Praised for its sporty driving experience, luxurious interior features, and user-friendly infotainment system, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 midsize SUV offers a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 250 horsepower (with premium gasoline) and solid fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
With top safety ratings and a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100, the CX-9 presents itself as a compelling option in its class.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is ranked 3rd out of 23 in Midsize SUVs and has a U.S. News Rating of 8.3/10.
- It emphasizes sportiness over utility and is praised for its fun driving experience and impressive interior with luxury-like features.
- However, it has limited space in the third row and a smaller cargo hold compared to most midsize SUVs.
- The 2023 CX-9 offers upscale materials, comfortable front seats, and a long list of standard features, making it a good choice for those who prioritize driving dynamics and practicality.
Table of Contents
Performance and Handling
The Mazda CX-9 offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter I4 engine with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, providing powerful acceleration and minimal body roll. The turbocharged power allows for quick acceleration, making the CX-9 a responsive and agile SUV. The smooth transmission ensures seamless gear shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience.
One of the standout features of the CX-9 is its tight steering, which contributes to its excellent handling. The steering response is quick and accurate, allowing for precise control during turns and maneuvers. This not only enhances the sporty driving feel but also adds to the overall safety of the vehicle.
The combination of turbocharged power, agile handling, smooth transmission, quick acceleration, and tight steering make the Mazda CX-9 a joy to drive. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, this SUV offers a dynamic and engaging driving experience.
For those seeking a blend of performance and practicality in their midsize SUV, the Mazda CX-9 delivers with its powerful engine, responsive handling, and refined driving dynamics. It is an ideal choice for individuals who desire a sense of belonging in a vehicle that offers both sportiness and versatility.
Safety Features and Ratings
The safety features and ratings of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 are notable. The CX-9 comes with Mazdas i-Activesense safety suite as standard on every trim level. This comprehensive suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. These driver assistance features provide an added layer of protection for both the driver and passengers. The CX-9 has received top marks in crash test ratings and has earned a coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This recognition highlights Mazda’s commitment to safety technology.
Key Features:
- Mazdas i-Activesense safety suite offers advanced driver assistance features
- Standard inclusion of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist
- Crash test ratings have earned the CX-9 a Top Safety Pick+ rating
With these standard safety features and excellent crash test ratings, drivers can feel confident in the security provided by the 2023 Mazda CX-9. The inclusion of advanced driver assistance technology enhances overall vehicle safety and helps prevent accidents before they occur. By prioritizing safety technology and achieving top-notch crash test results, Mazda ensures that drivers and passengers alike can enjoy peace of mind while traveling on the road.
Design and Exterior
Slim headlights and a shapely grille give the 2023 Mazda CX-9 a sporty look that resembles an oversized CX-5. This design choice appeals to those who desire a sleek and athletic appearance in their SUV. The driver-focused layout of the interior further enhances the sporty feel of the CX-9, allowing for easy access to controls and providing a sense of connection between the driver and the vehicle.
Mazda has also prioritized high-quality materials in the construction of the CX-9. One notable example is the use of Parchment Nappa leather with quilted inserts, which adds a touch of luxury to the cabin. Additionally, genuine rosewood accents contribute to an upscale aesthetic.
To provide a more comprehensive understanding, please refer to Table 1 below:
| Design Features | Exterior |
|---|---|
| Sporty Look | Slim headlights and shapely grille |
| Oversized CX-5 | The layout emphasizes accessibility and connectivity |
| Driver-Focused | Materials used throughout the interior |
| High-Quality | Materials used throughout interior |
| Parchment Nappa | Leather seats with quilted inserts |
Overall, through its sporty look, oversized resemblance to the CX-5, driver-focused layout, and high-quality materials, such as Parchment Nappa leather with quilted inserts and genuine rosewood accents, Mazda has created an SUV that caters to individuals seeking both style and substance in their driving experience.
Comfort and Interior Features
The comfort and interior features of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 cater to the needs of drivers and passengers, providing a pleasant and enjoyable driving experience.
- Front seat comfort: The Mazda CX-9 offers soft and supportive front seats that ensure a comfortable ride for drivers. The seating position is well-designed, allowing for good visibility and easy access to controls.
- Rear seat space: While the third-row seats in the Mazda CX-9 may be cramped for adults, the second-row captain’s chairs provide more form-fitting comfort. This allows rear passengers to relax during long journeys.
- Infotainment system: The CX-9 comes equipped with an intuitive infotainment system that is easy to use. It features a 10.25-inch display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, and wireless device charging. These features enhance the overall driving experience by providing seamless connectivity and entertainment options.
Additionally, the interior of the Mazda CX-9 boasts luxury-like features such as upscale materials, including parchment Nappa leather with quilted inserts and genuine rosewood accents. These elements elevate the overall aesthetic appeal of the cabin.
However, it is important to note that when it comes to cargo capacity, the Mazda CX-9 falls short compared to its competitors in the midsize SUV segment. With only 14.4 cubic feet of room behind the third-row seats (expanding to 38.2 cubic feet with them folded down), it may not offer enough space for larger items or families with extensive luggage needs.
Fuel Efficiency and Economy
Fuel efficiency and economy are important considerations for potential buyers of the 2023 Mazda CX-9. The CX-9 offers competitive fuel efficiency, allowing drivers to save on fuel costs over time. While the CX-9 does not currently have hybrid options, it does come with eco-friendly features that contribute to its overall efficiency. These features include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with smooth and well-timed shifts from the six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-9 also boasts engaging handling and tight body roll-around turns, making it an enjoyable vehicle to drive while still maintaining good fuel economy.
In terms of cost of ownership, the CX-9 has solid predicted reliability scores and comes with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This provides peace of mind for owners in terms of potential repair costs. Additionally, the CX-9 has received top safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ensuring that owners can feel safe on the road.
Overall, while the CX-9 may not offer hybrid options at this time, it provides a balance between performance and fuel efficiency along with attractive eco-friendly features. Its cost of ownership is reasonable considering its reliability and safety ratings. Potential buyers looking for a stylish midsize SUV with good fuel economy should consider the 2023 Mazda CX-9 as a viable option.
Pricing and Trim Options
Pricing and trim options for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 range from $38,750 to $48,460, with the Touring trim being the most popular choice among buyers. This midsize SUV offers a range of features and trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets.
Here is a market analysis of the pricing and trim options for the 2023 Mazda CX-9:
- Pricing/Value:
- The pricing for the Mazda CX-9 falls within the average range for midsize SUVs in its class.
- The value proposition lies in the upscale interior materials, comfortable front seats, and a long list of standard features.
- Trim Levels:
- The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is available in five trims: Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature.
- Each trim level offers unique features and upgrades, allowing buyers to choose a configuration that suits their needs.
- Features:
- Standard features include leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, an infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a six-speaker stereo system with HD Radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning are also included across all trims.
In comparison to other midsize SUVs on the market, the Mazda CX-9 stands out with its sporty handling and upscale cabin. However, it does have limited space in the third row compared to some competitors like Hyundai Palisade. Overall, the pricing of different trims provides options at various price points while delivering a combination of style, performance, and safety features that make it an attractive choice in this segment.
Pros and Cons
Moving on to the pros and cons of the 2023 Mazda CX-9, there are several notable aspects to consider.
Starting with the positives, one of the standout features of this SUV is its upscale interior. The cabin boasts high-quality materials and a luxurious feel, particularly in the top-level Signature trim.
Additionally, the CX-9 offers sporty handling that is reminiscent of a sedan, delivering a dynamic driving experience with responsive steering and spunky acceleration.
On the downside, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. Firstly, the cargo space in the CX-9 is limited compared to its competitors in the midsize SUV segment. With only 14.4 cubic feet of room behind the third-row seats and 38.2 cubic feet with those seats folded down, it may not provide ample space for larger items or extensive luggage.
Furthermore, while the front seats are comfortable and supportive, providing a pleasant ride for occupants upfront, the third row falls short in terms of size and comfort for normal-sized adults.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Mazda CX-9
How Does the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Compare to Other Midsize SUVs in Terms of Cargo Space?
In terms of cargo space, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 offers less capacity compared to its competitors in the midsize SUV segment. While it provides adequate room for most needs, those requiring more storage options may find other models more suitable.
What Are Some Unique Design Features of the 2023 Mazda Cx-9?
Unique design features of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 include slim headlights, a shapely grille, and an interior with a driver-focused layout. The top-end Signature model offers Titanium Gray inserts in the grille and high-quality materials such as Parchment Nappa leather with quilted inserts and genuine rosewood accents.
Are There Any Specific Safety Features That Stand Out in the 2023 Mazda Cx-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 offers advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It also features crash avoidance technology, enhanced visibility features, and child safety features. The vehicle has robust safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.
How Does the Fuel Efficiency of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Compare to Its Competitors?
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 compares favorably to its competitors such as the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade. With a city fuel economy of 20 MPG, highway fuel economy of 26 MPG, and combined fuel economy of 23 MPG, it offers comparable efficiency. However, it is important to note that actual fuel economy may vary depending on the trim and drivetrain options chosen. It is also worth considering long-term reliability and overall cost of ownership when evaluating the CX-9’s performance. Additionally, while there is no hybrid option currently available for the CX-9, future iterations may introduce this feature to enhance fuel efficiency further.
What Are the Pricing Options and Trim Levels Available for the 2023 Mazda Cx-9?
Pricing options for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 range from $38,750 to $48,460. The available trim levels include Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature. The CX-9 offers a premium interior and various features for different pricing levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a midsize SUV that offers a sporty driving experience and impressive luxury-like features. While it may have limited space in the third row and a smaller cargo hold compared to its competitors, it still stands out for its overall performance and design.
With solid fuel economy, top safety ratings, and a predicted reliability score, the CX-9 proves to be a reliable choice. However, shoppers may also consider alternatives such as the 2024 Kia Telluride or the 2023 Hyundai Palisade.
