GM's full-size crossovers are definitely the way to go if roominess trumps everything else; the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia all have more space, especially in the third row, and a heftier, smoother ride, 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.
The Toyota Highlander, with its base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, is somewhat better on fuel, but it's hard to find much love within its drab interior.
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 2012 Mazda CX-9Browse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet TraverseBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Subaru TribecaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota HighlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a little more enjoyable to drive than most crossovers its size, while it manages three rows of seating, a plush cabin, and decent comfort. |
One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting. |
Don't let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012. |
The 2012 Subaru Tribeca has excellent all-weather handling and top-notch safety, though it's fallen behind the curve in features and interior appointments. |
The 2012 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid to roomy, three-row family crossover wagons what the Camry is to mid-size sedans: comfortable, safe, and full-featured—but more than a little bland. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $29,725 | $29,660 | $28,620 | $30,595 | $28,240 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 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 I4 (GS) |
| 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 | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | 2012 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2012 Honda Pilot | 2012 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2012 Subaru Tribeca | 2012 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
