2019 Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 comes in four different trim levels. The entry-level Sport has 18-inch alloy wheels and comes with LED headlights, while the Touring adds extras such as a power liftgate and heated side door mirrors. The Grand Touring has even more features including a sunroof, roof rails, LED fog lights, and 20-inch wheels and the Signature adds LED accent lighting to the exterior.

All four of the CX-9 models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Adding premium fuel will bump up the horsepower to 250 and every model comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an available option for any of the trim levels.

The four-cylinder under the CX-9's hood is quick and powerful. It will easily get you up to cruising speed and pass slower vehicles on the highway or off. The four-cylinder feels almost like a V-6, but it's fuel economy benefits from the smaller size. This SUV will get up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway, which is higher than most vehicles in this class. The CX-9 handles like a smaller vehicle with controlled body movements, tight steering, and a surprising amount of nimbleness that is just fun to drive.

There is room for up to seven passengers in the CX-9 with plenty of room for the first- and second-row passengers and easy access to the third-row by way of second-row seats that tilt and slide. The cabin is one of the nicest in the mid-size SUV class with high-quality, luxury-like features. Just a step up from the base to the Touring trim will get you heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, and leather upholstery.

A 7-inch touch screen display comes standard along with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, but just a step up to the Touring adds an 8-inch touch screen. There are two USB ports and the Pandora and Sticher apps come standard. Bumping up to the Touring model will also get you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with two extra USB ports in the second-row armrest.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mazda's low-speed automatic braking system that comes in handy when driving in the city or in a lot of traffic. The Touring model adds more safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, an enhance automatic emergency braking system, and lane keep assist. Stepping up to the Grand Touring will add front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view parking camera.