Model Year: 2023 Mazda CX-9
Type: Full Size SUV
Engine: 250 hp
Torque: 320 lb ft
MPG: AWD: 20 City/ 26 Highway
Introduction
The CX-9 first debuted in 2006 and was upgraded to it's second generation in 2016. The 2023 CX-9 SUV continues to offer the smooth lines of the Kodo design language and the exceptional driving experience common to all Mazda vehicles. Mazda also made AWD standard across all trims. They also dropped the Sport trim this year, making the base trim the Touring trim. Not sure if this full size SUV is right for you? Come in and see one for yourself at Tustin Mazda.
Performance
Powertrain
The CX-9 is powered by a 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder turbo producing 250 hp and a 6 speed automatic transmission transfers that power to the all-season tires. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is now standard with all trims for better traction in every driving condition. This engine and transmission set-up is available in most Mazda SUVs and they have tuned it perfectly to ensure you have the best ride possible.
Drive
With the 2023 CX-9 Mazda continues to hone the luxury driving experience without the luxury price tag. Mazda has perfected the suspension stiffness for a smooth ride that is not too floaty or too stiff. While Mazda could probably improve gas mileage with a few more gears, the transmission transitions well and it offers paddle shifters for engine braking. It may not be as powerful as some of it's competitors, but with 250 hp it has plenty of power for high speed acceleration and a 3,500 lb towing capacity. Mazda has also made sure the CX-9 is well insulated to prevent too much road noise even at high speeds. Inside this full size SUV is comfortable and the cockpit is built to ensure everything is easily accessible to the driver. It also offers sport mode for a more aggressive driving experience. While normal mode offers a great balance of comfort and performance, Mazda recognizes that sometimes you want to punch it up a little. Test drive a 2023 Mazda CX-9 today and see for yourself.
Safety
Safety
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 received a 5 star safety rating from NHTSA and includes the i-Activsense suite of safety features. The i-Activsense system offers a host of innovative driver assistance and safety technologies to help avoid collisions, enhance driver awareness and minimize the severity of an impact. Not all safety features are standard with all trims, so talk to your sales representative at Tustin Mazda if you have questions.
These include:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control maintains a set speed and minimum following distance from the traffic ahead.
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert to notify the driver of traffic coming from the sides.
- Smart Brake Support
- Six total airbags including dual frontal airbags, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags (curtains), and driver and front passenger knee airbags
- Anti-lock brake system with brake assist
- Lane Departure Warning System
Exterior Design
The CX-9 is the largest vehicle in the Mazda line up and a comparable length to the other SUVs in the segment, but it seems smaller from the outside. This is a good thing. In a world of bulky square SUVs the sleek lines of the CX-9 make you feel like you're driving a sportier CUV. This is especially true at the sleep front and back ends. Pictures don't do it justice, come in and see one for yourself.
Interior Design
Crafted Interior
The interior of the CX-9 is stylish, comfortable and filled with the technology you use most in your daily driving. The leather seats feel good and match the leather and rosewood accents on the doors and dashboard in the more expensive trims. The rest of the materials are soft touch and high quality. Overall every surface looks and feels like a luxury car, especially when compared to other compact SUVs in the same price range. It's the kind of vehicle you need to sit in to fully appreciate so come visit us from anywhere in Orange County and see one for yourself.
Technology
The Mazda CX-9 features an analog driver gauge cluster with a digital center screen and a larger 10.3” central infotainment screen. Mazda does not use touchscreens, instead the infotainment unit is controlled by a rotary dial located in the center console next to the driver's thigh. Avoiding a touchscreen allowed Mazda to fully integrate the infotainment unit into the dash, which is pushed away from the driver and passenger to give them more space and also incorporates the screen better into the driver's field of view. It has a straightforward layout and simple controls to ensure it is easy to use while on the road. They also included a heads up display that projects the current speed onto the windshield. Android Auto and Apple Carplay come standard and the cockpit includes a USB port in the central storage compartment and in the center stack. It also offers a 360 degree exterior vehicle view alongside the backup camera with excellent resolution.
Seating
Mazda offers two different seating configurations for the CX-9. The six seat configuration offers plush captain’s chairs in the first and second rows with a combined 50/50 foldable seat in the third row. The seven seat option takes out the second row captain’s chairs and offers a three person bench seat instead. The third row is tight for adults and only seats 2 people. The first and second rows offer heated and ventilated seats, though this feature does not extend to the third row. The front two rows also feature their own climate controls and USB ports. Overall this is on the smaller side for a three row SUV, but still offers plenty of room for people and cargo.
Cargo
The CX-9 offers 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, though both the second and third row seats fold down to increase cargo capacity. Dropping the third row seats increases total storage capacity to 35 cubic feet. If you lay down both the second and third rows you will expand the back to 71 cubic feet of total space. Towing capacity on a properly equipped CX-9 is a maximum of 3,500 lbs.
Summary
The CX-9 has a sleek, refined exterior from all angles. It offers a ride and handling balance that is unmatched by any of the other full size SUVs in the same price range. It is comfortable and well-appointed throughout the interior and stylish to boot. The 2023 CX-9 is an exceptional vehicle, but if you are looking for something smaller the classic CX-5 or sportier CX-50 SUVs might be right for you. Check them out today at Tustin Mazda.