Is the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD Worth it for Families?

This week we have been testing the 2023 Mazda CX-9, a mid-size 3-row crossover that can seat up to 7 passengers. The CX-9 has not undergone significant changes since its last iteration, which makes it still look familiar and modern at the same time. The model is available in several trims, including Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and the top-of-the-line Signature, which is the trim we are testing.

The exterior of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 features a Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint which is a $595 option and the only addition to our vehicle. The front grille has a Titanium Gray Metallic finish and is accompanied by chrome moldings around the front, sides, and rear. The LED headlights come with an auto on/off and auto height control, adaptive front lighting system, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, and LED grille accent lighting. The body-colored power side mirrors are heated and can be folded automatically. The LED combination taillights, dual exhaust outlets, body-colored rear roof spoiler, and aluminum roof rails in satin chrome finish complete the exterior design. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 rolls on 20 x 8.5 inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Under the hood, all trims of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 are powered by the same Skyactiv-G 2.5 liter engine, which produces 227 horsepower and 320-lb.ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission that has a manual shift and sport mode, and all trims come with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive with off-road traction assist. The CX-9 is capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs.

The interior of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is spacious and comfortable, with seating for 6 passengers. Our Signature trim features a 2nd row captain’s chairs with a middle console, retractable window shades, and aluminum interior trim with genuine Santos Roeswood inlays on the shifter surround and door switchgear. The seats are trimmed in Nappa leather and the sound system is a Bose Centerpoint surround sound with AudioPilot and 12 speakers. The center display is a 10.25 inch full color screen, while the meter display is a 7-inch LCD. The steering wheel comes with paddle shifters.

Finally, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 has a fuel economy rating of 20 city / 26 hwy, and comes with a base MSRP of $38,750. The Signature trim starts at $48,460 and our vehicle, with the paint option, comes in at $50,330. This crossover competes with models such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave, Subaru Ascent, Nissan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Atlas, Dodge Durango, and more.