Review and specifications
2023 Mazda CX-9
Mazda's CX-9 is a stylish three-row SUV that is quite engaging to drive. Power comes from a responsive, free-revving 227-hp, 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a smooth six-speed automatic. This engine is rated at 250 hp if you use premium fuel, but there's no reason to do so; it puts out plenty of power on regular. We got an impressive 22 mpg overall. Mazda's flagship SUV has nimble handling that makes it feel like a smaller vehicle. The ride is very comfortable, and the cabin is commendably quiet. The interior is well-finished, particularly on high-end trims, and features comfortable seats, but the cockpit is snug and power-seat adjustments are limited. Mazda's dial-controlled infotainment system takes time to master. Updates for 2018 included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities were added to the infotainment system for 2019. Slight suspension tweaks and noise reduction measures were also new. For 2020, captain's chairs in the second row are optional on Touring and Grand Touring. Pedestrian detection is standard. Updates for 2021 included a new infotainment system, but we found it more difficult to use. All-wheel drive is standard for 2022. 2023 is the final year for the CX-9 replaced by the CX-90.
- Market value
- $25,875
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 7
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 6-speed
- Category
- Midsized SUVs 3-row
- Generation began
- 2016
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $25,875
- Retail value range
- $23,725 - $28,150
- Original MSRP range
- $38,750 - $48,460
- Trade-in range
- $22,030 - $26,665
Ratings
- Road test score
- 77/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 48%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 21 MPG
- EPA highway
- 27 MPG
- EPA combined
- 23 MPG
- Tested city
- 15 MPG
- Tested highway
- 32 MPG
- Tested overall
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,745
- Cruising range
- 450 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.1 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 7.9 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 139 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 50 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 200 in
- Width
- 76 in
- Height
- 68 in
- Wheelbase
- 113 in
- Weight
- 4,585 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,190 lb
- Towing capacity
- 3,500 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 7 people
- Front head room
- 5 in
- Front leg room
- 42.5 in
- Rear head room
- 4.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 31 in
- Cargo volume
- 34 cu ft
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 4/5
- Driving
- 5/5
- Styling
- 4/5
- Value
- 2/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 5/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Mazda
<p>Over time, Mazdas are known to be affordable, fun to drive, and good-looking inside and out. Many of its small crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports' recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. However, its new midsized SUVs have not lived up to the brand’s reliability reputation. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an inexpensive pre-owned car. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades prior, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 25548 First published: September 16, 2022 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.