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2023 Mazda CX-9 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Mazda CX-9 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Upscale interior
  • Strong acceleration and sporty handling
  • Comfortable and quiet on the highway

Cons

  • Middling cargo capacity
  • Third-row seats are best for kids

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 26 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

All Mazda CX-9 years

What is new for the 2023 Mazda CX-9?

  • The Sport trim has been discontinued for 2023.
  • Remote Start, Blu-ray Video System, and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Touring trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Rear Sunshade, Bluetooth Technology, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The Touring Plus trim now comes with Leather Seats and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2023 Mazda CX-9 trims

Curious how Mazda CX-9 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Touring:

Touring Plus:

Grand Touring:

Signature:

Carbon Edition:

Mazda CX-9 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Mazda CX-9

1. Powerful performance

Powering the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a potent turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Anytime you merge onto the highway or pass other vehicles, you'll enjoy immediate acceleration from the powertrain that also includes a smooth six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and sport modes. This athletic performance matches sensible fuel economy figures, earning an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine.

If you need four-season abilities, all-wheel drive is standard for additional traction in slick conditions. Whether for daily commuting or weekend adventures, the 2012 CX-9 doesn't compromise on power or performance.

2. Premium interior

If you're looking for a family-friendly three-row SUV with an upscale cabin, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 deserves a spot in your fleet. The interior of this SUV offers sophisticated features to indulge you and your passengers with standard heated front seats and ventilated front seats in Touring Plus and higher trims. Available second-row captain's chairs (standard in Carbon Edition and higher) slide and tilt for easy access to the third row. All 2023 models also include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for a high-end feel and standard three-zone climate control for customized comfort.

3. Quiet cruising

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 combines its potent and sporty performance with a peaceful ride that keeps distracting road and wind noise at bay. This three-row SUV features sound-insulating materials that minimize outside clamor, enhancing the CX-9's premium feel. You and your passengers will also appreciate the 2023 CX-9's smooth and compliant suspension that cushions road imperfections for a smooth ride.

4. Connective features

Feel connected on your drive in the 2013 CX-9. All models of this three-row SUV include a Mazda Connect infotainment system with voice controls, a 10.25-inch full-color display, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. In addition, enjoy convenient on-the-go charging with USB ports in the first and second rows and a standard wireless charging pad. Carbon Edition and higher trims gain third-row USB ports and a 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system, while Grand Touring and higher models include a head-up display and an integrated navigation system to help you find your way.

5. Intelligent driver aids

Every trim of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 includes i-Activsense®, which is an intelligent suite of driver assistance features for added confidence in heavy traffic. Standard blind-spot monitoring alerts you to other vehicles outside your line of sight, while advanced lane keep assist monitors your position to avoid unintentional drift. Additionally, standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking uses sensors to detect potential accidents ahead and provides both audible and visual alerts while automatically applying the brakes to help mitigate or prevent a collision. Finally, standard high beam control automatically ensures greater visibility in low-light driving conditions.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Mazda CX-9 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mazda CX-9 4th out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mazda CX-9 is $480, compared to an average of $608 for Fullsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Mazda CX-9 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.6 times per year, compared to an average of 1.4 times for Fullsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 14% for the Mazda CX-9, compared to an average of 18% for Fullsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Mazda CX-9 features and specs

Signature 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Quad Seats
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

227

Torque (ft-lbs)

310

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

19.5

Wheelbase

115.3"

Overall length

199.4"

Width

77.5"

Height

67.6"

Leg room

F 41"/M 39.4"/R 29.7"

Head room

F 40.1"/M 38.5"/R 35.4"

Front tires

P255/50VR20

Rear tires

P255/50VR20

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Mazda CX-9 FAQ


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