As a mom juggling school runs, weekly grocery shopping, and the occasional family getaway, I’ve come to appreciate a car that goes beyond just a box and four wheels to take us to places. I need space. I need comfort—and maybe a touch of luxury to remind me that I’m more than just a chauffeur. Most importantly, I need safety.

The reality is that accidents happen. When you hear the stories shared by car accident law firms here in Los Angeles that deal with catastrophic injuries every day, it really drives home how important it is to choose a vehicle with a proven safety record. I’ve seen enough scary headlines and near-misses to know that safety isn’t something to compromise on. That’s why I always do my homework before choosing a car. 

When it comes to protecting your family, every decision counts. Whether I’m running errands, navigating the morning rush on the 405, or heading out for a weekend away, I need a car that keeps up with it all. With Women’s Month in full swing and Mother’s Day around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share a car that truly understands the mom life: the Mazda CX-9 GT.

First Impressions: Stylish Enough to Feel Like My Car

Most family SUVs lean heavily on practicality, but the Mazda CX-9 manages to check all the boxes and still look good doing it. The moment I saw those sleek curves and that bold front grille, I thought: “Wait, this is a mom car?” It’s the kind of SUV that turns heads at drop-off—and still fits three car seats across the second row.

Inside, I was instantly won over by the leather seats. They felt premium, soft, and totally kid-proof (hello, spill-resistant). Even the steering wheel and dashboard had a luxe finish that made me feel like I was stepping into a more expensive ride.

Real Talk: Safety Matters Most

Moms worry about everything, and accidents are always at the top of the list. Arash Law, one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California, often reminds people to prepare for any incident on the road. That includes choosing a vehicle designed to keep families safe.

That’s one of the biggest reasons the Mazda CX-9 GT won me over. It’s packed with top-tier safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking (front and rear), and a blind spot monitoring system that doesn’t just beep—it also gives visual alerts on the heads-up display. This has made lane changes so much easier and safer, especially in LA’s unpredictable traffic.

Knowing the CX-9 includes curtain airbags that extend all the way to the third row gave me real peace of mind. Not every SUV goes that far to protect every passenger.

It’s also incredibly child-seat friendly. With four ISOFIX points and four top tether anchors, I didn’t have to wrestle with car seats for an hour to get them installed properly. If you’ve ever done that solo, you know what a win that is.

And for day-to-day city driving, the 360° view camera is a game changer—especially when squeezing into tight parking spots around LA. Add in the smooth, responsive handling, and it makes even the most stressful drives feel manageable. From school drop-offs to weekend getaways, the CX-9 GT helps me feel confident and in control, no matter what the road throws my way.

Comfort: Because Long Drives Deserve a Bit of Luxury

Driving around Los Angeles means spending a good chunk of my life in the car. Whether I’m inching through rush hour or escaping for a weekend in Palm Springs, the CX-9’s cabin feels like a cozy oasis. The front seats are incredibly comfortable. Heated and ventilated? Yes, please. The three-row seating setup makes life easier with growing kids and all their stuff.

The second row slides and reclines, offering enough legroom even for tall teens. My kids loved having their own USB ports, cupholders, and climate controls, especially during those sticky Santa Monica summer days.

And if you’ve ever tried to charge devices for three kids during a road trip, you’ll understand why USB ports in all three rows felt like a parenting miracle.

Tech That Makes My Life Easier (and More Fun)

As a mom who relies on her phone for everything, the CX-9 GT’s tech setup was a dream. I synced my Samsung Note in seconds using Android Auto, and the 10.25-inch infotainment screen made everything from maps to playlists easy to access (though it’s controlled by a dial, not a touchscreen—but honestly, it’s safer that way when you’re driving).

And yes, there’s a wireless charging pad. I didn’t realize how much I needed one until I used it. Also worth mentioning is the Bose 12-speaker sound system. If I’m going to be stuck in traffic, I might as well enjoy good sound quality while singing “Let It Go” for the millionth time, right?

Performance + Fuel Efficiency = Yes, Please

I was a little skeptical about driving an SUV through tight LA parking lots, but the CX-9 GT handled surprisingly well. The 2.5L turbocharged engine gave it the power I needed without feeling overwhelming. It glided through hills, curves, and freeways with ease, and the steering felt responsive, which I appreciated while navigating downtown traffic.

Fuel-wise, I averaged about 12.2 L/100km driving mostly in the city. It’s not the lowest out there, but for a three-row SUV with this level of performance, it’s reasonable. Still, I hope Mazda introduces a hybrid or electric version in the near future.

Cargo Space: The Real MVP

Let’s talk trunk space. With the third row folded down, I could fit everything from strollers to a full Costco run. We’re talking 810 liters of space. With the third row up, there’s still enough room for groceries, backpacks, and a week’s worth of snacks. I also loved the power liftgate, especially when my hands were full of kids and bags.

If your family is into adventures like biking or camping, you’ll appreciate the roof rail and towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. This SUV is ready for it all.

Final Verdict From a Mom Who’s Driven A Lot of SUVs

Here’s the thing—I’ve had three different Mazdas, and I’ve loved them all, but our Mazda CX-9 GT takes the cake. As a family of five living in L.A., we need a car that comfortably seats five but also makes city driving and parking safe and easy. And the CX-9 GT does exactly that! 

It’s rare to find a car that feels both luxurious and practical. It gave me the confidence to tackle LA traffic, the space to handle life’s chaos, and the safety of knowing my family is protected if an accident ever does happen.

So, if you’re a fellow mom looking for a stylish, spacious, and seriously safe ride, the Mazda CX-9 GT might just be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.