Mazda only has one midsize SUV: the CX-9. With rave reviews among experts, a lively turbo engine, and an upscale interior, the three-row Mazda CX-9 provides athletic handling and enough space for the whole family to drive around in the utmost style.

The midsize SUV strikes a great balance for families between an overwhelming full-size SUV and an often cramped compact SUV. If you’re looking for an SUV that’s practical and efficient with handsomely good looks inside and out, then the three-row Mazda CX-9 might be for you.

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, the world’s only trusted

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broker app, has created this guide to everything you need to know about the 2022 Mazda CX-9 midsize SUV. We’ll take a closer look at its highlights and weaknesses, along with a comparison among the competition and how to save on

Mazda insurance costs

Does Mazda have a midsize SUV?

Yes—the one and only

three-row Mazda CX-9

is a midsize SUV. Below Mazda’s only midsize SUV is the subcompact

Mazda CX-30

and the all-electric subcompact Mazda MX-30, along with the compact

Mazda CX-5

. Mazda doesn’t currently make a full-size SUV, which automatically makes the CX-9 the biggest SUV Mazda has in its SUV lineup.

What makes a midsize SUV?

As the name suggests, a midsize SUV falls between a compact SUV and a full-size SUV.

Sometimes they come with two rows, sometimes they come with three—though the last row in many midsize SUVs tends to be quite snug. But midsize SUVs have grown in popularity in recent years due to their overall practicality for many types of drivers. You’ll usually get plenty more interior space than a compact SUV and better handling than a full-size SUV.

Is the Mazda CX-5 a midsize SUV?

No—the Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV, not a midsize SUV. With room for only five passengers and a shorter wheelbase and overall length, the CX-5 falls between the subcompact CX-30 and the midsize CX-9.

MORE: Are Mazdas expensive to maintain?

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The CX-9: Mazda’s best and only midsize SUV

Introduced in 2007, the Mazda CX-9 midsize SUV has received many updates over the years. But for 2022, a new mid-range Touring Plus trim was added to the lineup as well as standard all-wheel drive across the board. Let’s take a closer look inside Mazda’s only midsize SUV.

2022 Mazda CX-9

MSRP range: $35,630 to $47,560

MPG: 20 city/26 hwy

Seating for: 6-7 passengers

Trim levels: Sport, Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature

The Mazda CX-9 is a sporty, fun-to-drive SUV with handsome looks and a high-end interior that could pass for a luxury vehicle. At the same time, it’s practical enough for everyday driving and spacious enough for the whole family with decent gas mileage and plenty of standard features.

But let’s start with the CX-9’s standard engine: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque that sends the midsize SUV from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. As mentioned before, all 2022 CX-9 models now come standard with all-wheel drive, along with a six-speed automatic transmission.

While many rivals opt for a mightier V6, the CX-9 certainly doesn’t lack power. With a peppy turbocharged engine and dynamic handling, the midsize SUV is light on its feet and a joy to drive, but what's more, it’s safe. The 2022 CX-9 received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and mostly “Good” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with a “superior” score in front crash prevention.

But most impressive of all is the CX-9’s near-luxury interior which boasts a sleek and modern design with high-quality details like genuine aluminum and wood accents for higher trim levels. The cabin is cozy with eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats and tri-zone automatic climate control. While seven seats are standard, you have the option to switch out the second-row bench seat for a pair of captain’s chairs—reducing your seating capacity to six.

The only drawback with the CX-9? A lack of cargo space compared to the competition. Sure, you’ll have plenty of room when the second and third rows are down—with 71.2 cubic feet—but if both are in use, you’ll only have 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row.

And speaking of the third row, it’s fine to accommodate children but adults might start to feel cramped very quickly.

Highlights include:

Standard 10.3-inch infotainment display

Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Standard HD radio and a six-speaker stereo

Standard remote keyless entry and push-button start

Standard Wi-Fi hotspot

Available Navigation

Available wireless device charging

Standard driver-assistance suite including a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights

Weaknesses include:

Snug third-row seating for adults

Small cargo area

Less powerful than rivals

MORE: Mazda CX-9 towing capacity

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Best midsize SUV competitors

The CX-9 might be Mazda’s defacto best midsize SUV, but there are also plenty of other great midsize SUVs on the market right now. If you’re considering a Mazda CX-9, you might want to look into these rival midsize SUVs as well:

2022

Honda Pilot

($38,080 starting MSRP): The Pilot is a practical, fuel-efficient midsize SUV with tons of interior space that seats up to eight passengers.

2022

Kia Telluride

($33,390 starting MSRP): With a more affordable starting price compared to the CX-9, the Telluride is just as elegant, roomy, and dependable as its midsize SUV competitor.

2022

Toyota Highlander

($35,855 starting MSRP): Around the same price point, the Highlander is a great family SUV with great gas mileage and excellent safety ratings.

MORE:

Are Mazdas good cars?

How to save on Mazda insurance

Considering the safety scores on Mazda’s only midsize SUV, you might anticipate paying lower

Mazda CX-9 insurance costs

. But whether you decide to purchase the upscale and athletic CX-9 or one of its top competitors, you can always find the best insurance rates around with

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