• HIGHSFun-loving chassis, premium interior finishes, handsome exterior styling.

• LOWSSnug third row seat, limited cargo room behind third row, could use a few more horsepower.

• VERDICTWith the CX-9, Mazda applies its hallmark athleticism to a three-row family hauler with enticing results.

Overview

Combining a handsome exterior, a near-luxury interior, and a surprisingly fun-to-drive nature, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 is the three-row crossover for buyers who’d rather be driving a Miata but can’t live with a car that’s so space-challenged. The CX-9’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides adequate acceleration, but its chassis is what delivers its trademark driving verve.

The CX-9’s crisp steering and sporty cornering attitude remind us more of a sports sedan than an SUV. Inside, occupants are treated to a premium cabin but the third row is admittedly cramped, especially in comparison to roomier rivals such as the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Still, this trade-off seems worth it to us as driving enthusiasts, and we expect other likeminded folks will see it the same way.

What’s New for 2022?

A new mid-range Touring Plus trim joins the CX-9 lineup for 2022. It comes with all of the equipment from the Touring model but adds ventilated front seats, power adjustments for the driver’s seat, black-painted 20-inch wheels, black grille trim, aluminum-colored roof rails, and a frameless rearview mirror. Elsewhere in the lineup, all-wheel drive is now standard

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Of the CX-9’s four trim levels, the Touring model represents the best value. It offers plenty of niceties, including a power-operated rear liftgate, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and keyless entry with push-button start. To get the CX-9’s new second-row captain’s chairs—a feature many three-row SUV buyers want—opt for the Touring Premium package, which also adds two additional USB ports in the third row, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and second-row window sunshades.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

In a segment where V-6 power is common, Mazda took a risk by offering a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the CX-9’s sole powertrain in the hope of a gain in fuel-economy. It does eke out an advantage over some competitors, but it’s slight. The engine sounds gutsy and managed a class-competitive result in our acceleration testing, where it scooted our Grand Touring test vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

The 2021 CX-9 is clearly the driving enthusiast’s family hauler; surprisingly light on its feet, it often feels as if you’re driving a smaller SUV. The suspension is firm, but it’s still supple enough riding over rough stretches of road. The steering, while not as communicative as other Mazda’s, still imparts vigor that’s missing from other crossovers. The firm suspension and accurate steering culminate in superior cornering control.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Apart from its solid acceleration performance, the CX-9 is, according to the EPA, more fuel efficient than many of its rivals. The front-wheel drive model earned EPA estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway; all-wheel drive drops both of those figures by 2 mpg. In our real-world highway fuel-economy test, the all-wheel-drive CX-9 matched its 26-mpg rating. For more information about the CX-9’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The CX-9’s cabin wows with upscale materials and detailed styling, but compared with other SUVs in the segment, it’s short on passenger and cargo space. Open the door and the CX-9’s interior welcomes passengers with an upscale cabin that wouldn’t look out of place in an Audi. Mazda has tastefully arranged soft-touch plastic with handsome graining, brushed aluminum, and, in our Signature-trim test car, genuine rosewood.

The CX-9’s smaller measurements mean real-world limitations. We managed to fit just two of our carry-on suitcases behind the Mazda’s third row, which one-third of what the Ford Explorer could muster. The CX-9’s second and third rows of seats fold easily for quick configuration changes, though, and the resultant load floor is flat, making it easy to load bulky items. With second- and third-row seats down, the CX-9 accommodated 25 of our carry-on cases.

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