2023 Mazda CX-9 Review: The End of an Era

2023 Mazda CX-9 Review: The End of an Era

Ah..the Mazda CX-9. Since its debut back in 2007, the Mazda CX-9 delivered exceptional driving dynamics, premium quality, and tasteful body styling that oozes luxury and confidence. Unfortunately, the beloved Mazda CX-9 will be riding off into the sunset after the 2023 model year to pave the way for the newly released 2024 Mazda CX-90; the CX-9’s spiritual successor. All of us are a bit bummed out that the trusty CX-9 is retiring, so we asked Chat GPT how it felt. Here’s what it had to say:

“In twilight’s embrace, we bid you farewell,

CX-9, our trusted 3-row SUV,

Turbocharged power, a luxury we’ll retell,

Forever cherished, our beloved Mazda, adieu.”

-Chat GPT

Jokes aside, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is still a solid choice and should be one of, if not, the top mid-sized 3-row SUV on your list. Want to learn more? Read on to discover more about the 2023 Mazda CX-9 ($38,750 starting MSRP) so that you can be better prepared for your potential 2023 Mazda CX-9 purchase here at Safford Mazda of Fredericksburg, Virginia!

2023 Mazda CX-9 Review: Performance, Fuel Economy, Driveability  

Featuring standard AWD on all trim levels, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 comes with one robust engine option: a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder capable of 250 horsepower and up to 320 lb-ft of torque! Fuel economy comes out to 20/26 miles per gallon and with the 2023 Mazda CX-9’s 19.5 gallon tank, stopping for fuel has never been so..infrequent. Competing with the likes of the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 stands out from this generic crowd with its rev-happy turbocharged engine and frugal gas mileage. Okay sure, the 2023 CX-9 has a great engine. But an impressive engine is nothing without refined driving dynamics, so how does the 2023 CX-9 perform in that aspect? well, exceptionally well.  

If you think SUVs are unpleasant to drive with slow and cumbersome steering and feel, you’d be entirely correct…if we’re talking about non-Mazda SUVs of course. The Mazda CX-9 doesn’t feel like a big vehicle, in fact, it feels like something smaller than an SUV. A blend of the Miata’s refined handling and the nimbleness of a Mazda 3 Hatchback. Combine that with a firm suspension and accurate steering, and you get the 2023 Mazda CX-9. A true enthusiast’s family SUV. 

2023 Mazda CX-9 Review: Opulent Interior, Practical Space 

Mazda has always been the go-to brand when considering a premium vehicle without the ridiculously high MSRP that many luxury automotive brands demand. Featuring high-end materials such as soft-touch plastic, authentic rosewood, Nappa Leather, and genuine Aluminum, the entirety of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 cabin simply emanates premium quality. Describing the 2023 Mazda CX-9 interior with words simply does not do the CX-9 justice, so take a look yourself: 

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, this picture must be worth 10,000.

Regarding interior space, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 offers 135.8 cubic feet of passenger space throughout all three of its rows and offers up to 71.2 cubic feet with third and second-row seats folded down. 

2023 Mazda CX-9 Review: Exceptional Safety & Driver Assist 

Having been named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and having received a 5/5-star Safety Rating from the NHTSA, it is obvious the 2023 Mazda CX-9 takes safety very seriously. This commitment to safety is further reinforced by the suite of Safety & Driver Assist technologies Mazda offers. Standard and available 2023 Mazda CX-9 Safety Features include: 

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support w/ Pedestrian Detection
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control
• Adaptive Front-Lighting System 
• Smart Braking Systems 
• Lane Departure Warning System and Lane-Keep Assist 
• Driver Attention Alert 
• Traffic Sign Recognition 
• High Beam Control 

2023 Mazda CX-9 Review: Convenient Features Galore 

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is filled to the brim with innovative and convenient technology features designed to make driving the 2023 Mazda CX-9 a breeze and a joy. Standard and Available convenience features include:

• Remote Start 
• In-Car Wi-Fi capabilities 
• 10.25″ Full-Color Display 
• Android Auto + Apple CarPlay 
• Wireless Charging Pad 
• Rear Parking Sensors 
• Second-Row Captain’s Chair 
• Four USB Ports + Two 12-Volt Outlets 
• Wireless Charging Pad 
• Power Lift Gate 
• Ventilated Front Seats 
• Rain-Sensing Wipers 
• Tri-Zone Climate Control 
• Heated Steering Wheel 
• Head-Up Display 
• Ambient Lighting
• Wiper De-Icers 

and much, much more. 

Concluding Thoughts 

Unfortunately, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 will be the last run for the CX-9. Offering a ton of value, luxury, and practicality at an affordable price, the 2023 CX-9 is not only aesthetically pleasing but a pleasure to drive as well. 

We have plenty of certified pre-owned 2023 Mazda CX-9 in stock at our Safford Mazda of Fredericksburg, Virginia location! Come in and take a test today! Also, check out and take advantage of our Mazda Monthly Deals!