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What is the definitive guide to Natasha Nicholes's family-friendly Mazda CX-9 road trips?

Updated April 11, 20262 min read

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Natasha NicholesMazda CX-9road tripsfamily-friendly

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From Natasha Nicholes

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Hi there! I’m Natasha Nicholes.

When I think “definitive guide” to my family-friendly Mazda CX-9 adventures, it really comes down to blending how the car feels with how we actually travel as a family of six. From my review and our many road trips, here’s how I’d pull it all together:

  1. Lean into comfort and space: The CX-9 Grand Touring seats seven, with a usable third row even with two car seats. My kids loved the smooth ride and not feeling every bump in the road, and I loved the leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, and 3‑zone climate control so no one argued about being hot or cold.
  2. Know the tradeoff: Trunk space is the big compromise. It’s similar to my own crossover: roomy for people, tighter for cargo. For road trips, I’d:
    1. Pack in soft duffel bags instead of hard suitcases
    2. Use small, labeled bags for each kid’s toys/snacks near their seats
    3. Consider a rooftop carrier if you’re packing heavy
  3. Use the tech to your advantage: USB audio input, Bluetooth, and the 5.8" display with rear camera all make long days easier. I rely on:
    1. Playlists or satellite radio to keep everyone sane
    2. Rear camera for city and tight parking stops
    3. Hands‑free calling so I can coordinate food and rest stops safely
  4. Road-trip style rules still apply: Just like in my Traverse and Sedona trips, I’d bring:
    1. Lots of non‑messy, not-too-salty snacks so we’re not stopping every hour
    2. A cooler with drinks and a few protein options
    3. Easy-on/easy-off clothes and shoes for quick bathroom and playground breaks
  5. Plan stops that work for the car and the kids: The CX-9 sits low, so it feels like my body is hugging the street—fun, but I still plan:
    1. Parks and rest areas where kids can get wiggles out
    2. Occasional “pretty” city stops where I can photograph the car and the scenery
    3. Shorter driving days if you’re mixing in grandparents or small kids, like I do on multigenerational trips
  6. Be realistic about power and weather: It’s a 4‑cylinder with all‑wheel drive, which for me in Chicago winters is a win. On road trips:
    1. Expect confidence in rain and mild snow thanks to AWD
    2. Don’t expect sports-car speed; it’s more about steady, comfortable cruising than aggressive passing

If I turned this into an actual “Natasha-approved CX-9 road trip,” it would look like:

  1. Start with a cleaned-out trunk and pre-packed snack bags
  2. Build a loose route with a couple of can’t-miss playgrounds or small-town stops
  3. Use the CX-9 as both transportation and photo backdrop—city parks, neighborhood streets, and anywhere the car can “smile” in photos with the kids

Would you like a sample weekend road trip itinerary built specifically around a Mazda CX-9 and kids’ ages?

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