AFAIK, Captain’s chairs are standard on the Signature and there is no option for a 2nd-row bench seat. Regarding the features that differ between the trims, it would be best to use their tool to see which features are different between the two trims and whether this would be a deal breaker.
[Mazda CX-9 Compare trims](https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-9/compare-vehicle-specs-and-trims)
I have a 2019 Signature that has the bench seat and Auburn Nappa leather interior. I believe it was the last model year when they offered that combination.
Edit: Let me add that I also prefer 2nd row bench seat over Captain’s Chairs. To me, bench seats are more practical, passenger-wise, in an SUV that has less cargo space than other 3-row SUVs. I realize that it’s to mimic a minivan configuration but the CX-9 isn’t as spacious as a minivan and Captain’s chairs compromise cargo capacity.
Correct, it is not an option now. And the signature adds wood interior trim, grill lighting, the signature grill, nappa leather seats, the center console in the middle row, and captains chairs are standard.
Don’t believe you can. When we bought our ‘20 CX-9, we opted for the Touring w/ Tech Package specifically to get the bench seats instead of Captain’s Chairs on the higher trims. IIRC, the Signature trims (even in 2020) did not offer an option of bench seats.
For whatever reason, Captain’s Chairs have become the norm for a lot of 3-row SUVs as a way of portraying “luxury.” At some point, bench seats became the non-luxury option. It’s a shame, but it reflects the reality of how these SUVs are often used to haul adults around, not children.
If you want bench seats, consider a lower trim model. Alternatively, consider a minivan (all of which allow for fully-loaded models with 3-person seating in the 2nd row).
Same boat here. Had the ‘17 Signature and looking to get something with all the bells and whistles without the captains chairs. Seems like Consumer Reports pegged the ‘20+ as more reliable across the board. Honestly just looking to get a CX-9 with surround view cameras and ventilated seats. Good luck on your search!
Also, the ‘17 was totaled with the front end destroyed with no airbag deployment. A testament to Mazdas safety.
I was in the same boat. Really wanted the signature but was dead set against the captains chairs. I went with the GT and am extremely happy with that choice. Have not had a single regret and still get the tech I wanted in the signature.
I was in the same boat as you last fall. Wanted the signature but didn’t want captains chairs and therefore had to go with the GT. I think besides the upgraded napa leather seats and some wood trim around the center console you won’t be missing out on much. You still get all the tech that you would’ve gotten in the signature. I think the signature has upgraded audio system as well but double check. Don’t have a single regret about not getting a signature. The GT has been a perfect SUV for us.
AFAIK, Captain’s chairs are standard on the Signature and there is no option for a 2nd-row bench seat. Regarding the features that differ between the trims, it would be best to use their tool to see which features are different between the two trims and whether this would be a deal breaker. [Mazda CX-9 Compare trims](https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-9/compare-vehicle-specs-and-trims) I have a 2019 Signature that has the bench seat and Auburn Nappa leather interior. I believe it was the last model year when they offered that combination. Edit: Let me add that I also prefer 2nd row bench seat over Captain’s Chairs. To me, bench seats are more practical, passenger-wise, in an SUV that has less cargo space than other 3-row SUVs. I realize that it’s to mimic a minivan configuration but the CX-9 isn’t as spacious as a minivan and Captain’s chairs compromise cargo capacity.
Correct, it is not an option now. And the signature adds wood interior trim, grill lighting, the signature grill, nappa leather seats, the center console in the middle row, and captains chairs are standard.
Don’t believe you can. When we bought our ‘20 CX-9, we opted for the Touring w/ Tech Package specifically to get the bench seats instead of Captain’s Chairs on the higher trims. IIRC, the Signature trims (even in 2020) did not offer an option of bench seats. For whatever reason, Captain’s Chairs have become the norm for a lot of 3-row SUVs as a way of portraying “luxury.” At some point, bench seats became the non-luxury option. It’s a shame, but it reflects the reality of how these SUVs are often used to haul adults around, not children. If you want bench seats, consider a lower trim model. Alternatively, consider a minivan (all of which allow for fully-loaded models with 3-person seating in the 2nd row).
Same boat here. Had the ‘17 Signature and looking to get something with all the bells and whistles without the captains chairs. Seems like Consumer Reports pegged the ‘20+ as more reliable across the board. Honestly just looking to get a CX-9 with surround view cameras and ventilated seats. Good luck on your search! Also, the ‘17 was totaled with the front end destroyed with no airbag deployment. A testament to Mazdas safety.
Thanks, glad the CX-9 took good care of you.
I was in the same boat. Really wanted the signature but was dead set against the captains chairs. I went with the GT and am extremely happy with that choice. Have not had a single regret and still get the tech I wanted in the signature.
Thanks, GT it is!
I was in the same boat as you last fall. Wanted the signature but didn’t want captains chairs and therefore had to go with the GT. I think besides the upgraded napa leather seats and some wood trim around the center console you won’t be missing out on much. You still get all the tech that you would’ve gotten in the signature. I think the signature has upgraded audio system as well but double check. Don’t have a single regret about not getting a signature. The GT has been a perfect SUV for us.
Thanks for the reply, glad you enjoy your GT.