FAST FACTS
› Model: 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature› Exterior color: Machine Gray Metallic› Interior color: Auburn› Engine: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged› Horsepower: 250› Transmission: six-speed automatic› Fuel economy: 26 mpg highway, 20 mpg city› Local Dealer: Tim Short Mazda, 6015 International Drive› Price (as tested): $49,330
If I had $49K in my pocket and marching orders to come home with a new SUV, the Mazda CX-9 Signature is the one I'd purchase.
The interior of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature features auburn leather.The CX-9 is not the newest or the most highly-evolved mid-size crossover in this price range, and it's far from the most popular. But for my money, it has the best combination of curb appeal and interior comfort.
The second-generation CX-9 was introduced in 2016 and is wearing its design well after three years of production. This year brings only modest changes: the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone links in some trim levels, and an available 360-degree surround-view camera.
In Chattanooga, you can test drive the CX-9 at Tim Short Mazda on International Drive. Late this week the dealership had one 2019 CX-9 in digital inventory and a half-dozen nearly-identical 2018s.
WHAT IS IT?
The CX-9 is Mazda's largest SUV, a seven-seater slotting above the smaller CX-3 sub-compact and CX-5 compact crossovers. The CX-9 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 250 horsepower, provided you fill it with 93 octane gasoline. The engine is mated to a six-cylinder automatic transmission, which is a bit dated in a world with more-and-more eight-speed transmissions.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our tester, provided for a one-week test drive by Mazda, is the ultimate CX-9, the Signature edition with such upgrades as Nappa leather seat coverings and rosewood interior trim. It will set you back $49,330 before tax and tags. A base CX-9 Sport starts at $32,280 and a mid-tier Grand Touring models goes for $40,840.
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WHAT WE LIKE
The CX-9 has a level of design sophistication that feels a class above. The expressive front fascia makes it easily the most handsome mass-market mid-size SUV. Sweeping shoulder lines taper into a nicely rounded rear lift-gate. Inside, the CX-9 looks like something that might wear a Land Rover badge. The Auburn leather on our Signature edition is especially fetching.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
While the turbocharged four-cylinder engine has plenty of off-the-mark power, its towing capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds. Some of the competitors in this class with V-6 engines - including the Toyota Highlander - can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
WORTHWHILE OPTIONS
We love, love the ventilated front seats; although we mistakenly turned them on in sub-freezing weather and got a rude rush of cold air on our hind parts. All-wheel drive is good for foul-weather peace of mind. It's an $1,800 option on lower-trim models, but comes standard on the Signature edition. (On the other hand, we'd ditch the $1,995 rear-seat entertainment package on our tester and buy the kids tablet computers, instead.)
BOTTOM LINE
The Mazda CX-9 feels like a much more expensive vehicle. The CX-9 is about $5,000-to-$10,000 less than a comparably equipped SUV from the luxury brands. That makes it worthy of a look from anyone shopping for a mid-size SUV.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.