Used 2016 Mazda CX-9 for Sale near Irvine, CA

Mazda’s large SUV punches above its weight, sharing more at times with upmarket SUVs.

Since you’re on a car-buying site, looking at new cars, you’re likely looking for a good deal. Inherent in that pursuit of value is trying to get the most car for the lowest cost. With the 2016 Mazda CX-9, you get that more-for-less proposition with a completely new look for the full-size SUV.

The new CX-9 still has three rows and a sporty “Zoom-Zoom” nature, but with something new in the mix: an air of luxury. And that near-luxury feel is available at a price below those of other large SUVs.

The new CX-9 shed a bunch of weight to come in substantially lighter than its predecessor, which let Mazda put some serious resources into quality and sound deadening, resulting in a quieter, more upscale cabin feel. With the new CX-9, you might pay more than the direct competition, but the CX-9 feels like an SUV that punches above its weight.

But is that enough to convince you opt for the Mazda CX-9 over proven large SUV entrants like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot? Read on to find out.