2022 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition

The CX-9 is Mazda's three-row family SUV, the one you cross-shop with the Highlander and Pilot when you want something that drives more like a car. It's genuinely fun to drive for a big SUV, with quick steering and a chassis that stays composed on winding roads. The ride is on the firm side, which is the trade-off for that sharp handling, but it stays comfortable on long trips. The cabin is a cut above the class, with high-quality materials and a clean, driver-focused layout that feels more premium than the price suggests. Black wheels and a blacked-out grille set the Carbon Edition apart from the Touring Plus and Signature trims. The 2.5L I4 makes 227 horsepower with a healthy 310 lb-ft of torque that comes on strong low in the rev range, making this big SUV feel quicker than the number suggests. The Carbon Edition adds red leather seats and unique badging, giving the cabin a look you won't find on the Touring or Touring Plus.