Securing a vehicle with a third row of seats can be a great move for a large family or for someone who carpools. Most full and some mid-sized SUVs have this extra seating as a standard feature or an option, giving consumers a lot of models to consider.
If you are looking at purchasing a Mazda CX-9 and are wondering if this SUV has third-row seating, we can help you. We researched this popular vehicle from multiple professional sources, so you'll know exactly what you are getting.
The 2022 Mazda CX-9 has a third row of seats. The passenger capacity will depend on the trim level selected and the second-row seating options that you choose.
Now that we know that the 2022 Mazda CX-9 has third-row seating, we'll look at the different configurations based on the trim levels for this SUV. Whether you want to get a CX-9 or drive one currently, we're here to get your questions answered. Let's dive in!
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Seating Configurations For The 2022 Mazda Cx-9
As we noted, the seating configurations for the 2022 CX-9 will vary, but all options will include a third row of seating. The 2022 model year has six trim levels.
We'll break each of them down here, so you will know what seating options you have for each one.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Sport
The base trim level for this model year CX-9 has a total rider capacity of seven passengers. Two will fit in the captain's chairs in the front row.
The second row will accommodate three passengers in a bench seat. In the third row is a smaller seat that will fit two.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Touring
The touring edition of the 2022 model year has the same first and third-row configuration as the Sport trim. The second row for this trim level gives you the option of having the standard bench seat or upgrading to two captain's chairs for the middle passengers.
Opting for the captain's chair cuts your total capacity from seven to six riders.
The seats in this trim level also come standard with heated front seats. The first and second-row seating is also leather-trimmed.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Touring Plus
The seating options for this trim level are identical to the Touring trim level, giving you the option of either a bench seat in the second row or two captain's chairs.
The first and second-row seats are leather-trimmed in this trim level. The front row seats are also heated and ventilated.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Carbon
Unlike the first three trim levels we discussed, the Carbon does not have a bench seat for the second row. It will only come with a pair of captain's chairs, making it only hold a total of six riders.
The first two rows of seats are red leather-trimmed. The first two rows also have heated seats, while the first row additionally has ventilated seating.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring
The Grand Touring trim level gives you the option of having the standard bench seat for seven riders or upgrading to a pair of captain's chairs in the second row for a six-rider capacity.
Like the Carbon trim level, the first two rows are heated, and the first seats are ventilated. The first two rows are also trimmed in leather.
2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature
The premier trim level of the CX-9 comes only with a pair of captain's chairs for the second row, giving you a total rider capacity of six.
The Nappa Leather-trimmed first and the second row are also heated. The first row of seats is equipped with a ventilation system as well.
Does The Mazda CX-9 Have Captain Seats?
The 2022 Mazda CX-9 has six different trim levels. Captain's seats are available for the second row of seating for all but the base trim level Sport.
The Touring, Touring Plus, and Grand Touring trim levels will come standard with a second-row bench seat, but you have the option to upgrade this middle row to a pair of captain's chairs.
The Carbon and Signature trim levels only come equipped with captain's chairs in the second row.
Do The CX-9 Captain Chairs Fold Flat?
As you are probably already aware, bench seats can be folded flat, allowing for a substantial increase in available cargo room. If you have a trim level with captain's chairs, you might be concerned that these would need to be removed from the vehicle to have a greater storage capacity.
Thankfully the captain's chairs in the Mazda CX-9 can be folded flat.
Doing so is very easy. On the outboard side of either captain's seat is a lever. This lever will be located close to the floorboard at the seat's base. Pull up on the lever, and you will release a catch that will free the seat from its locked position.
Once it is free to move, gently pull the top of the seatback forward. It will lay flat on the seat cushion. Keep in mind that you may have to adjust the seating position of the front seats or remove/adjust the headrests of the second-row captain's chairs for the seats to fold down fully.
Is The Mazda CX-9 A Good Family Car?
Consumers want a vehicle for their families that have high crash test ratings, low rollover frequencies, and have safety features on board to help lessen the bodily harm done from vehicle accidents.
Additionally, these vehicles still need to provide seating and interior features that make a long ride as smooth and comfortable as possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the overall safety of the 2022 Mazda CX-9 as 5.0 stars out of 5.0, leading the pack in its class. Multiple airbags onboard make it much safer due to a collision, while lane change assists, blind-spot monitors, and traction control decrease the likelihood of an accident.
U.S. News and World Report rate the overall comfort level of this vehicle as a 7.1 out of 10.0, citing a lack of elbow room as their primary criticism.
But this high rating made it number 5 out of 19 in its class of mid-sized SUVs, primarily due to its comfortable seating, ample leg and headroom, and heated/ventilated seats for certain trim levels.
Overall, the Mazda CX-9 is a great family car. It's safe, roomy, comfortable, and its third-row gives owners a lot more space for extra passengers.
What Is The Cargo Space Of A Mazda CX-9?
Rider capacity is something the 2022 Mazda CX-9 is not in short supply of. As a mid-sized SUV with a third row, however, consumers will find that the cargo capacity will be lacking due to the extra two seats in the rear that would ordinarily be occupied by empty storage space.
At only 14.4 cubic feet of cargo room, it is less than half of the mid-size SUVs that only have two rows of seats. Fortunately, you can greatly increase the available cargo room by folding down the third row.
By doing so, the cargo capacity will increase from 14.4 cubic feet to 38.2 cubic feet.
And if you need even more room to haul larger items, the second-row bench seats or captain's chairs can also be collapsed. Should you do this, the overall cargo capacity jumps to a total of 71.2 cubic feet.
To Finish
The 2022 Mazda CX-9 has proven to be a safe and comfortable car that is a great fit for many families. With the third row of seating, you will have a rider capacity of six to seven, depending upon the trim level and options that you select.
While mid-sized SUVs with a third-row lack cargo room while all seats are in position, this model SUV will allow for the second and third rows to be folded down, enabling you to have access to a lot more space to haul larger items. Drive safe!
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