Latest News
Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Mazda CX-9: Great Ride, Great Features
What do our experts think of the 2023 Mazda CX-9? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Mazda CX-9 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2023 Mazda CX-9 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
For 2023, Mazda has discontinued the Sport trim from 2022 which means that the new base price for a CX-9 is above $40,000. On top of that, the Touring Premium package is gone too. Thankfully, Mazda added features to the new base trim.
The Breakdown
Excellent pricing
Great handling
Many advanced safety features
Limited second-row bench availability
Only one engine choice
Snug third row
We’d love a turbocharged V6
2023 Mazda Specs
- 250 horsepower from base engine
- 320 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 14.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 71.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Intuitive Infotainment system
- IIHS Safety Pick+
- Towing capacity of 3,500 lbs
- 3-Year Limited Warranty coverage
2023 Mazda CX-9 Powertrain
It might be easy to dismiss the CX-9 when one considers its specs on paper. A turbocharged four-banger under the hood of a three-row SUV does not sound like a good time. In fact, in a list of our favorite three-row SUVs, the Mazda is the lone entry with fewer than six cylinders. It manages to snag a spot thanks to excellent handling and intuitive handling. Mazda’s G-Vectoring control actually monitors steering angle and then applies power and braking very subtly to improve the feel from behind the wheel and to help the SUV turn more quickly.
It’s a clever system and it’s put to excellent effect here. On top of that, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is downright punchy. On regular fuel it develops 227 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. Put premium in and the ECU will automatically tune in more power though for a total of 250 ponies and 320 pound-feet. Again, it’s a nice use of technology that we really appreciate. Truth be told though, we’d really love an optional engine with even more power. We get the feeling that the CX-9 could really be a giant killer at that stage.
Towing & Payload
Those looking to pull heavy things behind the CX-9 will likely need to look at other brands. No matter how you equip the vehicle it’s maximum towing capacity is capped at 3,500 pounds. That’s below average for this segment.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Fuel Economy & MPG
If there’s a big downside to the CX-9s powertrain it’s a lack of competitive fuel economy numbers. The EPA estimates that this Mazda will get 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. That’s not atrocious considering the size and weight of this SUV but it’s not spectacular either.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
We’ve long considered the CX-9, even used ones, to be one of the best midsize SUVs in its class. That remains true for 2023 thanks in part to an interior jam-packed full of features and quality materials. Throughout the cabin, there are small details and design features that look, feel, and operate as though this SUV cost considerably more cash. The center console flips up from the middle to make access easy for both front-seat occupants. The controls just ahead of it feature real metal and the buttons and switches generate a satisfying tactile response when used.
It’s not a perfect SUV though. The front seats are beautiful and comfortable but they could use more support up toward the shoulders. To our backs, it feels as though the CX-9 is set up for front-seat occupants to be leaned quite far back as opposed to a more upright position.
Additionally, the second and third rows are tighter than in rivals like the Kia Telluride or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. That’s also true when it comes to cargo space. Behind the third row is just 14.3 cubic feet of space or about enough to stash a couple of carry-on luggage bags. Thankfully, the third rows fold completely flat for more utility.
Entertainment & Technology
A 10.25-inch infotainment screen is standard across the entire CX-9 lineup. Mazda has staunchly defended its lack of touchscreen capability for years and we don’t think that it’s worse for it. The simple and intuitive scroll wheel and button menu in the center console is easy to remember and easy to use.
Mazda equips every CX-9 with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for those that want it. We also like the digital gauge cluster and the optional heads-up display. Both are bright, easy to read, and provide more information than one might expect.
Safety Features
While the NHTSA has yet to release safety data on the 2023 Mazda CX-9, the IIHS awarded the 2022 model with a Top Safety Pick+. In addition, the 2020 version of the CX-9 did get a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA. On top of those accolades, this SUV comes with a complete suite of standard driver aids like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. It’s a complete package that we really like.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Trims & Pricing
Touring – $40,025
The base CX-9 starts out with all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, keyless entry, a sunroof, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a wireless charging pad, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety equipment includes forward collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Touring Plus – $42,625
Buyers who go for the Touring Plus get driver’s seat memory settings, ventilated front seats, roof rails, a second-row bench seat, 20-inch black-painted wheels, and a dark-finish grille.
Carbon Edition – $46,105
Every Carbon Edition comes in a special Polymetal Gray paint color. It also gets adaptive headlights, a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, third-row USB ports, a digital gauge cluster, satellite radio, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, heated second-row captain’s chairs, second-row window shades, a hands-free liftgate, power-folding side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer system. Additional safety equipment includes rear automatic braking, parking sensors, and driver attention warning.
Grand Touring – $46,965
This luxury-focused trim gets a heated second-row bench seat along with a heads-up display, integrated navigation, a surround-view camera system, and traffic sign recognition.
Signature – $49,735
The top trim Signature gets second-row captain’s chairs with a center console, real wood trim, premium leather upholstery, and an exclusive grille with its own LED lighting.
Warranties
Mazda offers a standard three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty along with a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. That’s about the most basic package you’ll find in the market. Mazda also doesn’t offer any complimentary maintenance like rivals from Jeep or Hyundai.
What We Think
2023 Mazda CX-9 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2023 Mazda CX-9 on Carsforsale.com
The base CX-9 is basically a steal at $40,025. It’s chocked full of great features, quality built materials, and excellent safety equipment. In fact, the entire lineup offers excellent value as one of the best family cars on the market. We recommend taking a look at incentives before buying to get an even better deal.
