The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured since April 2006 by Mazda in Japan, at its Ujina #1 plant in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Japan Mazda CX-90

In general, the Mazda CX-9 is worth buying even in 2023. It's reliable for the most part especially if you avoid the 2021 model year with the oil consumption issues.

The CX-9 is based on Mazda's transverse-engine platform and uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the CX-90 rides on the company's new longitudinal-engine platform and offers either a turbocharged inline-six engine or a plug-in-hybrid powertrain.

PRICE. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 I tested, which was the top Signature trim level, was priced just over $50K; and the base price starts about $40K. Trim levels offered include: Touring, Touring Plus, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring and the Signature trim, which is bordering on luxury level.

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 emphasizes sport instead of utility in SUV, all while doing its best impression of a luxury vehicle inside.

Primarily, Mazda production takes place in Japan. Mazda builds the 3, 6, CX-5, CX-9, and MX-5 Miata in Aki, Hiroshima. The CX-8, which isn't sold in North America, is also manufactured in Aki. Mazda has been building vehicles at the Aki plant since 1931.

the Mazda Motor Corporation So, who owns Mazda? If you were to poll Bronx drivers, a large percentage of them would probably be under the impression that Mazda is owned by Toyota or Nissan. But the Mazda Motor Corporation near Hiroshima, Japan, is the manufacturer who makes Mazda.

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 emphasizes sport instead of utility in SUV, all while doing its best impression of a luxury vehicle inside.

Less expensive: The reason to compare the CX-9 to luxury cars in the first place is the price. Fully equipped, a top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature offers luxuries like heated and ventilated seats (even heated in the second row) and supple Nappa leather seating - and that loaded CX-9 costs less than the entry-level XC90.

midsize SUV The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize SUV and currently the largest SUV in the automaker's lineup, sitting above the recently introduced Mazda CX-50. An all-new three-row crossover SUV dubbed the CX-90 is on the horizon, which could mean the CX-9's days are numbered.

The CX-5 snagged a tricky 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick last year for its strong crashworthiness, headlights, and front crash prevention performances. Mazda's compact also earns a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Japanese automaker is generous with safety features, too.

Verdict It won't trick you into thinking it's a Miata, but the CX-9 embodies the spirit of Mazda's lovable sports car in a three-row family SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize SUV and currently the largest SUV in the automaker's lineup, sitting above the recently introduced Mazda CX-50. An all-new three-row crossover SUV dubbed the CX-90 is on the horizon, which could mean the CX-9's days are numbered.