2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: The enthusiast's family SUV, in its attractive teardrop form, makes a final bow in lustrous Snowflake White Pearl, just eclipsing $50K MSRP
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 spirit to shine through. First tested by Roadblazing.com in 2020, 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 AWDDriving Hits:
227 to 256 horsepower = +6 hp improvement (vs. 2020 CX-9 Signature) 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
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
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
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
2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: The enthusiast's family SUV, in its attractive teardrop form, makes a final bow in lustrous Snowflake White Pearl, just eclipsing $50K MSRP
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
2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: plenty of Euro tautness & decent steering feel for entering corners faster than other family crossovers, yet imparting a relatively supple ride.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: full ADAS suite adds 360 deg. surround camera
2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: 2021 MY brought the 10.25" remote dial controlled portrait LCD media display with simpler menus. Android Auto + Apple Car Play projections = USB wired.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD: 2nd Row digital climate control & mousefur lined glovebox and clamshell center console bin are luxurious
NOTE: shorting the engine with 87 RON octane unleaded gasoline drops net horsepower to 227, while rated torque is unchanged.
WHAT NOTABLE CHANGES: vs. 2019 CX-9
+10 lb-ft engine torque
off-road traction ABS assist (AWD only)
suspension damping revision for improved compliance
available 2nd Row captain’s chairs (std. on Signature)
standard i-ActiveSense driver assistance
3rd row dual USB-A power ports
approach activated power liftgate (std. Signature)
WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE: the modular Skyactiv platform for 2nd Gen. Mazda CX-9 (TC) is shared with the Mazda 6 executive sedan and is the next size up in crossover vehicle hierarchy from the (KF) CX-5 mid-size 2-row SAV.
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is the good looking spitting image of its 2016 self. It stands curvaceously in contrast to the trend of overwrought boxy crossover SUV’s. An elegant Coke-bottle fuselage is sharply raked above the tall beltline. On the assertive side there is an overhanging shark nose hood. Grand wheel arches. Corner vertical pseudo brake ducts. A dark lattice pentagonal grille makes a winged extendsion outward meeting the top of the wrap-around HID +LED DRL light assemblies.
2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD:
The Kammback rear liftgate is supported by muscularly flared rear quarter panels. Two-tone roof spoiler buttresses run up to liftgate side channels. A prominent chrome bar spans the entire mid liftgate. Tweezed rear wrap-around light housings envelope an amber center flasher housing. The lower liftgate hosts pentagonal creasing. A deep body color matched bumper cover is interrupted only by lower rear fascia cladding. Split dual chrome exhaust tips are included. Owner’s of 2016-2018 CX-9’s might notice the new Signature emblem on the rump.
2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD:
WHY: Three Row crossover SUV standard for sensuous, elegant, with a dynamic driving experience, rivaling the premiums.
