If roominess trumps everything else, you’ll probably want to go straight to the full-size crossovers from General Motors (the Chevrolet Traverse, the closely related Buick Enclave, or the GMC Acadia).
These GM models are more spacious, but they don’t drive with the same verve as the CX-9.
Subaru’s Tribeca is probably the closest in overall driving feel—it handles very well for a tall crossover—but its odd styling and cramped third row are going to be a turnoff to some shoppers.
Then there’s the Honda Pilot, which breaks from the mold with outrageous chunky styling that embraces boxiness and trucklike looks, though it’s really a road-oriented crossover.
The Pilot performs much like the other vehicles in this group; if you can get past the styling, it’s well worth considering.
Toyota remains the only one to offer a four-cylinder engine in this class; in the roomy Highlander, the 2.7-liter four has just enough gusto and it’s much better on fuel.
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 2011 Mazda CX-9Browse Used Listings |  2011 Chevrolet TraverseBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Subaru TribecaBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Toyota HighlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2011 Mazda CX-9 can carry seven in comfort, but it loves curves more than almost any other roomy crossover. |
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse isn’t fun to drive, but it’s one of the best large crossover wagons for transporting the family comfortably and safely. |
If you can get past the garish grille and overwrought look, the 2011 Honda Pilot is a fine family vehicle, with minivan-like interior space and decent performance. |
With the 2011 Subaru Tribeca, first-class safety credentials and excellent all-weather handling ensure your precious ones are looked after, but if you need more than five seats, we suggest going with a bigger vehicle. |
The very family-friendly Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid impress us with their space and versatility, but show no sign of enthusiasm. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $29,135 | $29,370 | $28,320 | $30,495 | $28,090 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas Flat 6 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||||
| FWD 4-Door Sport | FWD 4-Door LS | 2WD 4-Door LX | 4-Door 3.6R Premium | FWD 4-Door L4 Base (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | 4 Door Sport Utility | 4 Door Sport Utility | 4 Door |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Chevrolet Traverse | 2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Honda Pilot | 2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Subaru Tribeca | 2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
