Daily Driver Recommendations for the Wife

Our family hauler is a '13 cx9
I am not impressed with it

Some standard features are simply not there (lighted window switches for instance)

It's on its 3 set or axle bearing (at 124k) and it has something called "torque converter shudder" which feels like then transmission is trying to shake itself to death

OP is replacing a sedan, so I suggested a sedan. Mine's been fantastic, and trouble-free for 90K miles. My 2010 Mazda 3 and 2012 Mazda 5 were also totally reliable, which is why I've stayed with them.

I can't speak to the CX9. I don't drive/need an SUV, and despite public popularity, I don't recommend any of them to anyone.