In this article, we'll take a detailed look at two Mazda SUVs with third-row seating for family hauling. The luxurious Mazda CX-9 and Mazda CX-90 marry sleek, stylish looks with zippy performance and an impressively smooth ride quality. If you're looking for a Mazda three-row SUV that doesn't sacrifice the fun of driving, read on to discover how the CX-9 or CX-90 may be the perfect car for you.

The Importance of Third-Row Seating in SUVs and Crossovers

Whether for long trips, carpooling in Bountiful, Utah, or visits from extended family members, third-row seating ensures each person enjoys a comfortable journey. Flip that back row down, and you create space for luggage, sports gear, or work equipment — that's versatility at its best. Let's delve into the CX-9 and CX-90 to help you find your perfect match.

Mazda CX-9: The Established Choice

This elegant seven-passenger Mazda has been hauling families in style since 2007. Although a bit more compact than its newer sibling, it's considerably upscale for a crossover SUV, combining sharp styling, fun driving dynamics, and family-friendly features at prices that won't burst your budget.

Engine Options and Performance

The CX-9 boasts a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. With a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, it's more athletic than most SUVs in its class, and it's light and nimble around corners.

Fuel economy checks in at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, not quite as thrifty as the newer CX-90, but still pretty decent.

Interior Comfort, Space, and Connectivity

Inside the CX-9, you'll find quality materials in an impressive premium-feel cabin without the luxury price tag. It seats up to seven passengers, and although the third row is a little less roomy than the CX-90's, it's still perfect for kids.

It includes a 10.3-inch infotainment display with controls that are intuitive and easy to reach. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in all models, with higher trims adding a 12-speaker Bose audio.

Cargo capacity starts at 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expands to 38.2 cubic feet with that row folded, and maxes out at 71.2 cubic feet with all seats down.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology

The CX-9 offers a more comprehensive standard safety suite with driver-assistance technology than most SUVs. Standard features include forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning.

Mazda CX-90: The Three-Row Flagship

Not your typical family hauler, this impressive eight-seater is Mazda's crown jewel within the three-row segment. With its square-jawed design, upscale materials, and smooth handling, the three-row Mazda CX-90 is a handsome SUV that exudes the luxury of a premium brand and outperforms most in its class.

Engine Options and Performance

The Mazda CX-90 offers a turbo-charged 3.3-liter inline-six engine that generates 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S trims give an extra power boost to the same engine with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant is also available, which includes a 2.5-liter engine and a 68 kW electric motor. Its combined horsepower is 323 with 369 Ib-ft of torque.

An eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive is standard, giving the CX-90 silky smooth delivery with quick, easy shifting. Gas mileage tops many rivals at 24 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Technologies

As with the CX-9, the CX-90 comes packed with an array of standard safety features and technology, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control — features that are optional for most competitors.

In higher trims, advanced systems such as emergency lane keeping and Secondary Collision Reduction help prevent accidents and secondary damage.

Interior Comfort, Space, and Connectivity

The CX-90's cabin has a bright, airy feel that blends luxury with practicality. Comfort includes heated and ventilated seats and multi-zone climate control. Passenger space is more generous and includes seating for up to eight people. Higher trims feature nappa leather and a real wood trim.

The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use. It comes standard with a 10.3-inch display and an eight-speaker audio setup. It also includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto. Higher trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless charging, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Plenty of charging ports are provided, even for third-row passengers.

The CX-90 is slightly larger than the CX-9, providing extra room in the cabin, especially in the third row. Cargo space gives up to 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.1 cubic feet with the third row down, and 75.2 cubic feet with all seats laid flat.

Comparing the CX-9 and the CX-90

Both models deliver competitive performance and handling within the three-row SUV market, and they both have an air of quality and luxury that's hard to beat. Let's take a look at the key differences between the two:

• Performance and handling: With the CX-90, you get a strong low-speed pickup and a smooth, silky delivery with extra power and refinement. The CX-9 is known to handle smaller than its size, with plenty of mid-range power and a firm and responsive ride.
• Fuel and economy: The CX-90 tops the CX-9 on fuel economy. The plug-in hybrid option provides significant fuel efficiency if you're looking for an eco-conscious option.
• Comfort and quality: The CX-9 boasts standard luxury leather seating with a sporty feel and offers heated front seats. The CX-90 offers premium leather only on higher trims, but it also exhibits unique fabric on the dashboard, more legroom, and a panoramic sunroof for extra light.
• Looks and styling: The CX-9 has sharper lines and a standout shield grille and is slightly smaller in size, which can prove useful for city parking. The CX-90 has a lower nose for improved visibility and larger, stylish two-tone wheels.
• Safety and technology: Safety features are similar, with both vehicles including Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE. The CX-90 offers more advanced technology features, especially on higher trim levels.
• Price and value: Naturally, the newer CX-90, with its powerful and efficient drivetrain and more spacious interior, comes at a higher price. The CX-9 offers a premium feel at a lower price point, and although it lacks some of the CX-90's cutting-edge features, it also delivers where it counts for most families.

Find Your Mazda Three-Row SUV

Mazda's three-row SUVs are proof that family cars don't have to be boring and can offer the features you've dreamt of. Whether the CX-9 or the CX-90, either model is a solid option with better driving quality and more luxury features than most three-row SUVs. When you're ready to try one, contact our Bountiful Mazda dealership in Utah to schedule a test drive and find your perfect match.