Three-row crossovers are popular but can get very expensive, very fast. Fortunately, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers the best value at the middle of the range, so skip the enticing Signature trim to save a pretty penny.

It’s a good value, but the 2019 CX-9 is missing some features we think should be standard, and its infotainment system gives us fits. We give it a 5 for features. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Available in four trims – Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature – there are no shortage of CX-9 variants to choose from, all with differing levels of luxury and comfort features. The Sport model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, three rows of seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen as standard, and offers power seats and the active safety feature suite for an additional $1,290.

Stepping up to the Touring trim adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for 2019, as well as leather, an additional 1 inch of infotainment screen, a power liftgate, and power-adjustable front-seats as standard. That combination is easily the best value in our book at just $36,525 for the front-wheel-drive model.

The Grand Touring trim adds 20-inch wheels, active safety features, a dual-pane sunroof, parking sensors, a head-up display, heated front and second row seats, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive headlights.

Signature trim CX-9s are top-of-the-line, with Nappa leather hides, Bose audio, rosewood trim, LED headlights, and interior accent lighting.

Though the infotainment system is updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it can still be clunky to use with the clickable dial the only interface. Entering navigation destinations manually can be a patience-testing affair.

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