It’s tough for families to find a three-row midsize SUV that checks all the boxes. But the Mazda CX-9 has everything you’re looking for and then some. It even outshines SUVs like the Honda Pilot.

In fact, U.S. News likes the Mazda CX-9 so much that the publication included it in a roundup of the best three-row SUVs for 2021. What makes it so great for families?

Why the Mazda CX-9 is great for families

Several features on the Mazda CX-9 make traveling with families a bit easier. One of them is the infotainment system. For optimal viewing, you’ll get a wide, 10.3-inch display screen with sleek graphics, quick responses, and a relatively easy user interface. Menus on the screen aren’t difficult to maneuver through, so there’s no wasted time trying to find something buried deep within. 

Families will also be happy about the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration that comes standard on the CX-9. They allow you to connect your phone to the infotainment system. That way, you can curate your own music playlist before the trip and play it while you travel. No more time wasted scanning for radio stations to find something for the kids.

Mazda CX-9 features that families will like

Families will especially like the cargo space and safety features with the Mazda CX-9. 

Cargo space in the CX-9 isn’t exactly the best of the models that U.S. News lists. But it isn’t the worst, either. Behind the third row, you get 14.4 cubic feet of space to carry around a few suitcases. If you fold down the third row, you’ll get 38.2 cubic feet to accommodate a couple of bikes or a large grocery haul. 

As for safety, the Mazda CX-9 goes all out. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the CX-9 an overall safety score of 5 out of 5 stars for its crash test performance, U.S. News Reports. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was also impressed with its crashworthiness. The IIHS gave the CX-9 the organization’s highest honor, Top Safety Pick+. It earned top ratings in all areas, including headlights, where many vehicles often fail. 

You’ll also find a long list of safety features standard on this model. They include forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. The CX-9 also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, a rarity because many vehicles offer it only as an option.  

This SUV’s other perks

The Mazda CX-9 can seat up to seven passengers. If you use the captain’s seats in the middle row, only six people can fit. Both the front and second-row seats offer plenty of headroom and legroom, but the third can get cramped for full-size adults. Young kids or teens would fit back there without issue. 

Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that can generate 250 hp if you use premium fuel. Paired with this motor is a six-speed automatic transmission. You’ll get either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending upon which trim level you choose. 

Fuel economy is another feature that families love about their CX-9. On city roads, you can expect to get around 22 mpg. When traveling on the highway, the EPA rating rises to 28 mpg. That’s pretty good for a three-row midsize SUV. 

All in all, the Mazda CX-9 offers plenty for any driver to love. But many features also make traveling easier when you’re hauling your most precious cargo: your family.