2023 Mazda CX-9 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Mazda CX-9, the brand's former flagship, gets some changes to the trim lineup and features menu for 2023.

The Mazda CX-9 occupies an odd spot in the Mazda lineup, as the former flagship model that’s now overshadowed by the new CX-90. This three-row crossover rivals the likes of the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Highlander.

What’s New for the 2023 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 sees minor changes to the trim lineup and features menu for 2023. Most notably, the entry-level Sport trim was discontinued, making the Touring trim the new base model. The CX-9 was last fully redesigned for the 2016 model year and has received minor updates since then to keep its content and technology fresh.

Design

The CX-9 is elegant despite its size, thanks to Mazda’s signature swoops, creases, and sporty profile lines. It’s the largest vehicle in the lineup (or at least it was, until the CX-90 came along this year), yet its profile and stance make it look like an upscaled version of Mazda’s smaller, sportier crossovers. With a long hood, elegant front lighting, and big wheel arches that emphasize the graceful wheel designs, the CX-9 is one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment.

Powertrain

Every 2023 CX-9 features the same powertrain: a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). When fueled with 87-octane gasoline, the CX-9 is rated for 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, but filling it with premium increases output to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Interior

The CX-9 has an inviting and elegant cabin with a welcoming design and quality materials. It’s thoughtfully laid out, so that the infotainment display doesn’t distract the driver or obstruct the view. The CX-9 can be configured to seat six or seven passengers, depending on whether the buyer prefers a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a moonroof all come standard. Upgrade options include cooled front seats and heated second-row seats.

Technology

The 2023 CX-9 comes standard with a 10.25-inch display that features the Mazda Connect infotainment system, controlled with a console-mounted knob. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, voice recognition, and wireless device charging. Options include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and third-row USB ports.

Safety

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the identical 2022 model received the highest possible rating, Top Safety Pick+, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mazda equips every CX-9 with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, hill-launch assist, tire-pressure monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors.

Pricing

The Mazda CX-9 has a revised trim lineup for 2023. As of this writing, the base Touring model starts at $38,750. From there, the lineup goes to the Touring Plus at $41,500, the Carbon Edition at $44,780, the Grand Touring at $45,640, and the Signature at $48,460. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is on sale now.