Used 2023 Mazda CX-9

Price Range: $38,750 - $48,460

Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is one of the more distinctive three-row midsize SUVs, prioritizing style and driving experience. It also comes closest to closing the gap with the luxury brands with its impressive cabin materials and design. It falls short when it comes to cargo, utility and third-row accommodations, which seem like important things on a midsize-SUV shopper's list. And it's a big reason why it isn't higher up the ranks.

35 Owner Reviews

Pros

Pro:Premium interior, especially in the top-level Signature trim
Pro:Strong acceleration and sporty handling
Pro:Comfortable and quiet on the highway

Cons

Con:Less cargo capacity than competitors
Con:Third-row seats aren't especially accommodating

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2023 Mazda CX-9 Review

Overview

Written by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

9/20/2022

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.

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 Edmunds' 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.

Which CX-9 does Edmunds recommend?

The Mazda CX-9 has long been a bit more expensive than its rivals, but the higher price is offset by a greater number of standard features. That's especially true of this year's model, as the previously midtier Touring model becomes the new base trim. We rather like this introductory model, which has a generous level of standard content. We'd spend a little extra for the Touring Plus model, however, which adds ventilated seats and a third-row bench among other extras.

Compare 2023 Mazda CX-9 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Mazda CX-9 models

For 2023, the Mazda CX-9 lineup consists of the Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring and near-luxury Signature trims. Highlight features for each include:

Touring
The entry-level Touring is well equipped with:

Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93 octane gas)
Six-speed automatic transmission
Standard all-wheel drive
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Sunroof
Keyless ignition and entry
Power liftgate
Triple-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front seats
Second-row captain's chairs (reduces seating to six)
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
10.25-inch infotainment system display
Six-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
USB ports in first and second rows
Wireless charging pad

Every CX-9 also comes with:

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go operation (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the CX-9 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

Touring Plus
The Touring Plus adds:

Dark-finish grille
20-inch black-painted wheels
Roof rails
Ventilated front seats
Second-row bench seat (seating for seven)
Driver's seat memory settings

Carbon Edition
The CX-9 Carbon Edition includes the contents of the Touring Plus and adds:

Exclusive Polymetal Gray paint, red leather seats and aluminum interior trim
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Windshield wiper de-icer system
Power-folding side mirrors
Hands-free liftgate
Heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
Digital instrument panel
Second-row captain's chairs with heating
Second-row window shades
12-speaker Bose premium audio system
Satellite radio
Third-row USB ports
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Grand Touring
It loses the Carbon Edition's cosmetic exclusives but gains:

Second-row bench seat with heating
Integrated navigation system
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Traffic sign recognition system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the CX-9 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Signature
Aiming to deliver luxury, the Mazda CX-9 Signature is equipped with:

Exclusive grille design and finish with LED lighting
Premium quilted leather upholstery with piping
Real wood interior trim
Second-row captain's chairs with center console

While a second-row bench seat comes standard on Touring Plus and Grand Touring trim levels, captain's chairs can be specified as an option.

Mazda CX-9 Owner Reviews

4.1

5(51%)

4(26%)

3(8%)

2(9%)

1(6%)

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Not bad at all

Dallas Cowboy, 06/05/2023

2022 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

The good: - Handling is great, better than anything in this segment, without sacrificing the ride comfort (I have Touring with smaller rims though); - Acceleration from the turbo engine is decent, especially in the 40-70 mph range.No turbo lag at all. - Overall ride is smooth and composed, I'd say premium-like (think Volvo XC-90 with better handling); - Noise level - way quieter at … highway speeds than my wife's Toyota RAV4; - Very good third row with cupholders, some additional storage and its own USB port; more suitable for kids/teenagers though; - Second row has it's own climate controls; - Remote start from the app (works from anywhere); - The knob interface is not as bad as I thought it would be, after getting used to it I no longer regret not having touchscreen; - Mazda finally fixed the problems it had 5-7 years ago (which were very weak AC and horrible headlights - no longer an issue). - Build quality and interior materials quality is great overall. Better than competitors from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc. in this price category (yes, I test drove them all, with the exception of Telluride - because it's more expensive and dealers were not willing to negotiate). Leather actually looks/feels/smells like leather and not like some PU. The Bad: - The collision mitigation system is VERY sensitive, even at the low radar setting. At least 2-3 times I almost caused an accident because vehicles behind me had to emergency-brake because of this system engaging; One good example is when a vehicle in front of me was turning right and I wasn't reducing my speed because I knew for sure I had plenty of distance for the vehicle in front of me to complete that turn - well, the system thought otherwise... Also, be careful when/if you change the lanes too aggressively as it might engage as well. - Experienced some pretty bad hesitation/jerking from transmission when accelerating from a rolling stop, especially downhill (appears to be some transmission issue hunting between 1-2 gears). Only happened 5-7 times and appears to be mostly gone after my dealer reprogrammed transmission at 7k miles; - Also experienced some transmission lurching/jumping forward at lower speeds (total of 5-7 times); once it happened when I pulled into the garage. The issue still happens occasionally and was not fixed with the transmission reprogramming by the dealer. Shifting into neutral and back into drive usually takes care of it, although sometimes it would require engine shut off/restart for it to go away. - Seats are not too comfortable; and no memory settings on Touring (you would have to get Touring Plus for that); - Keep an eye on oil level (I usually check it every other refuel, so far so good); The Ugly: - Depreciation is horrible, prepare to loose 20% of value in year 1; - If you drive aggressively prepare for some unpleasant surprises: my fuel consumption is 19.2 mpg and my front tires are at 50% after 10k miles. The tires that come from the factory on these are terrible and don't even have tread life warranty from the manufacturer. I also suspect the front brake pads won't last longer than 20-25k miles as the brakes feel weak for such a large vehicle. Overall I'd rate it 3.7 - 3.8 out of 5. 1 YEAR UPDATE: All of the above still applies. Great build quality and great handling. Very stable (and quiet) even at 100mph. All the transmission issues disappeared (knock on wood), haven't felt anything for the past 3-4 months. Seems like reprogramming by the dealer took care of the problem. MPG still sucks and haven't improved at all (still at 19 MPG combined). The best I've seen was 24-25 mpg (if I really baby it). Zero oil consumption issues after 12K miles (knock on wood again). The new comment for those who live in hot climates: the turbo SUBSTANTIALLY under-performs when it's above 90 degrees outside. We've had a heat wave here in TX with temperatures in 110-115s, and while during my morning commute the car feels normal, during my 4-5pm drive it sometimes feels like I have no turbo at all!

Big bang for the buck!

SNP, 05/03/2022

2022 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Been driving my 2022 CX-9 Carbon Edition for three weeks now and I very satisfied with my purchase. I was a little nervous in in taking the plunge on this vehicle since the current iteration has been around for quite some time. I traded in a 2019 Passport Elite which I must say was a fine vehicle. It was super dependable, has storage for days and was easy to drive whether it was to …

Great SUV. Quality and features galore.

Happy owner, 01/19/2023

2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Over the years our “family” car has been an SUV. Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Acura RDX, then when kids came the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. We leased a 2021 Mazda CX9 GT and we were impressed. Three issues; less room, so so gas mileage, and terrible infotainment. However, the rest of the car is so good we just leased a 2023 CX9 GT. OK, size is the same and gas mileage still so so …

Decent car, horrible gas milage

Jay S, 02/17/2023