Check out the majority of three-row crossovers and you’ll notice that using the third row means giving up any usable cargo space. Not so with the CX-9, which thanks to its bowed rear shape maintains some usable space even with seven passengers on board. The liftover height is higher than shorter folks will appreciate, yet the tailgate opens barely high enough to clear our five-foot-eight-inch tall editor’s head. The tailgate includes a handle, and a power function is in the works. Lowering the seats requires a pull of a strap and handle, after which you get a nearly flat load floor. There are four tie-down points, and a plastic bumper pad prevents expensive gouges and scratches to the painted surface.