Can you give your thoughs on how the CX-9 compares with the Santa Fe XL even with the different type of driving between your two articles?
The Mazda is less roomy but a bit more composed in the curves. Much less modern feeling - the Mazda is due for an interior update. The Hyundai was smoother, roomier and its V6 handled the altitude better. The CX-9 is, in my opinion, a bit too expensive to consider without large rebates.
Slightly unfair to compare the high-trim Santa with the CX-9, but it's a typical Mazda vs alternative-brand showdown: overall better driving, less "nice".