Mazda is a very assiduous company, working diligently at growth while keeping driver-engaging core values for all of its vehicles–even if they aren’t sports cars. The CX-9 fits that principle perfectly.

Even at the base level, the Mazda CX-9 feels like a premium vehicle. Seating is extremely comfortable, the amount of content at base level is astounding, and Mazda put visible effort into making sure the fit and finish and the visual appeal of the interior is high.

That description of the CX-9’s interior is a good description of Mazda as a whole. The company has been very assiduous, maintaining their core value of driver-centric everyday cars from the beginning.

So our assessment is that yes, the Mazda CX-9 is a good SUV. It carries bragging rights for being one of the few truly sporty-to-drive options in the midsize segment of three-row options and its expected reliability and high content inclusion are top points as well.

The Pilot recently underwent a revamp, but remains largely the same with its new design. The CX-9 is still sportier and more engaging to drive, but the Honda offers more interior space and more accommodation in its third row.

Where the Mazda aims for sporty looks, the Kia aims for SUV style. The Telluride is one of the few in the segment that can rival the CX-9 for its interior layout and upscale fit and finish. The Mazda still retains more sporty drive appeal, but the Kia is its nearest rival and is worth cross-shopping.

Comparing these two models is like a study in classical versus minimalist art. The CX-9 is a well-done, beautiful painting when compared to the Atlas, whose austerity is matched only by its huge interior space. To maximize passenger and cargo room, the Atlas is the best choice in this segment, but its function-makes-form VW mentality is stark when compared to the CX-9’s upscale interior design.

The starting price for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is about $40,000, but we’d suggest going over the base Touring model into the Touring Plus (roughly $43,000) instead. It adds a lot of exterior upgrades and smart content that might seem trivial, but are helpful upgrades that improve the daily use and versatility of the CX-9.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

The 2023 model year CX-9 carries on without many changes from the previous model year. This generation of the CX-9 was introduced in 2016 and is ready for a full remodel, which will come in the form of the 2024 CX-90.

Small changes this year for the Mazda CX-9 include the dropping of the Sport trim level, the previous base model for this SUV. In addition, the Touring Premium package has been discontinued with its content being put into the lineup as part of the Grand Touring model instead.

Whatever trim level of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 you choose, it will be powered by the same engine and transmission combination. The good news here is that they are a great match for this crossover’s size.

A turbocharged 2.5-liter, high-compression four-cylinder engine produces 227-250 horsepower (depending on octane level) to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. This combination is good, though the transmission does have to rev fairly high and fairly often due to the limited number of gears. But the CX-9 is so well made for sound dampening that the only time this is noticed is when looking at the RPM gauge. Most of the time the transmission and engine are seamless.

Like most Mazda vehicles, the CX-9 contains the right amount of “zoom zoom” to be engaging. It feels sporty in most situations.

There is little to complain about with the CX-9 as a daily driver, road trip machine, or weekend getaway mobile. It’s one of the most well-done midsize SUVs we can name.

The Mazda CX-9 is one of the safest vehicles in its class. Most midsize crossover-SUV models rank well in safety, as it’s a primary motivator for buyers in this family segment. And this Mazda is right there with them.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2023 CX-9 five stars for overall safety. Frontal and rollover scores are four stars and side crash tests rated five.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety seems to agree with the government’s assessment, awarding the 2023 Mazda CX-9 with a Top Safety Pick designation. The CX-9 received top scores in everything but the upcoming side overlap test and pretty well on most advanced safety system assessments as well.

The CX-9 is one of the most highly awarded midsize crossovers for reliability. It’s received top billing from Consumer Reports and RepairPal and has had no recalls in the past couple of years.

We expect that the CX-9 will be a reliable option for nearly all owners of this generation of the SUV.

The base model CX-9 requires an upgrade option to get a third row. We’d instead go to the Touring Plus trim level to add that plus a few other niceties not found on the base model, like roof rails, prettier 20-inch alloy wheels, and a second-row bench to up seating to seven. The price difference is marginal to add these extra upgrades.

Mazda’s warranty for the CX-9 is about average for the segment. With no extras added. Other manufacturers include things like dealer maintenance or roadside assistance.

• Basic: 3 years / 36k miles
• PowerTrain: 5 years / 60k miles
• No added options from Mazda, unlike rivals
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

The CX-9 is largely unchanged for 2023 and is nearly identical to the 2020-2022 model years. For this reason, we’d recommend looking at used options, which may have a better price differential compared to a new model.

Be aware that AWD has not been standard from the beginning of the CX-9, so if you need all-wheel drive, make sure your used model has that capability before purchase.

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