2019 Mazda CX-9 Review: The Sportiest 3-Row SUV

In the crowded three-row SUV segment dominated by practical but often bland offerings, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 stands out with its athletic handling and premium interior. While competitors like the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride focus primarily on utility, Mazda has engineered a vehicle that appeals to driving enthusiasts who need family transportation.

During our comprehensive evaluation of the range-topping CX-9 Signature trim (priced at $46,710 including destination), we discovered an SUV that punches above its weight class in driving dynamics and interior refinement, though it makes some compromises in third-row space and cargo capacity.

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What Makes the 2019 Mazda CX-9 Special?

Mazda's "Kodo: Soul of Motion" design language gives the CX-9 a sophisticated presence that stands apart from more utilitarian rivals. The long hood, short overhangs, and tapered rear glass create a sporty silhouette uncommon in this segment. More importantly, this design philosophy extends to the driving experience, where the CX-9 delivers handling precision that shames most competitors.

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Detailed Performance Analysis

Engine and Driving Dynamics

The CX-9's 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 227 horsepower on regular fuel (250 hp with 93-octane premium) and an impressive 310 lb-ft of torque available at just 2,000 rpm. This torque-rich character makes the CX-9 feel more powerful than its horsepower numbers suggest, especially during passing maneuvers and highway merging.

Mazda's Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control subtly modulates engine torque to shift weight during cornering, resulting in sharper turn-in and more neutral handling. The six-speed automatic transmission, while lacking the gear count of some competitors, shifts decisively and includes well-calibrated manual shift controls.

Ride Quality and Refinement

The CX-9 strikes an admirable balance between sporty handling and ride comfort. The suspension absorbs bumps competently while maintaining excellent body control during aggressive driving. Road and wind noise are well-isolated, contributing to the premium feel, though some competitors like the Hyundai Palisade are even quieter.

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Interior Comfort and Technology

Cabin Quality and Design

The CX-9 Signature trim elevates interior materials to near-luxury levels with Nappa leather upholstery, genuine Rosewood trim, and soft-touch surfaces throughout. Even base models feature well-fitted interior panels that exceed typical mainstream SUV quality. The driver-focused cockpit layout puts all controls within easy reach while maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.

Seating and Space Comparison

Technology and Infotainment

Mazda's Mazda Connect infotainment system features an 8-inch center display controlled primarily by a rotary knob. While the interface is logically organized, the system's refusal to allow touchscreen input while moving creates unnecessary complexity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users. Available features include:

• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Color head-up display with traffic sign recognition
• 360-degree surround-view camera (with mediocre resolution)
• Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
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Safety Features and Ratings

The 2019 CX-9 earned Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS when equipped with optional advanced headlights, thanks to perfect crash test scores across all categories. Standard safety equipment includes:

• Smart City Brake Support (forward automatic emergency braking)
• Advanced blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning with lane-keep assist
• Adaptive front lighting system

Optional i-Activsense package adds radar cruise control, automatic high beams, and advanced pedestrian detection. The CX-9's safety credentials make it particularly appealing for families, though some competitors offer more comprehensive standard driver aids.

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Trim Level Breakdown and Pricing

The 2019 CX-9 offers four trim levels, each with progressively more luxury features:

Sport ($33,390 MSRP)

Base model includes LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, and Mazda Connect infotainment with 7-inch display.

Touring ($36,700 MSRP)

Adds leather upholstery, power liftgate, blind spot monitoring, and heated front seats.

Grand Touring ($41,310 MSRP)

Includes premium features like 20-inch wheels, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and surround-view camera.

Signature ($45,015 MSRP)

Top trim features Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, LED accent lighting, and premium audio system.

While the CX-9 Signature approaches luxury SUV pricing, it delivers interior refinement that legitimately rivals entry-level models from Acura and Lexus.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the 2019 Mazda CX-9?

The Mazda CX-9 makes the strongest case for buyers who prioritize driving enjoyment and design sophistication in their three-row SUV. While it can't match the space efficiency of a Honda Pilot or tech offerings of a Hyundai Palisade, it delivers a uniquely engaging driving experience in this typically utilitarian segment.

Ideal buyers include:

• Driving enthusiasts who need family transportation
• Empty-nesters who occasionally need third-row seating
• Buyers seeking near-luxury refinement at mainstream prices
• Style-conscious shoppers tired of generic SUV designs

For those who regularly use all three rows or need maximum cargo space, competitors like the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas may prove more practical. But for drivers who refuse to sacrifice engagement for utility, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 remains one of the most compelling options in its class.