2023 Mazda CX-9 | 3-Row SUV Review

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a 3-row SUV that competes with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Sorento. In this video, we drive a Mazda CX-9 Signature trim to review its positives and negatives from a family perspective.
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00:00 2023 Mazda CX-9 Review
0:16 Information Explosion
0:56 Interior & Safety Features
6:14 Arm Rest Test
6:47 Exterior Review
7:48 Driving Impressions
9:17 Evie Drives
10:42 Emotion Factor
12:40 Infotainment Review
15:20 Engine Choices & Fuel Economy
15:40 Which CX-9 trim is best?
16:12 Mazda CX-9 Competitors
16:37 CX-9 vs CX-90
17:07 Synopsis

[@EricAtMazda]

I sell Mazdas and the CX-9 is easily my favorite SUV they make! Even tho the CX-50 Turbo is more fun, the overall luxury and refinement of the CX-9 with minimal impact on the driving experience make it my fave!

[@kyguy105]

Mazda CX-90 has entered the chat. LOL.

[@EricAtMazda]

@@kyguy105 When the CX-90 enters the dealership, my opinion might change! 😉

[@allenparks8706]

CX-90 😏

[@morganjackson4312]

I can't wait for the CX-70!

[@bradh6185]

Does the a/c cool the cabin well on hot summer days? I've heard people mention that they weren't happy with the a/c performance, but I wasn't sure if it's just certain models or years.

[@armaniusmaximus7785]

CX9 is easily the best handling 3 row SUV I've ever driven. Can't wait for the CX90!

[@bruceyoung5051]

Apple Car Play... IS touch screen. You have to go into settings and enable it

[@carll693]

We bought a 2022 CX9 Signature in deep metallic blue with white nappa leather interior. This is the best value for money out of all three rows. We live in Canada and it’s by far the best awd system ever… better than my 2015 BMW x5 we traded for this. Very happy overall. Just needs better lane keep.

[@yournightmare9999]

BMW is unreliable trash

[@kencoleman8929]

Don't know of another vehicle that's this stylish and competitive this late in its product cycle. I still love it! ❤️ (Make mine Soul Red!)

[@hip2bclip]

When my wife and I first saw your cast, we both immediately thought that you had an information explosion mishap. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[@joshuagraham3222]

We are on our second CX-9 and we love it. We’ve been leasing them. Looking forward though to see the CX90 with that inline 6.

[@BradWilson1969]

I'm glad that you included the Kia Sorento in the competitors list. I've been looking at that because I can't get away from my need to have a versatile practical vehicle, even though I'm a divorced empty nester and very rarely have more than one passenger. I've seen so many reviewers complain about the rear seats, but I consider these to be more like a two row SUV with a lot of cargo room and an "emergency" third row in a pinch.

[@Quesadila21]

Ford Maverick perhaps? Or Santa Cruz?

[@grahamrothphotography]

I have one right now for a rental, loving it, perfect power, and the best road feel!

[@lacgugolator]

We love your family review videos, makes more sense for us a young and small family picking our next ride. We want to thank you and please make more!

[@uploadtime1780]

WOW.. some nice insight here and I have watched a ton of cx-9 reviews. Lots of little things pointed out and it's especially helpful to see your daughter use the vehicle, for those of us with small kids, or soon to be small kids. Keep it up, it's appreciated.

[@derrickaf1]

Nice job of matching colors with your cast and shoes. The CX-9 in my opinion is a very attractive vehicle. Another great review as always:)!

[@StockIndexFuturesALGO]

Good job guys. You kept thing moving at a good clip, that I appreciate.

[@jeffmorse645]

Almost bought one in 2021 and it was just for me (no fam). I'm 6' 4" and it was pretty comfortable for me. It was a Signature as well. I ended up getting a Subaru Legacy Touring XT and I really wish now I would have gotten the CX-9. I think it would be more reliable long term and I keep cars about a decade. Its been out so long I think they have any potential problems worked out.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent review, hope your arm heals well Micah!

[@DJL78]

Music is exceptional. Well done!

[@fatbart8551]

I have a 2018 GT. I love it and would choose it over a Pilot or Highlander any day.

[@cruisyguy]

At 9:00 as you accelerate on that curvy mountain road the expression from your wife is "priceless". She is a hero. LOL

[@lesm285]

The scroll wheel for CarPlay is not ideal but I will say it's very natural when you get used to it. There are shortcuts like pressing the Nav button brings up whatever maps app you are using in CarPlay.

[@KuyaArbee]

super excited for the new CX-90!

[@unbought6058]

I’m just here for Evie’s hat. It’s my favorite color.

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

I found your videos from the helicopter rides around LA. I was gonna suggest following the Railroad lines from the LA docks, thru LA in the Alameda Corridor and out into the desert. But I see you sold your choppa. I subbed anyways, hoping to see more heli tours.

[@f.p.7043]

We love our CX-9 GT!

[@Gbus85302]

Drinking game! Take a shot every time he Mentions his Injured Hand 😂😵‍💫

[@uploadtime1780]

One thing of note to leave the 360 degree camera view I believe you can just hit the "home" button on the center console vs clicking the camera 3 times as mentioned.

[@ForgotToMentionThat]

Your daughter has grown so much. Fun to watch her and this channel grow. As some point have her do her own review

[@shaqdeez1]

How would you compare the interior size as far as seating (especially 3rd row) and size feeling (especially behind 3rd row) to a Rivian R1S? Also how I'd the ride difference specifically going over bumps and I guess in general?

[@letuwa]

I just bought a 2018 signature mazda with 44k miles for 28,500. Im very happy found and bought it.

[@smithchuck]

I recently bought a CX-5 Signature and I'm learning there are settings & tricks to make living with the infotainment + Apple CarPlay easier. Long press the Home button (down by that big controller wheel) switches between CarPlay & the Mazda Connect system. If you were listening to something via CarPlay, pressing the music note button down there will take you back to it. If you were using CarPlay-based navigation, pressing the nav button down there will take you back to it. (I think--but I'm not 100% sure--if you were using a Mazda Connect-based music option [like SiriusXM] or Mazda Navigation while also using CarPlay for something else, those buttons are smart enough to switch you back to the corresponding system you were last using.) And there is a system setting to turn off that 360 View Monitor as soon as you get out of reverse (I agree that should be the default). I just read that apparently you can also tap one of those center console control buttons to turn it off as well.

[@mattscholer7244]

There is probably a setting where you can set the delay on the 360 cam to turn off immediately when you shift to drive

[@DJL78]

The forthcoming redesign looks tastier than a chocolate donut.

[@farcinue]

I wish they would bring the euro cx60 to the US. If the cx5 is a bit small, and the cx9 a bit too big, the cx60 seems like the perfect size.

[@claysteadham3557]

CX 70 is the CX 60 for the states

[@Francis.Rivers]

Yeah my wife used to have a cx9. One of the most comfortable car I’ve ever driven. The only thing i dont like is the infotainment system.

[@jrod237]

Rugged/adventurous way to get a cast guy…speedy recovery! Awesome sensi-bird sticker & alley hoop clap from mini Evie👏

[@weirdshibainu]

Rented one a few weeks ago. Perfect for a small family or couple and a dog. My only compliant was the driver area felt a little cramped due to the width of the center console. The hard plastic on the lower area of the drivers door required a conscious effort to avoid when driving. The lack of a touchscreen wasn't a deal breaker.

[@mluu510]

You need a 3 row SUV for a small family? Like really?

[@weirdshibainu]

@@mluu510 A couple and 2 kids...once in a while you haul one of their friends...or a dog..not to mention that the third row folds down for groceries or vacations.

[@alexmassengale433]

@@mluu510 Sometimes they come in really handy if you end up taking friends or grandparents, etc along for the ride.

[@gs98999]

Really wanted one of these for a family of 5, but in the end it’s way too small all around in this segment. For a family of 4 or less I can see it working well.

[@bradh6185]

How is the space in the cockpit area. I'm pretty big. I'm seeing conflicting reports on this.

[@SanjayKumarMN]

For the power figures…higher hp and torque with premium fuel. And my wife has a black ‘22 Touring Plus, looks great in all black!

[@alexmassengale433]

I really liked it when I test drove it. Drove well, good value, good tech, good looks. What held me back was what I found to be an uncomfortable front seat and the fact that it fell behind on third row usability and cargo space despite being one of the longest cars in its class. Great as a two row but compromised as a three row. I think Mazda could kill it with sales if they ever realized that simply driving well isn't enough. They are way behind peers in practicality in almost every segment and for family buyers that matters a lot. A new CRV for instance has 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space. A Rav4 is at 37.6. A CX5 has 29.1. At 38.2 feet of cargo space behind the second row a CX9 can't even match the smaller CRV on cargo space let alone something like a Pilot or a Telluride. It also falls way behind most of the competition on space behind the third row. If Mazda could be competitive on practicality, I think their sales would be great but I don't understand how they think they will do well with the least practical cars in what is a segment where most buyers are looking to buy family vehicles.

[@itsjustbonnie6418]

I remember when I had my cast ..day one learning how to ride a motorcycle

[@theMLBfan]

Kind of an odd time to review this with it getting replaced by the new model this week. Hopefully you can get your hands on the new CX-90 soon.

[@MicahMuzio]

I'm not sure if the CX-90 will replace the CX-9 for 2024 or if they'll coexist for a few years ala CX-5 and CX-50. But I should get an answer soon. I'm shooting a First Look video with the CX-90 for KBB tomorrow. :)

[@tedhermanson5126]

Enjoy driving the newest zoom zoom suv, Micah!

[@Loud_Thinker]

Does it have dual sun shades like 2005 Toyota Sequoia?

[@MarcTRussell]

Take a drink every time Micah says Chandelier! 🥃

[@ph00ny1]

For a sec i thought this is the new new that's coming out

[@micko8433]

review the cx90 standard and turbo engine too 😊 compare it to cx9

[@TheMajortanner]

Wait for the CX-90.

[@allenparks8706]

🤍 the Signature LED grille lighting

[@Blockchain_Basics]

1:51 where is the iguana?

[@PauloB90]

What happened to your R forearm?

[@kencoleman8929]

Pointed review, Micah! 👈👉 ✋️

[@blautens]

Having owned many Mazdas since 1986, I love the current Mazda design language and the commitment to driving dynamics and as of late, quality interiors. The CX9 is not going to win capacity or even other stat wars (like the 6 speed trans), but as a whole, it works well for a certain group of customers. I think this should be viewed as a two row SUV with a 3rd row available in a pinch.

[@Jerry-gi2lj]

So with the steering changes has Mazda lost a bit of it's zoom zoom?

[@lloydandbethbeiler8127]

Much better than my 2011 Odyssey. Actually reminds me of my tight steering 2000 Odyssey. And great road feel. I just love to drive it!

[@Mpddunn]

Skodas have the ticket clips too. They are owned by VW but it seems like the Czechs are keeping that to themselves

[@huehuehueh]

It is real wood and real aluminum. The aluminum trim gets very cold when it’s cold outside and the car hasn’t been heated up.

[@JudeRalu]

Left hand in random goo definitely deserved an iguana!

[@kevinn1158]

Daughter flips you with a karate move. That’s the real reason why you have a cast. 😂 Is the CX 90 replacing the CX 9?

[@joshpinchuk7061]

How did you injure your appendage? Chopper or chopper accident?

[@joshpinchuk7061]

Oops, answered near end of video.

[@HumptyDumptyActual]

Why is he driving with oven mitt on?

[@redriver15262]

somehow, both the Front AND back Look like Sid from Ice age 😅😅😅😅

[@francisgallozzi2595]

CX-90 global launch is tomorrow, January 31

[@jonc2012]

To shut off the 360 view immediately and go back to navigation, you can probably just push the "back" button (on the left of the knob) once. At least that's how it works for my CX5.

[@davidfrania8990]

Chandeliers for everyone!!!🤣😂🤣🤣😂

[@MicahMuzio]

Pure class.🤌

[@kyesims2426]

The wife not giving you any? What happened to that arm sir😂?

[@ScottS360]

That last high-five from Micah was really more of a cast-punch in the face 😆Might need to re-think that for the next couple of reviews? I know "Come get your thumbs up" doesn't quite have the same ring to it, but...

[@MicahMuzio]

I’m committed to this hi5 thing. Duck accordingly.

[@francisgallozzi2595]

Honda Pilot still uses the timing belt.

[@chrisbarnes9438]

How tall are you Micah?

[@randotbalot3316]

He said 5,9

[@jamesonpace726]

Ok, I lie. Cast came off day of Loma Prieta 7.0 so 26 years. Also PP sel & guitarist....

[@ingram1225]

It's real wood.

[@nathangrafton3756]

left hand doing all the work. Covered in goo. Where’s the iguana

[@MicahMuzio]

Even the iguana didn't want to be involved.

[@devin1229]

This needs to be like $20,000 cheaper in order to compete. Otherwise it’s severely lacking tech and features the competition has.

[@billimbriale8535]

Drive one. I think you will change your mind about it needing to be $20,000! cheaper. Great handling, very reliable, solid build. Just gives up a little in size.

[@yournightmare9999]

Still looking better than cx90

[@brandonyoung6726]

Chandelier

[@darryl2154]

"Our buyers are Sia fans"

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Beautiful car inside and out with the exception of the inferior 4 cylinder engine which belonged to the mini compact class vehicles like the Mazda 3.

[@damilolaakanni]

Almost every other brand has gone to a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine. The only competitors with V6 engines in this segment are the American brands, Nissan and Honda.

[@58631061]

Mazda CX-9 Not Compete Kia Sorento Kia Sorento competes with Toyota Venza Hyundai Santa Fe Honda Passport Ford Edge

[@bradh6185]

Mazda engineers overthink tthe steering. In my experience, you can get into trouble quicker with slow steering than with fast steering.

[@docholliday2961]

It cost more than a Toyota rav 4 on top of that cylinder head crack problem no thanks..

[@jj8383]

Well la-di-freakin’-da, a broken hand? Is that carpel tunnel from spending all day counting “huge wads” of cash? 💵 😉

[@schwinnbiking]

cx9 handles and looks better than cx90

[@aceofspades6667]

the cx90 looks way better

[@dogdoc1]

It is an attractive vehicle, however that nose is a bit long.

[@yournightmare9999]

That nose put other brands to the shame