If you want a near-luxury three-row SUV, then the 2022 Mazda CX-9 is the one to get. Sure, the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are posh in their own ways, but when it comes to elegant styling inside and out, the CX-9 takes the cake. I spent a week with the top-trim Mazda CX-9 Signature and was impressed with the way it drove, but even more impressed with what it had to offer on the inside. Specifically, its sophisticated parchment interior.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 Prestige trim offers two different interior color choices

If you play around with the configurator on Mazda’s site, you’ll notice that the CX-9 Prestige has a limited amount of color options. There are only four exterior colors to choose from – Soul Red, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, and Jet Black – and two interior colors – Deep Chestnut and Parchment. My test car for the week came with a Soul Red exterior, which is a $495 upcharge, and a Parchment interior.

If you have never seen Soul Red in person, I highly recommend it. It’s a deep red, almost maroon color, that really accentuates the SUV’s design in different lighting. I don’t even like red cars, but if I had to buy a CX-9, then it would be painted in this color. Trust me, the pictures don’t do it justice.

Now, for the interior, the Parchment color is technically a really light beige. However, in person, it looks white and it really takes the CX-9’s minimalistic interior appeal and the fine Nappa leather seats a step higher. It makes the cabin feel airy and light and it’s quick to cool down when it’s hot.

That all being said, if you have kids, you might not want this interior. Also, I can imagine that the seats may attract jean stains over time. But if I were personally buying this car, I probably wouldn’t care. If you do, then get the Deep Chestnut color, which is basically a dark brown.

What other features does the Mazda CX-9 Signature have to offer?

Aside from the swanky white interior color, the Mazda CX-9 Signature comes with a host of features that the other trims do not. For starters, the second row has captain’s chairs with a center console that has its own cupholders and storage space. The rear seats are also heated and there are plenty of USB ports around the cabin – there are even two in the third row.

Speaking of the third row, it’s a bit cumbersome to get in and out of. But once you’re in, I would hope that you’re not taller than my 5-foot, 8-inch frame because I barely had enough head and legroom back there. Although, kids would surely fit just fine.

How much does the Mazda CX-9 Signature cost?

The starting MSRP for the 2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature is $47,210. The price for my week-long test car was $49,030 and that includes the $1,225 destination charge and the extra charge for the sultry Soul Red paint.

There aren’t any other options when opting for this trim level aside from the paint and interior color – so shopping at this level is easy. If you’re looking for one of the nicest and plush three-row SUVs on the market and don’t want to pay more than $50,000, then the 2022 CX-9 Prestige is worth a look.