I’ve been wanting a new car for awhile now so I jumped at the chance to take on momming in a Mazda CX-9. It’s not easy to find the perfect car for my everyday life and for family vacations. Our current car has just two rows, and not enough space for our crew. We took this awesome 3 row SUV to northern Michigan, and I also had the opportunity to drive it around town for a few days. I enjoyed getting in my car and having breathing room. I’m not a minivan type, so finding an SUV with a third row and some space to spare is a necessity (if any car companies want to challenge me on my non-minivan ways, just let me know!).

Driving with 2 small kids and 2 dogs can lead to claustrophobia. Not only does everyone have to fit, but EVERYTHING has to fit as well (*I’m not a light packer*). The cargo space in the Mazda CX-9 held all our suitcases and goodies for Northern Michigan, and we were able to put one of the third row seats down to allow for more space. We played a bit of musical chairs during the 4 hour drive, but initially both of our dogs sat in the second row with my son, and my daughter loved having a little space in the back. The kids switched because the third row was apparently amazing, and my son wanted a turn. It was a semi-private retreat area in the back of the car. We also had a brief time when one dog was in the third row, and my kids were in the second row with our other pooch. My point is, there are a lot of configurations and kids love the optionality, especially on long car rides.

Clearly the dual tv monitors with wireless headphones were a hit. The second row has a center arm rest that comes down to not only hold two drinks, but it has a compartment with two USB ports. READ: you can always be connected (or your kids for that matter).

Northern Michigan is absolutely beautiful. There are so many scenic roads, like M-22, stretches of sandy beach, and lots of small towns to stop by. We often go to an area called Sleeping Bear Dunes. The views of Lake Michigan are stunning, and there is something about being close to a large body of water that detoxes the soul. I loved taking our Mazda through the woods and to the beach.

      

When we got back home, it was so nice to have room while running everyday errands. I put the third row down to cart my daughter’s bike to school. It is so simple to put the third row up and down, and to put the second row forward to access the third row seating – vital when you are picking up your kid’s friends.

 

Playing with the Mazda CX-9 for a week was so great. It allowed me to experience an SUV with a third row, lots of bells and whistles, and most importantly, my kids loved the experience, too. Now they are asking when we are getting our new car!