2023 Mazda CX-9 GT SP review
Mazda’s current biggest bus is soon to be replaced, but does that mean the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a good runout buy?
2023 Mazda CX-9 GT SP
Mazda’s defined step towards a more premium market with the introduction of the higher-priced cars like the CX-60 and CX-90 means there is little room for the humble CX-9 to operate.
It’s now looking decidedly old after seven years in our local market in the current generation. However, it’s also priced well below what the forthcoming CX-90 will be when it replaces the CX-9. This could make for interesting buying, especially if the model enters runout in the lead-up to its successor. We’ve picked up a Mazda CX-9 in GT SP specification to see whether it still hangs on in 2023.
How much does the Mazda CX-9 cost in Australia?
The Mazda CX-9 range begins just below the $50,000 mark and extends to the mid-$70,000 range for the range-topping Azami LE AWD. The CX-9 GT SP AWD specification on test sits nearer the top of the range, costing $69,200 before on-road costs.
All variants draw power from a 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 170kW and 420Nm. All variants also use a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. The only powertrain option is a choice of front- or all-wheel drive across most of the range.
The car on test uses an all-wheel-drive configuration in addition to goodies such as black wheels, a black grille insert, black mirrors, contrast stitching, and unique burgundy leather upholstery. Our car wears the optional Polymetal Grey metallic paint ($795) which, in my view, ties in nicely with the red leather interior.
In any case, it does battle in the large seven-seat SUV segment with the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Within Mazda’s own range, it also offers the CX-8 seven-seat SUV, in addition to the forthcoming CX-80, plus the aforementioned CX-90. Confusing stuff. However, Mazda insists on having all these different models, for now at least, in the name of offering ultimate buyer choice. Compared to the Mazda CX-8, the CX-9 is slightly larger but doesn’t offer the option of a diesel powertrain.
| Key details | 2023 Mazda CX-9 GT SP |
| Price | $69,200 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Polymetal Grey |
| Options | Premium paint – $795 |
| Price as tested | $69,995 plus on-road costs |
| Drive-away price | $76,550 (Melbourne) |
| Rivals | Toyota Kluger | Hyundai Palisade | Nissan Pathfinder |
How much space does the Mazda CX-9 have inside?
Despite its age, the Mazda CX-9’s interior still presents as a modern and upmarket space and it’s very comfortable. The seats are big and bulky with plenty of plush comfort for the whole family.
Adjustability of the front row is made easy with electric seat controls and memory recall, while controls fall neatly to hand. The gear selector is propped up on the centre console.
Red stitching features throughout the cabin and Bordeaux-red upholstery livens up the cabin considering the model is getting on in age. Most surfaces are covered in some kind of soft-touch material.
Storage-wise, the front seat is serviced by a double-door centre console bin, two cupholders, and a wide, angled tray in front of the shifter. With how large this vehicle is, one might expect a few more nooks and crannies to stow items.
Outward visibility is largely good all round, though one annoyance is the zoomed-in driver’s side mirror – a longstanding Mazda quirk – which makes it difficult to reverse park. I’m a fan of the dark headlining inside the CX-9, though the small sunroof doesn’t let in that much light. For this price point and market, you’d be expecting a larger panoramic sunroof.
Back seat bandits are similarly cared for thanks to sizeable legroom and a good amount of amenity. There’s plenty of space for legs, feet and heads, while the second row can slide forward and recline. There are three steps of outboard seat heating and air controls are found in the back of the centre console.
Further back, you press a one-touch button to fold and slide the second row forward for third-row access. There is a decent amount of room to squeeze through, even for adults, though I found the seats are that chunky that they limit absolute aperture.
Once sat down, the third row offers a comfortable amount of room, and there’s no doubt this is one of the more commodious seven-seat SUVs on the market. However, it doesn’t have air vents for the third row.
In terms of boot space, Mazda says the CX-9 offers 230L with the third row in play, which can expand to 810L once it’s folded flat to the second-row seat backs. There is a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor.
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 GT SP | |
| Seats | Seven |
| Boot volume | 230L to third row 810L to second row |
| Length | 5075mm |
| Width | 1969mm |
| Height | 1749mm |
| Wheelbase | 2930mm |
Does the Mazda CX-9 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The latest Mazda Connect infotainment software is employed inside the CX-9 and it’s displayed on a 10.25-inch screen. Layouts are easy to follow and information is displayed in a simple manner, though the most annoying part is the fact it’s not a touchscreen.
Mazda continues to use a rotary dial to navigate the system, which is particularly frustrating considering it runs both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – both systems are far easier to use with your hand rather than a controller.
Functions include embedded satellite navigation, digital radio connectivity, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Despite the ‘Mazda Connect’ name, the CX-9 doesn’t feature remote access or app connectivity.
Within the instrument cluster there are physical dials and a digital screen. The functionality of the right-hand screen pod is minimal, so it’s not hugely helpful apart from displaying things like fuel useage, distance to the car ahead, and trip data. A head-up display sits within the driver’s view display a digital speedo.
Is the Mazda CX-9 a safe car?
The Mazda CX-9 was lasted safety-tested by ANCAP in 2016, which means its five-star rating is set to expire at the end of 2023.
Considering the model will be replaced by the incoming CX-90, the model is hugely unlikely to be retested and it’s also unlikely it would score the same result against stricter criteria in 2023.
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 GT SP | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2016) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Mazda CX-9 have?
The above isn’t to say that the Mazda CX-9 is unsafe, because the model receives a substantial complement of active safety measures.
These include Smart Brake Support for drive and reverse (autonomous emergency braking), traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-view camera.
While the adaptive cruise-control system works well and responds quickly to what the car in front is doing, it doesn’t include a lane-centring function, which is what we expect of the segment.
How much does the Mazda CX-9 cost to maintain?
Mazda offers a fairly standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for all its products, including the CX-9. This is joined by a five-year roadside assistance program.
Services are scheduled to take place every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever occurs first). Over three years servicing should cost $1303, five years will cost $2221, and maintenance up to 75,000km (for owners who cover the Aussie average of 15,000km per year) should run $3039.
The Mazda CX-9 costs $1974.33 to insure per year based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
That is fairly pricey compared to its peers like the Toyota Kluger ($1626) and Kia Sorento ($1786).
| At a glance | 2023 Mazda CX-9 GT SP |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Servicing costs | $1303 (3 years) $2221 (5 years) |
Is the Mazda CX-9 fuel-efficient?
Economy-wise, the Mazda CX-9 AWD is quoted as recording a 9.0L/100km combined fuel rating. Helpfully, it also doesn’t need to be refuelled with more expensive premium fuel as a minimum, and can accept 91-octane regular unleaded.
In practice, I ran the CX-9 over a week full of highway driving with some suburban use and received a 9.1L/100km rating.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 9.0L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 9.1L/100km |
| Fuel type | 91-octane unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 74L |
What is the Mazda CX-9 like to drive?
The overarching on-road experience felt with the Mazda CX-9 is one of comfort. Ride control is superbly managed across all manner of surfaces and there’s a general soft-edged compliance when the body rolls over imperfections.
It’s an effortless quality that also extends to the engine. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is largely unstressed even despite the car’s portly 2011kg weight. Outputs of 170kW and 420Nm are sent to all four wheels offering the maximum in traction, though those without a penchant for gravel roads would be sorted in a front-wheel-drive version.
A six-speed torque converter transmission does service in the CX-9 and it’s very receptive to a throttle prod or changing speeds. The unit changes gears quickly and is decisive in its judgement, while the engine is smooth and its noise is dulled.
Steering efforts are smooth and offer decent communication about what’s going on under the wheels. Around town it’s light and easy to manoeuvre the car with. In general, the CX-9 is simple enough to move into parking spots and around tight streets. Further afield, the CX-9 remains quiet on open freeways without letting copious amounts of tyre and wind noise through to the cabin.
| Key details | 2023 Mazda CX-9 GT SP |
| Engine | 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 170kW @ 5000rpm |
| Torque | 420Nm @ 2000rpm |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Six-speed torque converter automatic |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 84.5kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 2011kg |
| Spare tyre type | Space-saver |
| Tow rating | 2000kg braked 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 11.8m |
Should I buy a Mazda CX-9?
Now that Mazda’s got its eye on the incoming CX-90, does that relegate the CX-9 to the history books? Not quite. The Mazda CX-9 stands up as a large three-row SUV offering a high level of comfort to all three tiers of passengers.
However, not everything is rosy. Though it’s on the right track with its infotainment system, the way in which it’s controlled is not – and it can be downright frustrating to use.
As well, while the incoming CX-90 and its lofty price tag makes the CX-9 look comparatively affordable, the CX-9 could come down further in price compared to its rivals. It is more expensive to service than the Toyota Kluger, and is pricier to insure than the Kia Sorento. If a deal can be had as the CX-9 fades off into the sunset, it’s arguably still worth a look-in as the model still offers the right attributes we look for in a three-row SUV.
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