> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.roadblazing.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature - Curtain Call, Re- Driven Review - URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2023-mazda-cx-9-signature-curtain-call-re-driven-review/ - Published: 2023-06-09T19:30:00.000Z - Updated: 2024-05-15T02:49:47.000Z - Author: Tomasz Paluch - Tags: Crossover Utility Vehicles ### *THREE ROWS CROSSED WITH SOUL: Utility* is supposed to compromise on narrow focus in favor of convenience. Apparently nobody explained this to the folks at Japanese carmaker Mazda. Ever since their current flagship CX-9 mid size family crossover launched in 2016 it perennially allowed plenty of [MX-5 roadster](https://www.roadblazing.com/2019-mazda-mx-5-grand-touring-bottom-line-review/) spirit to shine through. [First tested by **Roadblazing.com** in 2020](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-mazda-cx-9-signature-bottom-line-review/), little has changed since, proving that it was well conceived and executed. Even as the curtains are drawing for a transition to longitudinal layout flagship, the **2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature** remains parents go to family crossover SUV for carving the corners with *Jinba Ittai, only after* dropping the 4 kiddies off. #### **2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD* Driving Hits:* - 227 to 256 horsepower = +6 hp improvement (vs. [**2020 CX-9 Signature**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-mazda-cx-9-signature-bottom-line-review/)) with 91 AKI octane unleaded gasoline - 320 pound-feet torque - 6-speed automatic torque converter planetary transaxle, while low on gear ring count to the competition, betters most on quick down-shifts for throttle braking capability ![2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: smooth linear torque delivery rather than abrupt punch from the SkyaActiv 2.5L turbo & 6-speed automatic = 23 MPG](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/06/RB-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-engine-P2590421-bc.jpg) 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: smooth linear torque delivery rather than abrupt punch from the SkyaActiv 2.5L turbo & 6-speed automatic = 23 MPG - Pulls smartly off the line, with impressive swiftness above 3500 r.p.m. - 22 combined miles per gallon, 507 miles highway range - ABS torque vectoring and G-Vectoring standard - Taut fully independent suspension features revised bushings and damping rates, reducing harshness - Assembly with tight tolerances and premium materials knocks on door of entry luxury crossover SUVs #### **2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD* Driving Misses:* - Engine torque peak arrives early - Two transaxle gears shy of the competition (and replacement CX-90) - Brake pedal feel initially soft - Steering wheel rotation emits slight squeak at low speeds - G-Vectoring does cut back on power in fast corners - \-15% Combined fuel economy vs. replacement CX-90 turbo I-6 - Sewing machine engine idle to mildly diesel-like on cam throttle sound #### *What It Has Got:* - Pricing: *from* **$40,025** (incl. destination) for a 6-speed automatic **2023 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD** - As tested **2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD** trim = **$50,130** ![2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: gentle Kammback + artful details](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/06/RB-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-ext-rr-P2580997-bc.jpg) 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: gentle Kammback + artful details - Streamlined "KODO" mid-size, three row crossover SUV featuring long-hooded, swept back windshield high beltline, slim greenhouse, coke-bottle fuselage, sporty Kammback with winged themed housings and chrome on black accents + *revised slatted horizontal grille bars*. - Large wheel arches accommodates up to 18" to 20" inch wheels - Accommodates 4 adults + 2 middle school kids fine & 34.1 (expandable to 65.4) cubic feet of belongings ![2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: full flat folding split 3rd Row and 2nd Row captain's chair seating expands cargo capacity](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/06/RB-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-cargo-P2590052-bc.jpg) 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: full flat folding split 3rd Row and 2nd Row captain's chair seating expands cargo capacity - 2nd Row Captain's chairs and fixed center console w/ storage + connectivity - Tilt & slide 2nd Row seat access to 3rd Row ![2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: 2nd Row heated captain's chairs w/ clamshell center console bin for connectivity](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/06/RB-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-seats-Row-2-005c.jpg) 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: 2nd Row heated captain's chairs w/ clamshell center console bin for connectivity - Versatile 50/50% split folding 2nd & 3nd Row seatbacks - Exquisite build, materials and control details levels - Comprehensive standard feature set - **√** Keyless entry, push button ignition; **√** 2-zone automatic climate control; - **√** LED headlights & taillights, delay windshield wipers - **√** 7.0" TFT variable triple dial gauge cluster; - **√** (**INTRO IN '21**) 10.25" MazdaConnect 2nd generation LCD media display w/ remote dial Command controller & latest infotainment menu ![2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: exquisite genuine rosewood solids and turned aluminum accents](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/06/RB-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-cockpit-nav-P2590395-bc.jpg) 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: exquisite genuine rosewood solids and turned aluminum accents - Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink phone projection - Excellent safety features & ratings - **IIHS** Top Safety Pick Plus - \*\* *First in segment to earn the rating with revised side impact test*\*\* - Driver assist tech (standard) - Rear camera with predictive grid, Pedestrian & vehicle collision avoidance braking, blind spot & rear cross traffic warning, lane keep assist, fully adaptive cruise control; automatic high beam headlamps - Additional autonomous driver assistance (exclusive on **Signature** trim) - Traffic jam assist enhanced lane control steering assist, rear traffic collision avoidance braking; rear side traffic braking; 360° surround view cameras; Road sign recognition ![2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: full ADAS suite adds 360 deg. surround camera](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/06/RB-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-ADAS-camera-surround-HUD-005c.jpg) 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: full ADAS suite adds 360 deg. surround camera - 3 year / 36,000 miles bumper to bumper, 4 year / 50,000 miles powertrain warranties #### *What It Has Not (or Not Preferred):* - Unchanged styling since 2016 launch - Front seat cushions short & narrow - Row 2 & 3 seat folding is all done manually - Row 3 is nicely appointed but lacking in legit head & legroom - Post Row 3 cargo space isn't much - 2nd Row seat heat controls & USB power ports = inside center armrest - Wired phone app projection - Infotainment display loses touch control capability - Pod add-on steering wheel spoke switches - Traffic Jam Assist autonomous steering only operates to 40 mph - Volume brand warranty duration, scheduled maintenance not included #### *Standout Feature(s) on *2023 MAZDA CX-9 SIGNATURE AWD** : - Upscale matte metallic lateral slat grille - Unique Signature accent LED lighting - Polished chrome air dam, lower body accents, rear lower bumper - 20" inch polished wheels - Heads Up Display w/ traffic sign recognition - Native infotainment navigation map w/ TravelLink subscription - **√** Auto dimming rear view mirror, **√** Reverse power tilting side mirrors - Power folding side mirrors - Quilted Nappa leather seating, tan contrast stitching, heated & ventilated power front, w/ driver's 2 position memory, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats - Aluminum trim & bezels, Rosewood solid accents, 10.25" TFT variable gauge cluster, unique 3-zone automatic climate control panel - 2nd Row digital console climate control ![2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: 2nd Row digital climate control & mousefur lined glovebox and clamshell center console bin are luxurious](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2023/06/RB-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-center-console-glove-box-004c.jpg) 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: 2nd Row digital climate control & mousefur lined glovebox and clamshell center console bin are luxurious - Rain sensing windshield wipers; Adaptive steer LED headlamps; Power Moonroof; Reverse power tilting side mirrors - Comfort access & push button ignition - Approach power liftgate activation #### **Roadblazing.com** Says: *Enthusiast's family crossover SUV of choice takes final bespoke bow prior to up-sizing.* #### [2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature - Bottom Line ReviewTHREE SENSATIONS THEIR OWN: Each substance in the natural physical universe possesses it balance of look, feel and sound. In manufacturing those traits can be tailored to taste, but a “natural” equilibrium is often elusive. OBTAINING HARMONY: In a quest to capture that distinctive balance, volume carmakers have made strides,![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/size/w256h256/2024/05/rb-wheel500.png)RoadBlazingGeorge Straton![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/size/w1200/2024/05/RB-2020-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-ext-fr-P1760824-bc.jpg)](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-mazda-cx-9-signature-bottom-line-review/)