It's a better story at the track, where the eager engine launched the CX-9 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. That's one-tenth of a second quicker than the previous-gen CX-9 we last tested and puts it within range of the Toyota Highlander (7.1 seconds) and Nissan Pathfinder (7.3 seconds). The Honda Pilot Elite, however, hustles ahead of the bunch at 6.2 seconds, and a Ford Explorer powered by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 needs 8.2 seconds to get to 60 mph. The V-6-powered competitors show their strength in the 45 to 65 mph test, which simulates freeway passing maneuvers. Here, the CX-9 needed 4.2 seconds, and the Highlander, Pilot, and Pathfinder were all in the 3-second range. (Explorer was the slowest at 4.5 seconds.)

Our loaded CX-9 Signature model tipped our scales at 4,317 pounds. Mazda's weight-saving efforts appear to have paid off because that's more than 200 pounds lighter than a similarly loaded previous-gen CX-9, and it ranks among the lightest three-row crossovers we've tested. That said, the CX-9's behavior at the figure-eight test track didn't surprise. Corner entry was met with understeer, and the body dived during hard braking. The CX-9 responds quickly to steering inputs, though feedback is minimal. Out on the open road, the powertrain is relatively eager off the line, and power delivery is smooth. The CX-9 loses a bit of its pep when it's lugging around six adults, but the same could be said for most players in this segment. The engine never sounds like its struggling, even at higher rpm, and the CX-9's cabin is fairly quiet overall. Passenger room is decent enough for seven adults, though anyone taller than 5-foot-9 will likely be rubbing their noggin against the headliner. Access to the third row is fairly easy—one latch is all that's needed to fold and move the second row forward.

Our test vehicle was a Signature model, sitting on top of the CX-9 lineup, which begins with the Sport and midlevel Touring and Grand Touring versions. With a sticker price of $45,215, our tester felt much more expensive than its MSRP suggests. The interior featured Nappa leather trim, ambient lighting, an effective head-up display, and an excellent 12-speaker Bose sound system. The overall design and quality rivals Audi, with touches like real aluminum and rosewood accents. There's a lot of advanced technology, as well, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision prevention, and lane keeping assist.

With handsome styling, a stellar interior, and a decent turbo-four, the CX-9 once again stands out in its segment. Its Real MPG results could've been better, but at least it's an improvement over the previous CX-9 and is competitive with other offerings in the segment. A Big Test comparison and the upcoming SUV of the Year competition should determine how well Mazda did its homework on its new family hauler.

2016 Mazda CX-9 (Signature)
BASE PRICE	$34,220
PRICE AS TESTED	$45,215
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	2.5L/227-hp/310-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,317 lb (55/45%)
WHEELBASE	115.3 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	199.4 x 77.2 x 67.6 in
0-60 MPH	7.4 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.7 sec @ 86.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	123 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.82 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.7 sec @ 0.65 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	21/27/23 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	160/125 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.83 lb/mile