2023 Mazda CX-9 SUV

　　

2023 Mazda CX-9 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　, rating written byCameron RogersAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize SUV and currently the largest SUV in the automaker's lineup, sitting above the recently introduced Mazda CX-50. An all-new three-row crossover SUV dubbed the CX-90 is on the horizon, which could mean the CX-9's days are numbered. But for 2023, at least, the CX-9 is still in the mix.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$208/mo  for CX-9 Touring

　　CX-9 Touring

　　Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $38,750 MSRPTouring Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $41,350 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $44,830 MSRPGrand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $45,690 MSRPSignature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $48,460 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　This year's CX-9 receives only minor changes. The most significant of them is that the base trim level, the Sport, is no longer available. That means the former next-step-up Touring is now the least expensive CX-9 trim on offer and, as such, the CX-9's entry-level price is a few thousand dollars more than most rival three-row SUVs. But you are getting a pleasingly well-equipped SUV out of the deal. Plus, updates over the past few years such as standard all-wheel drive and an upgraded infotainment system have done a lot to keep it from falling behind in a highly competitive class.

　　Just about every mainstream automaker has an SUV in this class so it takes a lot for a product to stand out. Some of zzdcar' top picks include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas. If you don't need a third row (and the CX-9's is one of the least spacious third rows around), the new Mazda CX-50 looks and feels a bit more modern than the aging CX-9. But no other three-row looks and feels quite like the CX-9. It's sporty, sure, but it's also quiet and comfortable on the road, enhancing the premium feel even further.

　　

What's it like to live with?

When Mazda last redesigned the CX-9 for the 2016 model year, we took one into our long-term fleet for a full year. Over the course of 22,000 miles, we learned plenty about what's great about the CX-9 and what's not. Note that while there have been some changes to the CX-9 since 2016, most of our observations still apply.

　　

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the CX-9 drive? The Mazda CX-9 feels like a smaller midsize SUV in many ways, including the way it drives. It's a bit more athletic than competitors on a winding road, with confident brake response, and it's easy to maneuver in tighter confines. The all-wheel-drive system is tuned mainly for inclement road conditions, but it can handle your weekend "soft-roading" excursions.

　　There's a sufficient amount of power on tap that's available right off the line, delivering great response when you need to get going. Accelerating to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds, which is good for a three-row midsize SUV, and the transmission shifts smoothly, making for a seamless daily driver experience.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CX-9? Whether you're commuting or taking a long road trip, the CX-9 delivers a good degree of comfort. Much of the credit goes to the smooth ride, which strikes a balance between sporty and compliant. Taller tire sidewalls contribute to this balance, helping provide cushion against road imperfections. Inside, the CX-9 has well-sculpted front seats that offer ample support, but it's worth noting the third row is quite small and not as comfortable as many competitors' back rows. The cabin, however, is luxury-level quiet, which is impressive.

　　Our test car's climate control is easy to use, but it might not blow cold enough if you have polar bear blood running through your veins. The heated and ventilated front seats work decently, and rear passengers have access to climate controls for their area.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below