2023 Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 is offered in five trim levels; Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature. Base prices range from $40,025 to $49,735.

A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the only engine offered in the CX-9 and it produces 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. That significant amount of twist is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system with an off-road mode.

The CX-9 earns an EPA-estimate 20 miles per gallon city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 combined which is good for this class considering the amount of power it creates. For those looking to stick with the naturally-aspirated driving character, the Honda Pilot is off by one MPG and the Kia Telluride is down a couple of points. The Toyota Highlander joins the turbocharger party for 2023 and delivers similar peak power figures, however, its EPA ratings are not yet released.

The CX-9 stretches to 199.4 inches, making it 3-5 inches longer than its primary competitors, however, the six-or-seven passenger interior doesn’t seem to benefit much from that advantage. Second-row legroom is generous (39.3 inches) but a few inches shy of what the Hyundai Palisade offers and third-row legroom (29.7 inches) is less than the Honda Pilot. Cargo room measures 71.2 cubic feet which is noticeably smaller than the Toyota Highlander and towing is limited to 3,500 pounds. Those back-of-the-pack figures point to the CX-9’s aged design that dates back to 2016.

The large Mazda is equipped with the full suite of driver-assist technology such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keep assist.

The Touring Plus trim receives parking sensors, the Carbon Edition gains reverse automatic braking, and the top-tier Grand Touring gains traffic sign recognition.

The CX-9 earns a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.

The CX-9 features a 10.25-inch infotainment display with a console-mounted control knob, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, six speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and front and rear USB chargers. The Carbon Trim gains a premium Bose 12-speaker sound system and SiriusXM and the Grand Touring adds navigation.

The base trim is now equipped with LED fog lights, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, leather seating, and second-row captain’s chairs. Those new items supplement the previously standard 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, a power tailgate, dual exhaust, proximity entry, leather first and second-row seats, eight-way power-adjustability for the driver and six-way for the passenger, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a tri-zone climate control system.

The Touring Plus trim is distinguished by its 20-inch black wheels, a gloss black grille, satin chrome roof rails, ventilated front seats with perforated leather, memory positioning for the driver, a frameless rearview mirror, and second-row window sunshades. A second-row bench seat is standard, however, the captain’s chairs are available for no charge.

The Carbon Edition wears an exterior with unique dark gray chrome trim along the lower front and rear bumper and door garnish, while the interior has red leather, aluminum interior trim, and black metallic accents. This trim builds on the Touring Plus and additionally features adaptive front lights, power-folding mirrors, a windshield wiper deicer, a hands-free power tailgate, heated second-row seats, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a seven-inch driver information display.

The Grand Touring includes 20-inch silver wheels, a bright chrome grille, surround-view cameras, and the notable features of the Carbon Edition.

The Signature trim wears a unique chrome front grille with accent lighting, larger exhaust outlets, premium leather seats with a quilted pattern, wood trim, unique aluminum trim, and a second-row center console.

Compare CX-9 Trims Side-By-Side