2023 Mazda CX-9

History/Overview

The Mazda CX-9 mid-size crossover arrived in 2007, when it was built on a platform shared with Ford. Mazda introduced the second-generation CX-9 in 2016 as an in-house design that announced the brand’s intention to move upscale; many of the engineering, features and design cues that debuted in the current CX-9 have since become available in Mazda’s smaller models.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

There are no changes to the CX-9 this year as Mazda readies its newest mid-size crossover, the CX-90, for the 2024 model year.

Available Trims

Mazda offers the CX-9 in GS, GS-L, GT, Kuro, and Signature trim levels. All are powered by a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD.

Standard Features

GS trim comes with 18-inch wheels, auto on/off LED headlights/taillights, heated side mirrors, heated front seats with driver power adjustments, leather-trimmed steering wheel/shifter, three rows of seating, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, and three-zone A/C. There’s also a suite of driver safety assists comprising forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.

GS-L adds 20-inch wheels, a power tailgate, a sunroof, LED fog lights, a front wiper de-icer, wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming interior mirror, passive keyless entry, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel.

GT’s safety additions include 360-degree cameras, front/rear parking sensors, a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, adaptive headlights, rear automatic braking, and driver attention alert. You also get a hands-free tailgate, power-folding side mirrors, a 12-speaker stereo, navigation, a garage remote, ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, and a digital gauge display.

The Kuro and Signature packages largely bring cosmetic additions, like red leather/stitching (Kuro), and quilted Nappa leather and rosewood dash trim in Signature, which also adds a frameless rearview mirror.

Key Options

GS-L and GT can be optioned with second-row captains chairs in place of the standard three-place bench seat.

Fuel Economy

Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates are 11.6/9.1 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

The Mazda CX-9 is one of the smaller options in a class of three-row mid-sizers that includes the Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, Kia Sorento, Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Volkswagen Atlas.