2023 Mazda CX-9 Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos
What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Mazda CX-9? What does it compare to?
With three rows of seats, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 can square off against the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, among many other three-row crossover SUVs.
Is the 2023 Mazda CX-9 a good SUV?
Review continues below
It’s a driver-focused crossover SUV, which may or may not be what your family needs. Cargo and third-row space are below average, but the 2023 CX-9 is priced well, beautifully appointed inside, and polished to drive. It’s a conundrum, earning a 6.2 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
Mazda dropped the base CX-9 trim level this year, so the lineup now starts just north of $40,000—a $5,000 hike from 2022. At least that money buys a pretty well-equipped crossover SUV.
The CX-9 has been around for a while in its current form, so its sleek, mega-CX-5 styling may seem familiar. It’s still a good-looking vehicle, with a broad grille up front and narrow headlights that give way to curvy but not voluptuous lines from the side. There’s not a wasted surface here.
Inside, the CX-9 packs a big 10.3-inch display, but it’s not a touchscreen and it’s controlled by a fiddly center console knob. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility helps a little, but even then basic tasks are tedious.
The 227-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4 offers circa-2005 power sent to all four wheels via a circa-2005 6-speed automatic transmission. Handling is a bright point, but power is not. The CX-9 feels labored with a full load of passengers aboard. Its turbo-4 pumps out 250 hp on pricier premium fuel, though that’s only a minor upgrade.
It may not be quick, but it’s quite nice from the driver’s seat. The cabin features nice materials assembled with care as well as comfortable front and second-row seats. The third row is only for kids, something we can’t say about similarly priced rivals from Toyota and Subaru. Cargo space is ample, though again competitors go a step farther with more space.
Excellent crash-test scores from the NHTSA and the IIHS are serious selling points, though, and the entire lineup comes with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control.
How much does the 2023 Mazda CX-9 cost?
The deletion of the base Sport trim this year means the base CX-9 now costs $40,025. That’s a lot of money, but it does buy standard all-wheel drive, leather seats, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a host of crash-avoidance features.
The trim CX-9 lineup tops out about $10,000 higher for the Signature, which wears softer leather, real wood, and a Bose audio. It’s almost a luxury SUV.
Where is the 2023 Mazda CX-9 made?
In Japan.
