I test drove both and was cross shopping between the 2017 inscription and 2019 cx-9 signature.
I wonder how many pros the Momentum has over the CX-9. With air suspension being gone, how is the ride comparison then? Would not get B&W either, so the Bose in CX-9 probably sounds better than the default option in XC-90. I also like the larger optional 20 in. wheels in XC-90, which would further stiffen the ride up.
At the end of the day, I would really only be gaining the better seats and higher tech with the Volvo. The design and style is very subjective and they're both great. CX-9 is more conventional while Volvo is more futuristic/minimalistic like a Tesla.
Since you state that the 3rd row will not be used often, I would think that the lack of a 3rd row AC vent should not be a deal-breaker.
I would probably have the third row folded 90% of the time and my dog would go in there when we go to the park, hiking, etc... So it would be nice to have AC vents for her since summers can be quite brutal. There has also been some chatter around here about CX-9 AC, so hopefully that's just a few bad apples and there's no design flaw.
But you are right, it is not a deal-breaker. I just see almost every 3 row SUV (even cheaper ones like Durango) having third row vents and can't imagine why Mazda left it off.
Now, the infotainment issue might be, so I would recommend waiting on the official Mazda statement on the 2020 changes since it is rumored to have a 9-inch screen (from an 8-inch) and may have infotainment updates.
Honestly I would probably buy a used CX-9 so most likely would not get a 2020 model. I'm aiming for a used 2018 or if I'm lucky to find a used 2019 model. The surround view in 2019 model would be nice but not a deal breaker either. As long as it has seat heaters and steering wheel heater.
IMO, the fact that the Mazda CX-9 is being compared to an Volvo XC90 says that the Mazda is punching above its class. So, I would expect the Mazda to be, maybe, 7/8ths of a Volvo XC90, but not equal. I would argue that I prefer the drive of the CX-9 over the XC90. And of course, the main advantage of the CX-9 is price. So, the question really is whether the price advantage outweighs the shortcomings. If you do choose the XC90, I would recommend a CPO so that it comes with additional warranty. At least, that's how I would buy pre-owned XC90, if I were to.
You are definitely right. Mazda hit it out of the ballpark with this one. It has its shortcomings like every other vehicle, but interior quality and design is definitely up there with Audi and BMW imo. Volvo kind of hit it out of the ballpark too though. I never really considered previous Volvos to be in the same league as higher end German cars.
I would definitely buy the Volvo VIP warranty if I did get a Volvo. CPOs are harder to find but at least with the VIP warranty, I'd mostly be covered. That's another $2-3k to budget for though. So I'd probably be looking at a 2017/18 XC90 with 30-40k miles vs. 2018/19 CX-9 with 10-20k miles. One thing I've noticed is that it is VERY hard to find a used CX-9 configured how you want. Mazda didn't seem to make that many of them so they're not as readily available as XC-90s. I also rarely see CX-9s on the road, which is a positive for me since I like a bit of uniqueness. I'm sure if I bought one I'd be seeing one daily though.
I briefly cross-shopped my 2018 CX-9 with a 2018 XC-90, but only on paper. If I could afford it, I might be in the XC-90 right now. They got a lot of stuff right with the interior, like the seats, the lack of piano black trim, and the nice large infotainment display. Lots of nice powertrain options too. That said, I do appreciate Mazda's execution. In fact, comparing them again, it makes me more appreciative of the CX-9 and how it's able to provide so much car for a much lower price.
If you put both in front of me, hid the price, and asked me to take one home, it would probably be the XC-90. It's a great looking vehicle with lots of goodies. With price as a factor, I'd take the CX-9 any day of the week.
Yea I'll definitely have to test drive both and see which one I like more. I think either one is a great choice so there's no right or wrong answer here.