DecodedCars2023 Mazda CX-9
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 227 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 6–7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 199.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,387 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints13 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 76 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,387 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), 8% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 CX-9 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 CX-9 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2023 CX-9 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 199.6 in | 77.6 in | 67.7 in | 115.4 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,387 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 392 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Mazda CX-9.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2023 Mazda CX-9 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Mazda CX-9 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 12,100 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Mazda CX-9. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-9 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 CX-9 | 23 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 40 |
| 2020 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 19 |
| 2019 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 53 |
| 2018 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 128 |
| 2017 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 61 |
| 2016 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 107 |
| 2015 CX-9 | 19 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 35 |
| 2014 CX-9 | 19 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 53 |
| 2013 CX-9 | 19 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2012 CX-9 | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 188 |
| 2011 CX-9 | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 138 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →