2011 Mazda CX-9 Sport

The CX-9 is Mazda's largest crossover, a three-row SUV that seats seven and competes with the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. It drives with a car-like feel, and the steering is responsive for a vehicle this size, which makes it more engaging than many of its rivals. The cabin is roomy, with a comfortable third row that fits adults on shorter trips, and the rear seats fold flat to open up generous cargo space. Some owners have reported window regulators failing, so it's worth checking that all the power windows work smoothly on the test drive. The Sport is the base CX-9, but it still comes with the same 3.7L V6 and all-wheel drive as the pricier trims, so you don't lose any power. That 3.7L V6 makes 273 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic, giving the CX-9 confident passing power even when the third row is full. The trade-off for the lower price is that the Sport uses cloth seats and a simpler stereo, but the driving experience is the same as the Grand Touring's.