The current generation of Mazda’s mid-size crossover is still considered one of the best models in its class, despite the age. However, it won’t get any younger, so the Japanese manufacturer already works on the next generation, which is about to bring some pretty radical changes, such as a new platform, new inline-six engines, rear-wheel drive and many more. According to the latest reports, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 will be the final model year of the current generation, which means that bigger changes shouldn’t occur.
In other words, the next year’s model should offer familiar characteristics. This Mazda stands out in many ways, starting from the luxurious interior, athletic handling and efficient powertrain. We also like its look, as well as the styling, which still feels fresh. On the other hand, key complaints go to the aspect of practicality, to the small cargo area and tight third row of seats.
Since there are no significant changes to come, we presume that the 2023 Mazda CX-9 will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2022.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Design
Considering that this is going to be the final production year of the generation, it’s easy to conclude that there will be no bigger changes. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is about to carry on in the same way, with a design that hasn’t changed significantly since 2015. Despite the age, the exterior design still looks fresh and perfectly shows Mazda’s superior KODO design language, which makes all Mazda models look amazing.
Still, the thing that impresses us most is the chassis setup. This is the most athletic mid-size crossover you can get, which offers direct steering and sporty handling, which is something you usually don’t get from a family-oriented three-row SUV. At the same time, the suspension setup isn’t too firm and the CX-9 is reasonably comfortable as well.
Interior
The same thing goes for interior design. The final production year definitely won’t bring changes, so we expect to see a familiar cabin layout, which has so many great things to offer. This particularly refers to the dashboard design, which offers a simplistic layout, backed up with high-quality materials and lots of tech features. All this makes the CX-9’s cabin look very premium-like, on par with much more expensive models.
However, not all the things are perfect in this Mazda. While the cabin looks pretty luxurious, we can’t say that it’s the most practical in the class. Most rivals offer more space in the third row, while the cargo area is also below average. In numbers, it offers 38.2 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 71.2 cubic feet. That’s rather on par with compact crossovers like CR-V or Forester than three-row family haulers.
Features
Once again, we don’t believe that bigger changes could happen. The 2023 CX-9 should offer a pretty similar list of standard equipment as the current model. For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like tri-zone climate control, a 10.3-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, two USB ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hot spot, push-button start etc. Additionally, you can get upgrades like a moonroof, a navigation system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, four more USB ports, a satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo.
When it comes to safety features, all models come standard with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, you can get front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor, a surround-view parking camera system, and reverse automatic emergency braking.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Engine
Under the hood, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 will continue with its well-known 2.5-liter turbo-four, which offers 227 horsepower with regular gasoline and 250 horsepower if you use premium fuel. Also, it offers a pretty generous 320 pound-feet of torque, which ensures driving dynamics that are on par with V6 rivals, even better than some. The engine comes in pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which does a pretty good job as well.
What’s also impressive is the fuel economy. This mid-size crossover returns around 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which are some of the highest ratings in the class.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Release Date and Price
We presume that, since there are no bigger changes to come, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2022, with a starting price of around 35.000 dollars.