2021 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 SUV has earned a reputation as one of the best-driving vehicles in its class; kind of a seven-seat Miata, if you want to drink the company's Kool-Aid. It's no sports car, but the CX-9's sporting intentions are much higher than you might expect. Mazda tuned the steering rack to feel tight and responsive, making this a vehicle that feels much smaller than its dimensions imply. Well-tuned suspension keeps the ride supple over rough pavement while also keeping the vehicle composed through the corners. With high-performance luxury models excluded, the CX-9 is the most enjoyable three-row vehicle to hussle down a back road.

Most impressively, the CX-9 manages to be this enjoyable while barely compromising on comfort. Wind noise is limited and at slower speeds, the tight steering doesn't make it too tough to maneuver in parking lots. You'll struggle to find a more athletic and luxurious package without crossing into luxury territory.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is no longer the new kid on the block but it remains a highly desirable SUV. Despite only receiving minimal updates over the years, the CX-9 is still one of the prettiest vehicles in its segment with the plushest interior. Bundle in an efficient engine with stellar performance, and the CX-9 emerges as a winner; with a few caveats. Many competitors in this space offer better practicality, newer technology, and a lower starting price.

As an overall package, we'd have a tough time recommending the CX-9 over this segment's most outstanding vehicles, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Though these two aren't quite as fun to drive, they make up for it with a lower starting price, more technology, and more usable space inside. That being said, buyers who care more about how their three-row drives and how many premium materials it packs inside might still prefer the CX-9 over its Korean rivals. Aside from the Kia and the Hyundai, we still feel the Mazda CX-9 is one of the most compelling three-row SUVs money can buy in the USA.

The CX-5 looks like a CX-9 that's been reduced by 25%. The good news is that it shares many of its big brother's positive characteristics, like decent build quality, generous standard specification, engaging handling, and the same 250 hp turbocharged four-pot. There's a slightly underpowered 187 hp version as well without a turbo, but since the turbocharged model costs less than the entry-level CX-9, we'll focus on that.

You'll need to sacrifice some space, however. The CX-5 is only available as a five-seater with 30.9 cubic feet of trunk space. The CX-9 with the third row folded flat gives you 38.2 cubes.

It's hard to ignore the price gap between the two, however. This is especially relevant if you only have a family of four or five. The CX-5 may be better suited to your needs.

The base price of the Honda Pilot is around $2,000 cheaper and is a more practical proposition. It can easily accommodate seven passengers with more legroom in the third-row seats. If that's your main concern, the Honda is a better option. It can also carry much more cargo, and comes with just as many safety features. But that's where the Honda's advantages end. The Mazda beats it convincingly in every other department. It's more comfortable and luxurious. It has more standard features, and the interior quality is on another level. Finally, the Mazda is better to drive, and it will return better fuel consumption figures. Unless you need the extra space or are on a tight budget, the Mazda is the obvious choice.