2023 Mazda CX-9 Sport overview

The Mazda CX-9 is an endangered species – about to get replaced by a more recent, plusher CX-90.

Now six years previous, the current-generation CX-9 has served because the Japanese model’s flagship in markets like Australia and North America for a while, and has lengthy been considered a benchmark for unibody giant household crossovers.

On take a look at we’ve the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD, absolutely the most cost-effective variant cash can purchase right now. At $47,600 plus on-road prices, it’s plenty of metallic to your cash irrespective of the way you take a look at it.

With area for seven, an exterior design that also appears good six years since its launch, and a high quality cabin that has stood the take a look at of time, the CX-9 makes a case for itself as inexpensive household transport.

Even on the backside of the vary, there’s loads of options and area that might sway you from shopping for a mid- to high-spec different from the section beneath.

WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the CX-9 Azami LE

Till the CX-90 lobs in August, the CX-9 will stay high canine within the Mazda line-up.

Are you higher off nabbing considered one of these earlier than the tip of its run? Or, do you have to anticipate the even greater, much more costly new CX-90?

How a lot does the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD price?

Pricing for the CX-9 vary kicks off at $47,600 earlier than on-road prices or the entry-level CX-9 Sport FWD we’ve right here on take a look at.

If you need one with all of the goodies you’ll be pushing $75,000 earlier than taxes, which is some huge cash. The upcoming CX-90 will vary from $74,385 to $95,185 – or over $100,000 in your drive-way for the flagship variant absolutely optioned.

The CX-9 competes with varied well-known giant SUVs within the mainstream section, together with the likes of the Kia Sorento (from $50,790 drive-away) and Toyota Kluger (from $51,120).

Different rivals embrace the Hyundai Palisade (from $65,900) and Nissan Pathfinder (from $71,490), however their respective beginning costs in Australia are extra in step with high-spec variations of the CX-9.

If you happen to’re searching for turbo-diesel energy as a substitute of the CX-9’s completely turbo-petrol providing, Mazda additionally gives the marginally smaller CX-8 D35 (from $49,060) which simply launched in facelifted type.

2023 Mazda CX-9 pricing:

Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD: $47,600
Mazda CX-9 Sport AWD: $51,600
Mazda CX-9 Touring FWD: $55,200
Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD: $59,200
Mazda CX-9 GT FWD: $64,700
Mazda CX-9 GT SP FWD: $65,200
Mazda CX-9 Azami FWD: $67,900
Mazda CX-9 GT AWD: $68,700
Mazda CX-9 GT SP AWD: $69,200
Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD: $71,915
Mazda CX-9 Azami LE AWD: $75,165

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD like on the within?

The bottom CX-9 actually is sort of pared again in comparison with increased grades, however the fundamentals are nonetheless good.

The place increased grades have the newer and bigger 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment show, the CX-9 makes do with a piddly little 7.0-inch display screen working the traditional MZD Join interface.

The material seat trim and extra fundamental analogue gauges are additionally a reminder that you just’re within the base grade, however there’s an honesty to the extra fundamental CX-9’s appointments.

Even in its barest type, the CX-9 is a reasonably good place to sit down by class requirements. There’s a pleasant ratio of soppy plastics and padded leatherette rests to your arms and elbows, and the graceful leather-based on the steering wheel feels pretty.

Talking of tactility, you’ll be arduous pressed to seek out clean buttons in the event you low cost the place the heated seat and steering wheel controls would usually sit, and all the pieces operates in typical Mazda – chunky, with a satisfying motion.

Consolation up entrance is nice because of the nice adjustment within the driver’s seat and steering wheel, in addition to the availability material trim and plentiful bolstering.

Nevertheless, in the event you’re long-legged like myself, you’ll discover older Mazda merchandise just like the CX-9 are sorely missing in seat base cushion size. It could get tiresome on longer stints, because the seat doesn’t help you as much as behind the knees.

I do know that sounds oddly particular, however it’s a typical criticism I’ve had throughout a number of Mazda fashions together with the CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9. The brand new stuff just like the Mazda 3 and CX-30 have rather more supportive seats, and these older pews aren’t even that uncomfortable.

Props to Mazda to together with a color head-up show as commonplace, which initiatives a fundamental array of knowledge together with velocity, cruise management and help system knowledge, along with velocity signal info.

As famous earlier, the small 7.0-inch base infotainment system stands proud like a sore thumb, particularly when there’s a bigger 9.0-inch MZD show on the Touring after which a fair higher 10.25-inch Mazda Join system in increased grades.

The large bezels make it look smaller than it’s too, and the grainy decision is likewise sub-par in comparison with the majority of the section.

At the least loading instances are pretty fast, and it’s a easy and simple interface to make use of day-to-day. This technique has been round for yonks, so in the event you’re a earlier Mazda proprietor from the final decade or so that you’ll little question know your approach across the interface.

It’s pretty nicely featured too, with embedded satellite tv for pc navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to DAB+ radio. Sound high quality from the usual six-speaker audio system is evident too, if missing the readability, depth and bass of the thumping 12-speaker Bose association commonplace from the GT grade up.

With a hefty 5075mm lengthy physique and 2930mm wheelbase, the CX-9 has loads of area to supply within the second and third rows. It’s was the benchmark till the Hyundai Palisade and newest Nissan Pathfinder got here alongside.

There’s acres of area, significantly within the outboard seats, and the flat flooring means you’re not brief modified in the event you get the center seat.

Even the bottom CX-9 will get a 3rd zone of local weather controls with directional air vents, although weirdly there aren’t any face stage vents within the third row such as you’ll discover in nearly any competitor.

The second row additionally slides and reclines, and permits for simpler entry into the third row. A fold-down centre armrest, bottle holders within the doorways, ISOFIX and top-tether factors, in addition to map pockets behind the entrance seats all characteristic.

As famous earlier, the CX-9’s third row has lengthy been a benchmark for area, however the lack of roof-mounted or face-level air vents and small home windows aren’t a match for the likes of the Hyundai Palisade.

Even at 6’1 I can match within the third row in affordable consolation for brief journeys, and children will likely be very happy again right here. There are storage nooks and cup holders too.

Dad and mom will likely be completely happy to know the curtain airbags absolutely lengthen into the third row of seating, and each seats have top-tether factors.

I’ll have an interest to match the CX-9’s rear lodging to the upcoming CX-90, which is bigger once more.

With the third row in place, the CX-9 gives 230L of cargo capability, increasing to 820L with it folded – although this measurement is to the roof, not the cargo cowl line.

For reference, the Kia Sorento gives 187L/616L in seven-seat/five-seat configurations, and expands to 2011L with each rear rows of seating folded. Underneath the boot flooring is a space-saver spare wheel.

What’s below the bonnet?

As has been the case since launch, the Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Outputs are quoted at 170kW (5000rpm) and 420Nm (2000rpm). All fashions are fitted with a six-speed computerized transmission as commonplace, with front-wheel drive commonplace (as examined) and all-wheel drive non-compulsory.

Gasoline consumption, in the meantime, is rated at 8.4L/100km on the mixed cycle for FWD fashions (9.0L/100km AWD), with idle stop-start expertise additionally fitted throughout the vary.

Mazda quotes CO2 emissions of 197g/km, with 91 RON common unleaded suitable with the CX-9’s 72-litre gasoline tank.

How does the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD drive?

The CX-9 has lengthy been praised for its assured on-road really feel blended with eager dynamics – not a lot has modified.

Mazda’s 2.5-litre turbo 4 is a prepared unit that has diesel-like shove, with all 420Nm on faucet from 2000rpm. It outmuscles V6-powered rivals, and in the event you’re too eager from a standstill you’ll gentle the entrance tyres up.

It’s a reasonably widespread trait of high-powered front-wheel drive autos, so in the event you’re after extra assured acceleration and grip in all situations you’re finest to splurge $4000 for all-wheel drive.

When you’re transferring, the CX-9 FWD will fortunately putt across the metropolis and ‘burbs, making it a cushty, relaxed companion to drop the youngsters at college, do the weekly store, in addition to heading out of city on a street journey.

Mazda hasn’t skimped on consolation or refinement within the base grade, if something it’s essentially the most stress-free variant to spend lengthy durations of time in because of its chubby tyres and smaller wheels – not less than when it comes to NVH and journey consolation.

Whereas it has correct, fluid steering and a comparatively pointy entrance finish, the CX-9 is about as much as supply a managed stage of physique lean in corners and has the kind of enjoyable, chuckable dynamics the remainder of Mazda’s vary is thought for.

It’s positively one of many extra partaking giant household SUVs to drive, and gives ample efficiency in addition.

Value noting is the two.5-litre Skyactiv-G motor’s tendency to get a bit of loud below arduous acceleration, with that very same buzzy notice that’s widespread to the model’s high-compression four-cylinder engine line-up.

To be trustworthy although, you possibly can drive this in a reasonably relaxed method 95 per cent of the time and never be left wanting for extra.

As famous earlier, the CX-9 is a pleasant cozy factor on the town or on the freeway, and whereas the cylinder depend is just 4 in comparison with quite a lot of rivals that supply six, the turbocharged petrol eats up freeway miles with its low-down torque.

If there was one essential criticism I had of the drivetrain, it’d be the shortage of 1 or two extra gears for motorway jaunts.

The CX-9 will sit round 2000rpm in sixth when travelling at 100km/h, which is way from laboured or unrefined, however having a seventh or eighth like most rivals would calm down issues even additional – we’ll have to attend for the CX-80 and CX-90 for eight-speed autos, in addition to clean inline-six engines.

In any other case, the comfortable however resolved journey isolates the cabin from the bumps and undulations of Australia’s nation freeways, and street and wind noise intrusion is stored impressively hushed.

Mazda has additionally decked out even the bottom CX-9 with a full suite of driver help methods to maintain you on the street.

Customary adaptive cruise management with cease/go takes the load off longer stints on the freeway in addition to navigating site visitors jams, whereas blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert make lane modifications and merges into small gaps that a lot simpler given the CX-9’s 5075mm lengthy physique will be arduous to guage at instances with the magnified facet mirrors.

Maybe the most important omission from the bottom Sport’s spec sheet is the shortage of a 360-degree digicam, which stays unique to the flagship Azami.

Given you possibly can possibility this tech on a base Mazda 3, it appears odd that the model hasn’t made a encompass parking digicam extra extensively accessible on a bigger car that’s extra prone to be round babies and pets in tight city environments.

What do you get?

CX-9 Sport highlights:

18-inch alloy wheels
Metal momentary spare wheel
Auto LED headlights
Auto high-beam
Halogen daytime working lights
LED tail lights
Rain-sensing window wipers
Heated and power-folding facet mirrors
7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
DAB+ digital radio
Satellite tv for pc navigation
6-speaker sound system
Head-up show
Tri-zone local weather management
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
Leather-based-wrapped gear shift knob
Material upholstery
Electrical parking brake
Push-button begin
Off-road traction help (AWD solely)

Is the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD secure?

The CX-9 wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based in 2016 exams towards older standards.

It acquired an total rating of 35.87 out of 37, plus Good rankings for whiplash and pedestrian safety.

Customary security gear contains:

6 airbags
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection (day, evening)
- Ahead, Reverse
Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
Blind-spot monitoring
Driver consideration monitoring
Site visitors signal recognition
Lane departure warning
Lane hold help
Rear cross-traffic alert
Rear parking sensors
Reversing digicam
Tyre stress monitoring

How a lot does the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD price to run?

The CX-9 is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with servicing required each 12 months or 10,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

Mazda CX-9 service pricing:

12 months or 10,000km: $378
24 months or 20,000km: $424
36 months or 30,000km: $378
48 months or 40,000km: $424
60 months or 50,000km: $378

Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first. The mileage intervals are shorter than the 15,000km gaps changing into more and more widespread, one thing to contemplate in the event you do plenty of driving.

Gasoline consumption for the two.5-litre turbo has by no means actually been a robust level, however it’s nonetheless on par if not a bit of higher than naturally-aspirated V6 alternate options available on the market.

We noticed 8-9L/100km with a skew to freeway and freeway stints, climbing to round 11L/100km with extra high-traffic city commuting thrown in.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-9 Sport FWD

There’s nonetheless life within the previous lady.

There’s an all-new substitute on the way in which, however even a number of years on from its preliminary launch the large Mazda remains to be the most effective household SUVs on the market.

The strong foundations of this entry-level Sport present the core components that make increased grades so good, and even this base specification has rather a lot to supply for not some huge cash relative to the section.

Whereas the Touring and GT are arguably the candy spots of the vary because of their fascinating gear additions – bigger screens, entrance parking sensors and powered entrance seats – they each require important funding over this base Sport ($7800 and $17,100 respectively, ouch).

All informed, there’s no disgrace in getting one of many final CX-9s in the event you can’t anticipate the CX-90, or aren’t ready to spend a hefty premium on the brand new mannequin – the entry level will likely be $75,000 earlier than on-road prices, which is about the identical as a top-spec CX-9.

I’d additionally urge you to have a look at the marginally smaller and just lately refreshed CX-8, which will be had with a extra environment friendly and torquier twin-turbo diesel and options the bigger 10.25-inch infotainment show and wi-fi smartphone mirroring as commonplace.

The CX-8’s flagship standing in Japan additionally means it has some nicer cabin trims than the US-leaning CX-9 which isn’t bought in Mazda’s dwelling area.