If you’re looking for a people-mover with some versatility and flexibility, look no further than the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature all-wheel drive.

CX-9 is available in Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and top-of-the-line Signature trims.

Mazda’s three-row, mid-size, crossover SUV covers all those bases while remaining one of the safest vehicles in its class. In my tester’s configuration, with second-row captain’s chairs, the CX-9 seats six adults.

When hauling cargo is the goal, the third-row seats fold flat, and the second-row chairs tilt and slide forward. This allowed enough room for a Honda lawn mower box to be loaded into the vehicle at Lowe’s in Everett. Impressive.

Signature was powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual and sport modes. The CX-9 delivers an impressive 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Mazda’s unique i-Activ AWD system continuously monitors weight distribution and shifts power to the appropriate wheels for optimum performance, providing drivers a near instant response to inputs. In addition, all CX-9 models are equipped with G-Vectoring Control Plus and Off-Road Traction Assist.

CX-9 is loaded with standard features, with the Signature trim taking it to the next level. Standard equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, push button start, power liftgate, advanced keyless entry, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel with mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control buttons, front and second-row dual USB inputs, six-speaker Bose sound system, three-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver’s seat and lumbar support, six-way power front passenger’s seat, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels finished in gray metallic, electronic parking brake, rearview camera, rear side and liftgate window privacy glass, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.

Signature adds even more creature comforts highlighted by heated second-row seats with a center console and armrest storage compartment like in the first row, premium quilted Nappa leather in a “Deep Chestnut” shade, Santos Rosewood interior trim, patterned aluminum on the dash and door handle bezels, and unique stitching on the steering wheel.

The infotainment system features an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10.25-inch, full-color center display and a multi-function commander knob integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Exterior upgrades include a hands-free power liftgate, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a brilliant silver finish, a titanium gray metallic finished front grille with LED lighting accent, and larger dual exhaust pipes. My tester came with a “Snowflake White Pearl” coat of enamel.

The CX-9 performed admirably down the highway, smoothing out road imperfections and quieting the interior cabin allowing for normal conversations. Cupholders and storage cubbies were plentiful and functional.

To help keep the driver and passengers safe, CX-9 is well-equipped with an array of standard i-Activsense driver assist safety features including radar cruise control with stop and go, smart brake support with collision warning, advanced smart city brake support with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist.

The CX-9 is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan and is one of the first vehicle’s in its class to receive a “Good” rating in IIHS’s new, tougher side impact test.

Base Price: $49,475

Price As Driven: $50,455

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.