After extensive testing and research, CR determined this car to be:
- SAFE AND RELIABLE
- GOOD PERFORMANCE
- COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT
one of our 177 recommended SUVs
2023 Mazda CX-9
Road Test Results
Overall
Acceleration
Transmission
Braking
Emergency Handling
Fuel Economy
Ride
Noise
Usability
Owner Reports
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Highs
- Nimble handling for its size
- Effortless power delivery
- Comfortable ride
- Quiet cabin
- Grand Touring and Signature versions plusher than the competition
Lows
- Infotainment system is unintuitive
- Not as roomy as some competitors, including a tight third-row seat
- Short on towing capacity compared to V6-powered rivals
Best Version to Get
The Touring with the Touring Premium package is the best value; it includes a lot of features for right around $40,000. That said, we wouldn't look askance if you bought a Grand Touring for its fancier interior. Only get a Signature if you really want the brown leather or the real wood trim; it adds no functional advantage over the Grand Touring.
Note that on Touring and Grand Touring buyers can opt for captain's chairs in the second row which reduces passenger capacity from seven to six.
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About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports puts people first. For more than 80 years, CR has provided consumers with independent research, ratings and recommendations to help make good purchase decisions. As a nonprofit consumer testing and advocacy organization, CR works with businesses and government to improve the safety, performance, value and reliability of products and services.
Every year CR puts manufacturer claims to the test for thousands of products, from cars and appliances to baby products and sunscreens. CR purchases all the products that we test and uses scientific research methods to develop our ratings.