From its bold looks to the class-above experience it offers the driver and passengers, Mazda's CX-9 has earned a reputation for excellence, being named a finalist for both North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and World Car of the Year. Mazda engineers haven't rested on their laurels, however, adding numerous upgrades to the 2018 CX-9 flagship crossover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), further strengthening the 'Mazda Premium' indulgences it provides.

Among the highlights are features such as an improved second row for both greater comfort and easier third-row access, and greater sound insulation. All 2018 CX-9 models receive Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for the first time, a technology that can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations below 31km/h. The CX-9 joins the 2018 Mazda3 compact sedan and five-door, 2018 CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV and 2017 CX-5 compact crossover SUV in having SCBS as standard.

SCBS is a technology that comes as part of Mazda's i-ActivSense suite of safety systems. Additionally, Blindspot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are now standard. The CX-9 is one of a handful of three-row crossover SUVs to earn a 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 'Top Safety Pick Plus' rating, joining all Mazda models tested to earn the non-profit's highest award when equipped with proper head lights and specific technologies.