This week I bring you the three-row 2023 Mazda CX-9. Once Mazda's largest SUV, it now takes second place to the upcoming 2024 CX-90, Mazda's new flagship which will seat up to eight and will also be available as plug-in hybrid.
Want to compare to the CX-90? Here's a link to Jerry's review of the 2024.
Exterior
My top-of-the line Signature test vehicle wears a gorgeous Soul Red Metallic paint hue which gets my vote as one of the most gorgeous reds on the road today. It complements the Signature's 20-inch aluminum bright silver finish alloy wheels and chrome front, side and rear lower body molding.
Up front, the Signature grade sports a titanium gray metallic finished front grille with LED accent lighting along with LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights. The heated power, auto-fold, mirrors adorn the profile.
In the back, you'll find larger dual exhaust pipes, a body colored rear roof spoiler and on top, sit aluminum roof rails.
Performance
All CX-9 grades are equipped with a 2.5 Turbo engine mated to a 6-speed automatic with Sport mode and paddle shifters. The powertrain delivers 227-horsepower and 310- pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. It bumps up to 250-horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when using premium. The CX-9 is also equipped with i-Active AWD with off-road traction assist.
Interior
Mazda is known for its near luxury interiors and the CX-9 Signature does not disappoint. The stylish design, soft-touch materials, and quality switchgear are all notable.
My test vehicle's light Parchment interior is especially gorgeous, creating a perfect contrast to genuine Santos Rosewood inlays, aluminum accents, and the glossy black trim. The door panel design is unique and detail oriented.
The CX-9's cushiony and comfortable Nappa and leather-trimmed 1st and 2nd-row seats are a highlight. Quilting and piping adds a premium look. Both rows are heated, while ventilated seats are reserved for just the 1st row. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminum trim and paddle shifters heats up nicely.
The wide center console is home to a leather-wrapped gear shifter and controls for the drive modes, brake auto hold, an electric parking brake, and wireless phone charger. A cushiony console bin opens from the center.
Above, you'll get a power moonroof, but there is no panoramic option (however, there is in the new CX-90).
My test model is equipped with spa-day comfortable 2nd-row Captain's chairs, making the Signature trim a six-passenger SUV. A 7-seat configuration is available.
The second-row is very roomy with its own digital A/C controls, manual sunshades and a large soft-touch center console with glossy black cupholders. While you get a bit more plastic on the door panels, soft-touch armrests carryover to the 2nd-row.
The 50/50 split fold-down third-row isn't the largest one on the market, but I do think it could fit a couple of adults who aren't too tall - say over 5'6" inches. Third-row passengers get cubby holes and USB-C ports along with cupholders. The Signature trim has six USB ports in all, two for each row).
Standard lineup features include three-zone climate, push button start, front and second-row dual USB inputs, eight-way power driver's seat and lumbar support, six-way power front passenger's seat, and an electronic parking brake.
Utility
The CX-9 doesn't lack for cargo space whether the third-row seats are up or down. While the third-row seats are not power operated, they're some of the easiest seats to manually operate that I've come across. They are super easy to fold down when you need to.
The Signature's hands-free power lift gate opens at a nice speed, so you're not going to be waiting around. There is also extra storage space under the cargo floor. You'll get 12-volt power outlets, one in front and another up front.
Technology
There's a lot going for the CX-9, but for me the technology could use an update. Mazda is still opting for a traditional design approach as opposed to bright, flashy colorful displays like other manufacturers have adopted, at least for the CX-9.
For instance, a 7-inch center digital driver's display is still flanked by two analog dials. (Note: The digital driver display gets a whole new look with the new CX-90).
The 10.25-inch center multi-media display sits back on the dash and is not a touchscreen. You control it via a multi-function command knob on the center console or with steering wheel mounted controls. The navigation graphics, to me, could really use an update. The screen does offer nice real estate for the rearview camera. The multimedia system offers SiriusXM, HD Radio and Pandora radio along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
A 12-speaker Bose audio system sounds great and the speakers look great too.
Mazda's done a nice job with its available Active Driving Display with road sign and speed limit recognition.
Ride and Drive
The CX-9 is a vehicle is on the heavier side - ringing it at over 4,000 pounds - a plus in my book because it results in a composed, confident ride. It's a firmer, sportier ride too in terms of handling, delivering the engaging driving dynamics Mazda is well-known for. Its tighter steering feel is the polar opposite of the looser steering feel that you find, say, in a Volkswagen. Its Turbo engine delivers nice acceleration. The CX-9's suspension handles potholes very well, and this SUV delivers a smooth and quiet ride on the highway. With 8.8-inches of ground clearance, it also gives you a great vantage point of the road from the driver's seat.
Safety
Standard i-Activsense driver's assistance technology includes Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Driver Attention Alert is also standard.
The Signature grade is also equipped with an adaptive front lighting system, Smart City Brake Support Reverse, 360 degree View Monitor and front/rear parking sensors.
What You'll Pay
The Signature trim comes very well-equipped. My only add-on is the $595 for the special red paint hue which brings the total MSRP to roughly $50,000.
Verdict
The CX-9 is an upscale three-row SUV that is one of the more engaging, sporty SUVs to drive in the segment with a best-in-class interior. My only hang up with the CX-9 is that its technology needs an update something that's coming in the larger CX-90.
- What I liked most: Its amazing Nappa leather-trimmed interior, overall comfort and fantastic driving dynamics.
- What I would change: Update technology, offer optional panoramic moonroof.
- MSRP: Base price: $48,460; As equipped: $50,330.
- Fuel Economy: 20 city/ 26 highway/23 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 4,968 miles.
- Weight: 4,409 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Temporary Spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 199.4” long/ 77.5" wide/ 69" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.5 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Soul Red Crystal Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2023 Mazda CX-9 Turbo in a few words: A near luxury SUV with an incredible interior and exceptional driving dynamics.
- Warranty: 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty; 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain protection, 24-hour roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Hiroshima, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Mazda
