The second row was very roomy, but the third row not so much. Reserve it for the littlest ones and keep the adults out back there.
Overall, the Mazda CX-9 is slightly less roomy and versatile than otter family carriers, though the difference is not drastic. (and the performance may be strong enough to overcome this deficiency for many people).
While not as impressive as the inside, the exterior also has some high points, including the trademark overhang nose.
HOW’S THE RIDE?
A smaller brand like Mazda needs to have an angle to stand out. And their angle is a legit one: The true quality of the driving experience.
The 2019 CX-9 features a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Numbers are 227 horsepower, 310 lb.-ft. of torque, and you can engage Sport Mode to improve your experience.
I tested a CX-9 that featured all-wheel drive, but be aware that front-wheel drive is standard and you must choose to upgrade to AWD.
It’s worth noting that the 2019 model’s suspension has been improved to create a smoother ride, so those upgrading from previous versions will notice a difference.
I’ve driven pretty much every vehicle in this three-row SUV segment, and the results were clear to me after testing the CX-9: For a large crossover like this, you will be hard-pressed to find a more fun, smooth and quiet, yet still powerful ride. It doesn’t struggle to get going like some competitors, and works great in the turns. You will forget you are driving an ample-sized vehicle, as the CX-9’s responsiveness will have you thinking it’s a much smaller ride.
TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
In terms of infotainment, Mazda’s system was strong in my experience, but sometimes too many steps are needed to get something done. An 8-inch screen houses the display.
I would rank Mazda mid-pack in the overall auto industry in terms of quality of user experience.
On the plus side, you will be extremely safe in the CX-9, which boasts a 5-star overall score on government safety tests.
New to the CX-9 in 2019 are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a surround-view parking camera system. A 12-speaker Bose sound system is offered.
Other safety features on the CX-9 include: Front Parking Sensors, Traction Control System, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Radar Cruise Control, Keyless Entry, Push-Button Start, Blind Spot Monitoring, rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Smart Brake Support.
So while the in-car technology isn’t class-leading, there are ample safety features to give you and your family peace of mind.
MPG
Official fuel mileage numbers on the CX-9 are 20 city/26 highway/23 combined
In real life, my experience behind the wheel led to an average of 19 mpg, which was pretty low for the segment.
To be honest, due to the large size of these vehicles, the competition isn’t a whole lot better, so I don’t anticipate fuel mileage will be the deciding factor in this segment for many people.
PRICE
The CX-9 I tested was priced just over $47K, and the base price starts about $33K.
This pricing is quite competitive for the three-row SUV segment, matching or beating its rivals on the low end and maxing out lower than several rivals.
You’ll get a 5-year/60K miles powertrain warranty, and 3 years/36K bumper-to-bumper warranty.
BOTTOM LINE
While not the roomiest three-row SUV, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is definitely the most fun to drive.
If the third row wont see regular use, but you want to have it available to you, and you are looking for a fun sporty ride with a near luxury interior and strong safety features, this may be the vehicle for you.
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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.
