If you frequently need to transport bigger groups of people, you might be keeping an eye out for a larger vehicle that’s still spry, high-tech, and fun to drive. The Mazda CX-9 fits the bill perfectly and is one of the top picks on the U.S. News list of the ’17 Best 7-Passenger Vehicles You Can Buy in 2020.’ Let’s take a look at what sets the CX-9 apart.

What to expect from the 2020 Mazda CX-9

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 features a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 227 hp. It gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway, putting it ahead of many of its rivals. However, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, it does lag slightly behind other midsize SUVs. 

Mazda’s i-Activesense safety suite comes standard on the 2020 CX-9 and includes blind-spot monitoring, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a traffic sign recognition system. Additional features, such as adaptive headlights, are optional.

This SUV’s infotainment system comes with a 7-inch touch screen. Standard features include voice recognition and internet radio integration, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available as options.

The Mazda CX-9’s biggest benefits

Related: 2020 Mazda CX-9 vs. Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Is Right for You?

Ranked by U.S. News as No. 3 in midsize SUVs, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is one of the best options for anyone looking for a seven seater. In fact, unlike some of its competitors, the CX-9 actually comes standard with seven seats.

Its abundance of standard safety and comfort features, impressive fuel economy, and plentiful driver assistance technology all combine to make this SUV stand out from the pack.

U.S. News also reports that the CX-9’s cabin is quiet and comfortable, with seats that are small for the class but still accommodate adult passengers. The seats are also easy to rearrange, as the second row slides back and forth to provide better access and more legroom for people sitting in the third row. The cabin is also full of premium materials and attractive styling.

This SUV also has an edge when it comes to reliability and safety. It has a predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power, placing it above average when compared to others in the midsize SUV class.

The CX-9 received the highest possible rating in every crash evaluation administered by the IIHS, leading to it being named a Top Safety Pick. It also received the highest rating for its front crash prevention system, which comes standard.

Even with all these advantages, this vehicle is more affordable than many others in its class. It has a starting price of $33,790, although the price tag can climb to around $46,115 for higher trim levels.

A fun driving experience

In addition to all of these benefits, there is one major factor that makes the Mazda CX-9 stand out: it is incredibly fun to drive. U.S. News describes it as having “some of the best driving dynamics in the class,” which is all the more impressive given its low price tag.

It handles corners well, accelerates quickly, and has highly responsive steering. Additionally, because of its firm suspension, the CX-9 offers a comfortable ride even on bumpy roads.

Overall, it’s easy to see why the 2020 Mazda CX-9 is ranked among the best in its class. While it may not offer quite as much cargo space as some of its rivals, it more than makes up for this with its comfortable cabin, plentiful standard features, and unbeatable driving experience.