CX-9

Growing up doesn't mean you have to give up. If you feel the need to trade your hot little two-door sports car for a box-on-wheels but wish you didn't have to, there's the 2023 Mazda CX-9. It offers a more satisfying driving experience than other family SUVs such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Mazda has massaged its hallmark driving verve deep into the CX-9 and the turbocharged four-cylinder engine does its best to add some excitement. Of course, this driver-focused experience isn't without downsides, as the CX-9's more compact shape means that the larger SUVs in this segment offer more space for people and cargo. The interior may not be as roomy, but it's certainly more upscale than expected thanks to premium materials and a timeless design. From a purely practical point of view, the CX-9 is falling behind, but for those who have road manners high on their priority list, the Mazda is still a strong entry in the SUV segment.