The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is dynamic and peppy, and like its smaller CX-3 and CX-5 siblings, the CX-9's attractive cues – both inside and out – stand above most of its rivals. The CX-9 made its debut as a 2007 model as the flagship of the Mazda lineup, with a second-generation vehicle appearing in 2016. Mazda vehicles share a common "Kodo" design language that seeks to capture the sense of motion. SKYACTIV is another common thread through the lineup, introduced in 2010, encompassing engine, transmission, body, chassis and driving dynamics technologies that balance performance with efficiency, safety and weight savings. Its segment is filled with a variety of choices that include tried-and-true heavy hitters like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse along with popular newcomers like the Subaru Ascent, VW Atlas, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

The CX-9 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission behind its transversely-mounted 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine, producing 227 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque (fill the gas tank with 93-octane fuel and it moves the horsepower to 250). With all-wheel drive, the CX-9 is grippy in the corners, and Mazda estimates a 0-60 miles-per-hour time of about 7.2 seconds. Shifts are smooth and power comes on in a linear, predictable fashion with no discernable turbo lag. There’s a genuine sense of momentum and urgency on tap, especially when you select Sport mode with the center console-mounted toggle switch. It's likewise effortless to bring the CX-9 down from speed, thanks to a well-modulated brake pedal that contributes to the crossover's overall confident stop-and-go performance. EPA estimates put the CX-9 AWD's fuel economy at 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined.

Inside, the CX-9 is pleasant and feels very upscale. There’s an elegant simplicity to the dash, and quality materials are found throughout the cabin. The driver’s cockpit is perfectly aligned, with attention lavished on the driver’s line of sight. The 8.0-inch color touchscreen display is mounted high on the center dash, and a heads-up display with traffic sign recognition is projected at the bottom of the windshield. Sight lines in all directions are clear, augmented by a blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert and rear-view camera. Mazda does not call itself a “luxury manufacturer,” but on its on its Signature trim vehicles, it shouldn’t be so modest.

Amenities here include heated and ventilated power front seats with perforated leather provide comfort and support. A heated steering wheel, two-position driver’s seat memory, second-row window sunshades, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic on/off LED headlights, radar cruise control, auto-fold side mirrors, proximity key with push-button start, and other premium features are also included. A Bose 12-speaker surround sound audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard on Signature, as is navigation. A Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with a 5-star rating makes this Mazda among the safest vehicles in its class.

The CX-9 does have a weakness though, as it doesn’t have as much cargo room as some of its competitors. The 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row and 71.2 cubic feet with the third row folded flat are not ideal for a larger SUV. Total passenger volume is 135.1 cubic feet, and third-row legroom is 29.7 inches. Those are some of the lowest numbers in the segment.

In the end, the 2019 Mazda CX-9's positive attributes far outweigh its space issues. It's definitely worth considering against any other midsize three-row SUVs. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD tested arrived in my driveway looking immaculate in snowflake white pearl paint ($200) for a starting price of $45,365 ($47,285 as tested).

Highlights	Description
Engine	2.5T DOHC 16-valve inline-4 with VVT
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5000rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 2000rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Suspension, F/R	MacPherson strut/Multilink
Brakes, F/R	12.6-inch vented disc/12.8-inch solid disc
Wheels and Tires	20-in. alloy,P255/50 R20
Curb weight	4,383 lb
Overall length	199.4 in.
Overall width	77.5 in.
Overall height	69.0 in.
Wheelbase	115.3 in.