 10 Best Award

There is a lot to be impressed with but arguably the SUVs most impressive feature is Mazda’s I-ACTIVSENSE: a new generation of active safety technologies that automatically help the driver recognize hazards, avoid collisions and reduce the severity of accidents when they simply can’t be avoided.

Here’s some of I-ACTIVSENSE’s features and what they do to help keep you safe:

Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM) uUses radar sensors to detect objects in your left or right blind spots and then alerts you with a warning light in the appropriate side mirror.

Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) pProvides enhanced nighttime illumination by moving up to 15º in the direction of your turn, allowing you to spot potential hazards ahead.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) When backing out from a parking spot, RCTA detects any vehicle approaching from the side and promptly alerts the driver.

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) esenses lane markings on the road and alerts the driver when it predicts the vehicle is going to unintentionally depart from its lane.

High Beam Control System (HBC) automatically switches between high and low beams – helping the driver quickly spot pedestrians and other potential obstructions on the road at night.

Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) detects objects ahead at low speeds and prepares the vehicle to stop by adjusting the brake pads closer to the disc. If no driver action is taken, the system automatically applies the brakes.

Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) monitors the speed of the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts cruise control settings to maintain a safe headway distance.

Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) detects vehicles ahead and alerts the driver to an approaching risk of collision early enough for the driver to take evasive action.

Smart Brake Support (SBS) helps avoid or reduce the severity of collisions at mid to high speeds by detecting vehicles and obstacles as far as 200 metres ahead. When a risk of collision is detected, the system slows the car by automatically applying the brakes.

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is a vehicle considered best-in-class for many of its innovative features including -as we’ve explored here, some of the most advanced and effective safety features available anywhere.

In the market for a full-sized crossover that can do it all? Call to arrange a test drive and discover first-hand what real peace of mind feels like.