2019 Mazda CX-9 Touring

The CX-9 is Mazda's three-row family SUV, the one that aims to feel more like a sports car than a minivan substitute. It's genuinely fun to hustle down a back road, with sharp steering and a chassis that stays composed when you push it. The cabin is a cut above the typical family hauler, with rich materials and a clean, driver-focused layout. The third row is tight for adults, and cargo space trails some rivals, but it's fine for kids and everyday hauling. The Touring adds leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a power liftgate over the Sport, without jumping to the Grand Touring's price. The 2.5L I4 makes 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with the six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, and returns 23 mpg combined. This trim unlocks the optional rear-seat entertainment system, a nice upgrade for keeping kids occupied on longer drives.