CX-9 3rd row and cargo area?

I’ve been on the hunt for a 7/8 passenger SUV for the last few months. I started out thinking the Kia Sorento would be my top choice based on the amount of features and options for the price, but when I went to look at it I found the 3rd row and cargo area to be completely useless. My 9 yr old could barely climb back there.

From there I checked out the Pilot, Pathfinder, and Highlander. Pilot and Pathfinder have about the amount of room I need, while the Highlander is just a tiny bit smaller than I’d like.

I haven’t had a chance to go see a CX-9 in person yet (and with my schedule I won’t have a day off until next Tuesday). I love the style and hear they drive great. Can anyone give me some insight on how much room there really is in the 3rd room and behind it? I can read the specs on paper, but it seems like some manufacturers can make much better use of the space they have then others.

Third row in CX-9 is decent. Its about Highlander size if I recall but may be a bit bigger.