2023 Mazda CX 9 Signature AWD

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize SUV and currently the largest SUV in the automaker's lineup, sitting above the recently introduced Mazda CX-50. An all-new three-row crossover SUV dubbed the CX-90 is on the horizon, which could mean the CX-9's days are numbered. But for 2023, at leasttheCX-9 is still in the mix.

Fuel cost Estimation: This year's CX-9 receives only minor changes. The most significant of them is that the base trim level, the Sport, is no longer available. That means the former next-step-up Touring is now the least expensive CX-9 trim on offer and, as such, the CX-9's entry-level price is a few thousand dollars more than most rival three-row SUVs. But you are getting a pleasingly well-equipped SUV out of the deal. Plus, updates over the past few years such as standard allwheel drive and an upgraded infotainment system have done a lot to keep it from falling behind in a highly competitive class.

Just about every mainstream automaker has an SUV in this class so it takes a lot for a product to stand out. Some of Edmunds' top picks include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas. If you don't need a third row (and the CX-9's is one of the least spacious third rows around), the new Mazda CX-50 looks and feels a bit more modern than the aging CX-9. But no other three-row looks and feels quite like the CX9. It's sporty, sure, but it's also quiet and comfortable on the road, enhancing the premium feel even further.

What's it like to live with? When Mazda last redesigned the CX-9 for the 2016 model year, we took one into our long-term fleet for a full year. Over the course of 22,000 miles, we learned plenty about what's great about the CX-9 and what's not. Note that while there have been some changes to the CX-9 since 2016, most of our observations still apply.

Our Verdict: The Mazda CX-9 is one of the more distinctive three-row midsize SUVs, prioritizing style and driving experience. It also comes closest to closing the gap with the luxury brands with its impressive cabin materials and design. It falls short when it comes to cargo, utility, and third-row accommodations, which seem like important things on a midsize-SUV shopper's list. And it's a big reason why it isn't higher up the ranks. Rated for you by America's best test team

How does the CX-9 drive: The Mazda CX-9 feels like a smaller midsize SUV in many ways, including the way it drives. It's a bit more athletic than competitors on a winding road, with confident brake response, and it's easy to maneuver in tighter confines. The all-wheeldrive system is tuned mainly for inclement road conditions, but it can handle your weekend "softroading" excursions.

There's a sufficient amount of power on tap that's available right off the line, delivering great response when you need to get going. Accelerating to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds, which is good for a three-row midsize SUV, and the transmission shifts smoothly, making for a seamless daily driver experience.

How comfortable is the CX-9?Whether you're commuting or taking a long road trip, the CX-9 delivers a good degree of comfort. Much of the credit goes to the smooth ride, which strikes a balance between sporty and compliant. Taller tire sidewalls contribute to this balance, helping provide cushion against road imperfections. Inside, the CX-9 has well-sculpted front seats that offer ample support, but it's worth noting the third row is quite small and not as comfortable as many competitors' back rows. The cabin, however, is luxurylevel quiet, which is impressive. Our test car's climate control is easy to use, but it might not blow cold enough if you have polar bear blood running through your veins. The heated and ventilated front seats work decently, and rear passengers have access to climate controls for their area.

How’s the interior? The Mazda CX-9's interior is thoughtfully designed, simple and elegant, and a benchmark for non-luxury SUVs. The primary controls are easy to reach and use. The main control dial is instantly intuitive and provides quick navigation within the menus of the sharp-looking 9-inch infotainment display.

Getting in and out of the CX-9 is easy, and access to the third row is much improved thanks to new secondrow captain's chairs available in the Signature trim. The first and second rows have a good amount of room, but the third row is best reserved for kids. Visibility isn't quite as open as in other SUVs because of the CX-9's thickish pillars and a rear window that's on the smaller side.

How’s the tech? The optional Bose stereo system delivers clear and powerful sound. Smartphones are easy to pair and quick to be recognized on startup. There are also plenty of USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged six total in our top trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard.

All CX-9s come loaded with advanced safety and driver aids such as adaptive cruise, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance. They're well-tuned to deal with heavy traffic, and false alarms are rare. Adaptive cruise and lane keeping work well to relieve the burden of heavy traffic.

How’s the storage? The CX-9 falls behind the competition in cargo and utility. The 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row could be adequate for many shoppers, but for comparison, there's 21 cubic feet in the class-leading Kia Telluride. Max cargo is equally short, with 71.2 cubic feet in the CX-9 and 87 cubes in the

Telluride. Thoughtful interior design makes the CX-9 easy to live with and growing families should find adequate space for all their things. Door pockets and cupholders are nicely sized. Car seats are easy to install with the second-row captain's chairs. There's a good amount of room for any size car seat, even large rearfacing ones. If you plan to do much towing, the CX-9 doesn't lead in that area, maxing out at a lower-thanaverage 3,500 pounds.

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA fuel economy rating for our all-wheel-drive CX-9 is 23 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway), which is slightly better than average for this class. We were mostly able to hit those fuel economy targets, but they can be easy to miss if you're heavy-footed. If saving money is more of a priority than max engine power, the CX-9 has the ability to run on regular octane fuel.

Is the CX-9 a good value? The CX-9 is definitely among the leaders in terms of its build quality, especially in top Signature trim. Entry-level models are generally more expensive than the competition, but the Mazda justifies the higher cost by including more standard features. It's priced fairly competitively at the top end, and the interior closely resembles a luxury-class cabin thanks to exquisite materials, uniform gaps, and clean, elegant design. The exterior paint is well done too. Warranty coverage and ownership benefits such as roadside assistance are pretty standard for the class.

The Mazda CX-9 Signature is a standout in the threerow midsize SUV class, mostly for its striking design and relatively engaging driving experience. It feels decently athletic through corners but not at the expense of ride comfort. It's the most original offering in the segment.

Which CX-9 does Ella recommend? The Mazda CX-9 has long been a bit more expensive than its rivals, but the higher price is offset by a greater number of standard features. That's especially true of this year's model, as the previously midtier Touring model becomes the new base trim. We rather like this introductory model, which has a generous level of standard content. We'd spend a little extra for the Touring Plus model, however, which adds ventilated seats and a third-row bench among other extras.

26. Summer 2021 www.globalonemag.com