The Mazda CX-9 has continued to be one of the best SUVs this automaker has to offer. In fact, U.S. News says it’s one of the best cars in the entire segment. What does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 offer that sets it apart from its rivals?

Mazda offers comfy accommodations in the CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 can seat up to seven passengers on supportive cloth seats. In the first two rows, there’s plenty of room for riders of all heights to be comfortable. However, things are especially cramped in the third row, so it’s really only useful for kids. On the plus side, the sliding second-row seats make the rear row easier to access.

The Mazda CX-9 also doesn’t have as much cargo room as its competition. With every seat in use, only 14 cubic feet of space is available to use. With the second row folded down, you get 38 cubic feet of storage space.

Although its limited dimensions are slightly disappointing, the Mazda CX-9 makes up for it with interior style. Even on the base trim, soft-touch materials are plentiful and shiny chrome accents really make the dashboard pop. On higher trims, real wood trim is used to decorate the shifter panel.

Is the Mazda CX-9 fun to drive?

The CX-9 definitely has the automaker’s signature lively handling. According to Consumer Reports, it can even round corners with the same grace as a small sports car. The suspension absorbs every harsh bump in the road and little noise penetrates the insulated interior.

The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo-four that can make up to 250 hp. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic and either FWD or AWD, depending on the trim. The Mazda CX-9 is fast for its size and also gets good gas mileage.

Improvement is abundant in the 2021 model

The 2021 Mazda CX-9’s infotainment system got a new layout for this model year. On the outgoing model, many complained that the system had a steep learning curve, but it’s been simplified for this year. Its center touchscreen is also two inches bigger than before.

Wireless charging is now standard on certain trims. The new Carbon Edition package gives the CX-9 a polymetal gray exterior paint job complemented by a red interior.

This package also comes with a digital gauge cluster and some extra safety features. The Mazda CX-9 Signature also sports new quilted leather for the seats and steering wheel.

Mazda offers upscale standard features

The CX-9’s higher trims are undeniably fancy, but the standard model is decently decked out too. Heated seats and a Wi-Fi hotspot, often only offered as upgrades, are standard on the CX-9. Even better, the CX-9 comes with a long list of standard driver’s aids.

Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitors, and pedestrian detection are all included.

You can also get parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system on higher trims. Certain models also have adaptive headlights, which can rotate and give you better visibility at night.

Longstanding quality is to be expected

Most SUVs are family haulers, so these big vehicles should be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The Mazda CX-9 has a good dependability score from both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. It also got exceptionally good scores on crash tests from the IIHS and NHTSA.

Mazda cars are also known for having some of the lowest ownership costs in the automotive world. According to one Consumer Reports study, Mazda models only accrued $300 in average maintenance costs after a 10-year ownership period. Even in a segment with impressive competition, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is a good pick.