The 2023 Mazda CX-9 comes in five trims: Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring and Signature. The CX-9 boasts three rows of seating with room for six or seven passengers and it comes with standard all-wheel drive. The crossover is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and an impressive 320 pound-feet of torque at just 2,000 rpm with premium gasoline or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with regular 87-octane. Power is sent to the wheels by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-9 has an impressive EPA-estimated mileage of 20-city and 26-highway mpg.
Even the base model is nicely equipped, with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, 3-zone automatic climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power operated heated front seats, push-button start, Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rearview camera, and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The exterior of the CX-9 is highlighted by 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED taillights, heated mirrors, LED interior ambient lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets. Safety features include an active lane departure system, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, rear-cross traffic alert, brake support and blind spot monitoring.
The Touring adds proximity keyless entry and start, power tailgate with programmable height adjustment, leather seating, power passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rear USB ports. An available Premium Package brings LED fog lights, power moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, Bose 12-speaker stereo surround sound system, 2nd row retractable window sunshades, 3rd row USB port, and wireless phone charger.
The Touring Plus trim gets everything from the Touring Premium package plus 20-inch black aluminum wheels, roof rails, ventilated front seats, and driver's seat memory.
The Carbon Edition adds exclusive gray paint, red interior upholstery, adaptive headlights, windshield wiper de-icer, heated steering wheel, 2nd row captain chairs, power folding exterior mirrors, wireless charging pad, heated rear seats, and rear automatic braking.
Stepping up to the Grand Touring the cosmetic changes in the Carbon Edition are no longer available, but it gains head-up display, navigation with voice activation, 360-degree view monitor, driver attention alert, and traffic sign recognition.
Finally, the top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature brings an exclusive grille with LED accent lighting, Napa leather seating and trim with rosewood inlays, and captain chairs with center console.
Standout Styling
Feature-rich Trims
Advanced Safety Features
Powerful Turbocharged Engine
Sporty Handling
Fuel Efficient
Premium Interior
The Sport trim was dropped for 2023 but the Mazda CX-9 otherwise carries over with minimal changes.
The CX-9 is Mazda's flagship crossover SUV, with seating for seven. It's the perfect way to carry friends and family wherever you need to go. Its fuel-efficient turbocharged engine and competent chassis allow for sporty driving with an all-wheel drive delivering performance in all road conditions. With a price starting at around $35,000 the CX-9 is competitive in this crowded segment against the likes of the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Traverse. Mazda's superior driving experience and luxurious interior appointments will likely tip the scales in the CX-9's favor.
