Should You Buy a Mazda CX-9? A Few Things May Make Or Break This.

[@lemmuhj]

The NON touch screen is actually a PRO.. I have a CX9 '22 and I can sit back in my seat while driving and have my arm/elbow on the arm rest controlling my entertainment...I DO NOT have to lean forward from my comfortable position and "touch" a screen

[@yournightmare9999]

But low IQ people don't understand that grat future and they prefer kia or Hyundai because touch screen and moon roof

[@chofyam3466]

Fac

[@ovathere93]

Same here, at 1st it drove me crazy. But after a few weeks I realized it is well designed

[@kvastan86]

I love it. And I HATE fingerprints on the screen. When they HAD touch screens before, I’d take it for the regular required maintenance and I’d always leave with fingerprints all over the screen. Drove me nuts. Now I don’t have that problem.

[@bradhaines3142]

HATE touchscreens in cars, theyre stupid and i cant wait til they go away.

[@Ambient619]

As the owner of a 22 CX-9 and fellow mechanic literally do not have ANY issues with it or the ones you pointed out.

[@john_ron]

Does it burn any oil at all?

[@corntoe7030]

I literally test drove a 2023 cx 9 last week...NEVER rattled, never made any noise, smooth, comfy ride...loved it.

[@cindybrandon5819]

I own a 2022 cx9. The comfort is amazing. The engine is very adequate and smooth. It's easier to park than an Explorer I traded in to get the Mazda. The steering is crisp and you don't feel like it's a big luggy vehicle. I disagree with your dislikes of the cx9 but you're entitled to your opinion. I have the Touring model with the premium package and I'm extremely happy with it.

[@Dan16673]

Ya the cx9 from 2018 and onward is super impressive

[@henrywang815]

Totally agree, I drove cx9 for last ten years

[@ecovango6675]

I absolutely love my 2022 CX9 touring plus. I have had Toyota’s for years and bought a CX5 first then I got the larger CX 9 . Hands-down the Mazda is a star, there is hardly any road noise at all in the Mazda compared to the Toyota. The Toyota was one of the worst with road noise. I love the driving dynamics of the Mazda, CX9 compared to the Toyota. Mazda was not even on my radar when I was looking for another vehicle then my best friend said, do you need to drive the Mazda I did, and all I can say is wow I am so impressed with this vehicle will definitely be buying another Mazda in the future.

[@Dan16673]

@@ecovango6675 100%

[@susvart]

Agree 100% I have 2020 CX9. I test drove Telluride right before CX9 and their is no comparison when it comes to driving dynamics.

[@arydze2]

I like your thorough reviews. Instead of picking top trims, please consider reviewing the most sold ones.

[@billybarnes9208]

I like the old school things about these Mazda's. Will look hard at them when we have to trade. God bless everyone!

[@rafars2246]

Oh lord, please go test the car and do not pay attention to this guy. No engine rattles anything. This guy is so full of it. The car is so smooth.

[@hud1964]

I own a 2023 CX-9, traded my RDX and could not be happier. I enjoy your reviews, find them be thorough, entertaining, and informative. However I take some exception with some of your criticisms as to it's size and powertrain. I know you started your videos almost exclusively as a Toyota guy and the Highlander is probably their most comparable model. The CX-9 is about 4 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the Highlander which is marketed as a mid size SUV. I have no problem in parking lots, it's easy to maneuver. Powertrain in the 2023 Highlander is a 2.4 L Turbo, same with the Lexus RX350. The Highlander has more HP 265 vs 220 (250 w/ Premium) but the Mazda has more torque. HP peaks at high RPM, torque is what makes a nice driving experience. Also 0-60 times the CX-9 is faster at 7.1 seconds vs the new Highlander at 8.0. I don't think it's fair to call the CX-9 underpowered. Pricing also favors the CX-9, compare apples to apples and the CX-9 is $4000 or more less expensive. I enjoy your reviews but think you may have been a little unfair with the Mazda.

[@gosman949]

he is a Toyota guy, what do you expect!

[@davidsmith9457]

Plastic wood you are full of it!

[@gosman949]

@@davidsmith9457 you are carrying a Woody!

[@HG-Pilot]

It is rosewood made by same guys that make wooden instruments for Yamaha

[@gosman949]

@@HG-Pilot good answer but I doubt that you are correct!

[@Merk985]

The backseat center console is a benefit to families. I can see it keeping them separated to prevent fighting.

[@chunyin0822]

Owning a 2022 Top of the range CX-9. There is nothing to complain on the comfort, driving experience, safety, parking, non touch screen, etc, but the storage. But it can be compromised or adding a cargo box with roof rails. Overall, it is a very nice car that i am very satisfying.

[@patrickchung7538]

The lower models have the 2nd row bench. Mazda use to have a V6 which delivered 273 hp but it was a gas guzzler. I find the 4 cyl. turbo adequate for carrying passengers but not for hauling. I have gotten amazing highway mpg numbers in the high 20s. I love this vehicle It handles better than all other suvs that I have driven (Honda ,toyata,kia). It simply is a good reliable vehicle that does the job for a reasonable priice.

[@hillyard23]

We had to get the Touring Plus so we could get the bench (plus what was available). We' had twins and still have one in a car seat...😮 Wife hated getting rid of CX5 but absolutely loves the CX9 now.

[@davidsmith9457]

I have a 2016 CX-9 signature series. my wood trim is real and my screen is a touchscreen. I love my zoom zoom 😍

[@tduong4318]

We currently have a 2017 CX-9 GT and it is working fine after 5 years with just regular maintenance, this one was built in Japan. I don't find the engine noisy or lack of power with just normal up and go at the traffic light and no extra oil consumption. The infotainment is a touch screen unless they change it for the new model.

[@michaelmuntean5825]

We test drove a 2021 CX-9 GT and you have to use that knob that controls the screen they change it in newer Mazda in 2019

[@DanielChimezieVideo]

Do you want to sell your 2017 CX-9 GT?

[@alexduong4207]

I have the 2019 signature and the touchscreen works when you are in park. I’m not sure about the newer model.

[@johnrogers3781]

Our 2021 was also built in Japan, which was important for us in purchasing our 1st Mazda.

[@montgomery.on.roids.]

How much are your mainatance costs and how much are parts

[@MichaelJ843]

You can get one without the center console as I did. I did have a 2022 Kia Telluride EX, but the sound and music which is very important to me is much better with Mazda's 12-speaker Bose System.

[@onetwo6039]

I think this is still a better overall vehicle / value than the cx-90

[@jiongli098]

Best 3row SUV on the market so far. CX90 need more time to improve, especially the transmission delay and jerky problem.

[@OKMadCat]

And the inaccessibility of servicing their v6. That turned me off to the 90 and the 70

[@schwinnbiking]

cx90 is quite complex drivetrain..new inline 6 and its a hybrid? c'mon

[@david37203]

@@schwinnbiking We went to buy a CX-90 and my wife said it was ugly. We ended up buying a used CX-9

[@schwinnbiking]

@@david37203 it's got a nice interior but yeah certain angles it might not be as nice as cx9. The worst is the mdx.. whale

[@tamer1773]

This actually works well for us as 70 year old empty nesters. Enough room for transporting adults when we go out to dinner or a show which we do every week. And enough room for four adults to travel 300 to 600 miles on short vacations with luggage. I'd like a bigger engine or a hybrid option, but Mazda has been dragging its feet in that department.

[@Raptors0524]

I love this car. I have a 2020 CX9 GT. Maybe I drive too slow but I never hear the engine buzzing around. It’s so quiet. ❤

[@DonCastro.]

Regardless of the review, this vehicle is an amazing choice for the cost. That interior looks modern, sporty and has everything you need while driving a family car.

[@Ну_ничего_себе_ник]

Man, why you are keep telling the audience that it's a fake wood. In fact, it's a veneer wood of Japanese Ash.

[@yournightmare9999]

Like using knob is way more safety than touch screens. Second row capitan chairs available without center console.

[@gavriushka]

It’s not real wood. Take that piece and cut it in half. The veneer is a high quality print on top of plastic. Nothing more.

[@TerrorRising]

fake wood

[@gavriushka]

@@TerrorRising I never expect it to be real wood. It’s a 52K buck mid size 3row SUV. You won’t find real wood in any suv s this size and capability. That being said, I just wish the didn’t even try at this point. Looks nice till the very first scratch after which it’ll just start peeling

[@andreylosetskiy5217]

cause it’s a fake wood 😂😂😂

[@mrmm7322]

Mazda makes great cars and nice looking and amazing Quality very reliable I had Mazda before it was an amazing reliable product in my own personal experience Mazda Quality s Good as Toyota just do the normal maintenance. Thanks

[@GendooDad]

While I respect CCN's opinions and find him very knowledgeable overall, I feel that his comments regarding the CX-9 engine are not aligned with my experience. I find the engine very adequate for the vehicle, its very smooth, it doesnt need to be pushed hard to get it moving, and it doesnt rattle. He must have gotten a bad sample to evaluate. My concern for this engine is with regard to longevity. There are known issues with cylinder head cracking and coolant leaks resulting. I wish he would have addressed that issue since I don''t know the magnitude or number of vehicles affected with this problem.

[@Flips617]

The engine is smooth and quiet. More than enough. The wood accents are not fake either

[@oleglishchenko4922]

Good review as always. However, looks like you always pick a top of the line model. It would be nice to compare it to lower models which most people would actually afford. In fairness and to clarify: in this video you did mention the other trims not having that center console, thanks for that!

[@Steve-cw1zo]

Own a 2022 CX9, no disappointment here. The second row captains chairs also recline, no mention here. Drove Cadilac’s, on and off for twenty years. This car doesn’t take a back seat, no pun intended. Quiet smooth luxury SUV.

[@davewilson7602]

Thank you for explaining the mechanics of the cars because I see this overlooked in many other reviewers, they only talk about how things look and little about the substance.

[@shreyasghanta]

I just bought a used 2021 cx9 grand touring. I must disagree with you on the engine noise. Most of the grunt is under 3k rpm. What this means is that I don't need to rev the engine high enough to get moving. I am enjoying my car. I also rented a ford explorer for 2months before I bought this. I test drove all the v6 SUvs. The cabin is more isolated than other cars in the segment. This is the only good car deal on the market of 7 seaters if you can find it.

[@Dryloch]

Mazda has an inline 6 on the way. It should be a great engine for this car.

[@kristofferwillms8432]

We got a 2019 in 2021 (just before prices started increasing due to the pandemic) for $28k. Touring with technology package. Also has the bench. For this price we're happy with it. On ours the infotainment screen is touch when the car is stopped. But agree the screen definitely is outdated. The engine never feels underpowered, but you definitely hear it when accelerating. But once you get up to speed it's quiet again.

[@andyleo8418]

The Signature trim is the high-end luxury model aimed at people who probably aren't ferrying around small kids. So the center console with captain chairs makes sense.

[@TheGamingAudiophile]

Yep, the model I have.

[@midwestfarm757]

While I agree, the latest shortage in chips, etc has forced automakers to produce more of the high end models, and less of the base models. Then they can also charge the outrageous prices. With the market slowing, maybe more base models will come back. Hopefully.

[@DM72513]

Dude, you can get it with a bench in the middle, 2 captains chairs, or no center console… Why go on and on?

[@travissheehan6082]

He clearly said he was reviewing THAT model. And mentioned get it without the console is better.

[@2W3X4YZ5]

I like the fact that the headlights mirror the tail lights. Like a 71 Imperial. I have a 2016 signature which I love. It has been flawless. Awesome middle bench and third row seat comfort, in Napa leather. Great video sir, thank you. Have a good day.

[@DanielDaniel1]

The wood is genuine btw

[@adriana317]

2021 cx-9 I love this car so much. Such a great fun car for road trips

[@david37203]

My wife has this car, she loves it! We have two kids and they love it too, same Signature Trim. You gave some good technical information. Thank you

[@raider3164]

I have a 22 cx5 signature. Best vehicle I have ever had

[@i0001w]

Direct injection not an issue in Mazda since 2014. Not a single issue

[@waveoner76]

Today I test drove a 2021 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring and it checked all of the boxes. Ventilated Seats and heated steering wheel was a must and deal breaker. I had a 1998 Mazda Millenia back in the Ford disasters days and was very hesitant but Mazda is kicking ass with their line up. This crossover takes off with that turbo and the engine feels nothing like a V4. I'm a bit nervous about the turbo but I haven't found 1 negative review yet. Long story shirt I put a down payment and I'm super excited to take it home. I'm upgrading from a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer Premium 😂😂 Great review sir! Keep up the great work!!

[@grantmitchell4551]

I don't think I've ever driven a car with a more "adequate" drivetrain. Not slow, not fast. Gobs of torque under 2000rpm (and nothing home over 4500) Next to know vibration transferred into the cabin. It really just feels like a really quiet and smooth turbo diesel. 90% of the time, loafing around town at 1500rpm. It is def clattery on warm-up, the nature of DI, but it builds heat quickly, and then just disappears. The high end trim levels def don't make so much sense when you go to the top end, but it seems that's the only models available for review.. The entry level tiers are great value. The GS-L trim here in Canada (I think similar Touring Plus?) Is very nicely equipped, and compared mid-tier CX-5 with the Turbo, they're almost the same price!

[@Liphotographer1988]

So that’s why I went with 2021 GT, 6 seats, no central console, very easy walkway for my two kids get to the 3rd row. Now my Cx9 already hit 85k under 3yrs without any issues, running like the 1st day I have her. Tried -90, not happy with it and the unreasonable price tag.

[@Libertino]

I just got the base model and it's great. Normal backseat and very zippy engine. Lovin' it!

[@redtopquark]

“It’s huge, it’s ginormous, it’s a massive car” … but did you actually drive it? Because it doesn’t feel massive at all when you’re driving it. The CX-9 handles like a car half its size, not like a big boxy SUV like the competition. With the bird’s eye/360 camera view I can easily squeeze this sucker into parking spaces you’d never believe. For normal around town driving the engine is more than adequate. Even when fully loaded with camping gear, a roof top cargo box, and towing a 1500lb trailer, it pulls like a champ.

[@nandishswami08]

Toyota and Honda for these options, space cost you 5k to 6k more than Cx9. Oh BTW, there is also a dealer mark up fee for Hyundai, Kia Honda and Toyota . All the competitor cars for CX9 will reach 57 k if you want to load your car to the gills. Grand touring with 2nd row bench seat is a better option.

[@Mike525F]

I own the 2023 Grand Touring CX-9 with the 2nd row bench seat. A proper 7 seater as he would say. I love this car! I find the engine very adequate, quiet and refined. My 0-60 is under 8 seconds which isn’t bad for car this size. I don’t think it’s the best choice for a family car with small kids either but my daughter is a young adult with lots of friends that we travel with and we all love the ride.

[@RS-sk7bp]

We have the '21 and got the Touring trim BECAUSE we didn't want the center console. Also, the engine is one of my favorite features and has a pleasant growl. With 93 octane, you get 23 more horsepower. Plus we saved about $4K by opting for the lower trim level that had everything we wanted and nothing we didn't.

[@austinthephoenix50]

Have a 2019 grand touring and disagree 100 percent that it needs a V6. The 4 cylinder turbo has plenty of power and also gets 26 or 27 mpg on trips.perfect combination. Only one complaint is no side mirror memory for different drivers.

[@MTR-lv2py]

I have a 22 carbon edition for a family of four and a 2021 grand touring with the beach seat as my work vehicle, the bench seat is comfortable to work in the back while on the road. The fold down armrest hold the laptop well and high enough to be comfortable

[@pete5534]

A lot of drawn out hot air over two or three reservations. This video could’ve been ten minutes shorter if you’d simply said, if you have a large family, buy the the lower trim - it’s better suited to families. I have a strong felling that these (with proper maintenance) are going to serve their owners for a good long time, and look good doing so. A simple six speed transmission ought to serve well over the CVT’s, dual clutch, and 8 or 10 speeds that’ve flooded this market. Time will tell. Thank you.

[@MrMedallione]

Boy, you sure love the word "proper". Seriously, I enjoyed the review. I am looking forward to your review of the CX-90 which is being revealed in a few weeks as the CX-9 is too small (cargo wise ) for my taste.

[@owennspark8450]

I am in Australia 🇦🇺 & bought my 2022 CX9GT delivered in September. I paid nearly $68K for mine but Australian $1 is only about 68 cents US. I have done a couple of road trips & find my car quiet & very comfortable & extremely well finished. My other vehicle is a Holden Statesman which is a 5.7 LS1 Land yacht so the size of the CX9GT does not intimidate me or my girl. The GT has the 2nd row bench seat which is far more practical. The handling is great with a sporty feel to it & with the floppy paddle shifting isn't a bad drive. Overall I love my Mazda but agree the seats are comfortable but narrower than my Statesman & touch screen infortainment would be easier to use !

[@classiccorvettesmusclecars5846]

I bought the sport model back in Feb for $36k. Didn’t need all the bells and whistles to spend $45-50k Traded in a 2017 six with 85k trouble free miles. The CX9 is more manly and the CX5 is too cute for a guy to drive. Looks great with a tried and true power train. Best of all no stupid annoying stop/start!

[@AaronCarp]

Manly!

[@BigBear--]

Let's be fair, there is a normal bench seat option for the rear. Most people with families will be buying the trim level right under the Signature trim, which still offers all the tech and goodies, but has a normal bench 2nd row. You just lose the diamond stich leather, wood trim, and the LED grill accent.

[@ingoditrust7784]

Soul Brother❤️ I love the way you talk about cars, your reviews are, for me at least, the best on KZbin

[@mmmukr]

Most beautiful white car, white color don’t go for all cars , but for cx90 it’s just amazing

[@andrewl8251]

All the manufacturers are trying to get into that 50k bracket. The cars for the price are insane !

[@jprlp12]

Having a huge engine bay is good for the mechanics' advantage!

[@joebass5163]

We have a 2020 CX-9 Touring premium with 2nd row captains chairs and no console 👍 I dont miss the 6 cylinder powerplant. It has plenty of power and passing ability and it's easy to maintain.

[@yournightmare9999]

Plenty of power especially in highest octan fuel

[@phetsamonekeopraseuth2650]

Thank you for your under car review. I got 2022 CX9 but I never know, how good Mazda made under car protection.

[@yournightmare9999]

Better than today overpriced lexus tx or grand highlander

[@ryanshawdee2708]

I love my 2021 cx9 carbon. I specifically did not want the center console for the second row. Power is adequate and i enjoy the engine noise! Excellent review thabk you!

[@sayidabohussayn7644]

This guy knows his stuff. Amazing!!!

[@brainunboxinghypnosis1986]

Why would anyone want this to haul their families? Imagine shopping for a car and you know that someone who's 6'5" will sit in the back seat. Nearly 40" of legroom back there, few can match it. The 3rd row is really just for emergencies. Just fold it down and take advantage of what becomes a huge trunk.

[@radturner1929]

I am a car enthusiast I bought over 35 cars most of them BMW I actually on a 2023 Mazda Miata. You are the best car reviewer on the Internet. I am surprised that you would criticize Tesla after seeing these nut job Hybred Frankenstein creations this and the Genesis are mine boggling stupid

[@albienb6533]

I speak for all the viewers BEST REVIEWS

[@ohenrycooper]

So first thing, I love your calming demeanor in your reviews. I think you are one of the best in the business, you need a tic tok account! Nobody is crawling under cars, and giving thorough reviews like you. In regards to this CX9, I think this is an excellent bang for the buck, especially in the used market. Nobody is buying this and putting anything but small kids in that 3rd row. The interior of this car is a nice place to be, yes it would be nice to have a V6 like the Telluride, but then you sacrifice mpg. Compare this to the Telluride, and it comes up a little short. But I feel that all your grips about the CX9 will change with the arrival of the new CX-90! But, I'm sure cost will be an issue, probably around mid $50K's. Keep up the good work.

[@jemo2931]

I have a 2020 Touring and have had some minor things about the vehicle that I questioned. 1) No power rear view mirrors. 2) The liftgate is too low when open. 3) The AC doesn't get as cold as other vehicles that I own or have owned in the past. 4) The trim moldings over the wheel wells have broken off on both sides and had to be replaced. Overall, I still give it an A for quality and reliability. 50k miles in 2.5 years and absolutely not a single mechanical concern. I'm waiting for the 2024 CX90. 🙂

[@johnrogers3781]

We have a 2021 CX9 carbon edition. It's fully equipped and is an amazing vehicle. On the interstate, driving the speed limit, we have gotten up to 36.3 mpg. I don't know what engine noise you are referring to, but our CX9 is smooth and quiet. I once drove 1,500 miles at 80 mph, and there wasn't any noise as you suggested. Also, our carbon edition doesn't have the center console in the rear. I also prefer the knob controller over the touch screen. Basically, the only problem that I have encountered is that I don't think the headlights are bright enough. That's my opinion after driving our CX9 36k miles in 3 years.

[@datwutup2]

Can't you buy brighter bulbs for your headlights?

[@demwillams8898]

​@datwutup2 surely, yes. However it could be an assembly issue, like the cadillac srx headlight. I doubt it tho...I'd put more faith in mazda engineers vs gm's, after owning various examples of both brands

[@datwutup2]

@@demwillams8898 Thank you

[@jav100]

Wow? We’re you driving down a mountain? That’s incredible MPG!

[@johnrogers3781]

No, just driving the speed limit.

[@common_sense1567]

I Love the Badges! It is confirmation on the engine and the AWD. If it didnt have the badge I would be questioning what engine and type of drive train it has.

[@rog351]

Great honest review with your personal experienced opinion is so needed in the car review zone. Thanks so much.

[@cuneytmeran7237]

An underrated well-built car, everything works as intended. Engine is very refined and high torque available at low rpm range makes it feel like much lighter and agile. It has an engine smoothing against jumping when press the pedal , put it to sport mode see how engine becomes more responsive. For safety in the road touch screen disables only knob and it is very easy and intuitive to use than reaching out. Only back drop super simple infotainment ; not much options but if you use Carplay you don't need to have easily outdating software based amenities. Bose sounds perfect ,helps to cancel noises as well. Transmission is the best and very smooth. If you drive in the speed limits more than enough enjoyment from 0-80 mph where torque curve takes steep decline , this is not a sports car so no racer but between legal speeds where you might use often, it is brilliant. Mazda tuned the engine for daily use. AWD system works flawlessly , they have targeted you should not even notice it is engaged, just keeping you safe without showcasing. Body roll controlled very well with balanced suspension. Steering even though electric it feels very close to natural and direct, position of it more like cockpit than truck like. Gear handle opposite to many cars' manual mode which is more like racing cars,( + and -) it doesn't feel gimmicky, it feels really changing gear than just number display on dashboard like some of the cars. It switches gear like electric vehicles no jerky feel to it in normal mode so smooth even downshifts better. 6 gear is a good number , I would not like 9 gears if I use manual mode. 200 times a second takes data from sensors and adjusts itself before you even notice for any changes in the road. It has a special turbo design that doesn't cause lag at all which uses advanced engineering but simple venturi effect in a genius way. That long hood give the car feel of rear wheel drive joy not like other front wheel drive cars . Doors are huge that is the only problem I have if you park very close in parking lot if you center it then it is workable. Claustrophobic a little bit A pillar might block some visibility at turns but not too bad just watch out. Brakes are great both for feel and effectiveness, it feels very secure predictable , you need to stamp and pressurize it and gives feedback , I think a real racer designed that detail. Overall fun to drive at the same time carry your family, when you drop them it leaves you time for real driving with its driving dynamics. Uses regular gas as efficient as premium that just saves you some dollars. If you drive it between 55-65mph you will get 30-32 mpg easily, 75mph gets you 25-28mpg.

[@XPUNKFoCuS]

Well said. I’m getting as high as 34mpg @ 55-60 mph

[@EricDisiac]

Can everyone stop saying “ fake wood “ on their reviews MAZDA has addressed this and it is listed on their website as REALLLLL WOOD

[@bonjournaste]

Nice design for long term ownership. Space to work, will be easy to replace components. Nice simple, logical layout. Hood struts would be a nice aftermarket upgrade.

[@djkenny1202]

Dont they fail overtime?

[@know916bound]

​@@djkenny1202nothing has been reported other than the 2021 debacle of defects. These are probably some of the most reliable turbo vehicles on the market if anything.

[@djkenny1202]

@@know916bound I’d prefer no turbo. Over time (and I mean 10 years and I mean with over 175k miles) they will not likely hold up as well.

[@know916bound]

@@djkenny1202 check the cx9 community. Theres a couple out there with 200k and even a few past 300k miles doing just fine.

[@djkenny1202]

@@know916bound with the turbo?

[@davidleinweber7467]

I’ve always thought these were like a work of art going down the road. Super sharp.

[@wolfcommander6009]

😬

[@er5650]

I bought one a year ago..

[@cavitating1]

Excellent, honest review. As always!

[@Sayakawill]

Don’t get the signature trim if you don’t value the middle captain seats, easy

[@lealwai3517]

The wood trim isn’t fake, it’s genuine wood from a maker of wooden instruments in japan

[@supertruckertom]

What a difference a few weeks makes. Seeing Touring trim level CX9 in GA $4k below MSRP. 2022 models $38k Soul Red, black interior. Touring Plus @$40k. Clearing them out to make room for the CX90 perhaps?

[@TheCoggy1]

All Mazda CX-9 Signature have real wood

[@DoubleTap702]

Still trying to decide between a CX9 or Explorer. I’m a Ford truck guy, but my wife has a 22 CX5 and it has been fantastic. We really like the Explorer, but Mazda reliability has been great

[@mhart9279]

I like that rear seat with the Ginormous arm rest.

[@IRockLikeISaid]

Real wood though.

[@soldiermedic81]

When you sit and think about it, Mazda has been doing the turbo engine longer than many other brands. They do not cheap out on the transmission and Acuras newest SUVs look suspiciously like the Mazda ones now. Also helps that Japanese standards are upheld in this brand.

[@irandude1655]

The head of CX-9 is as big as its body. What could possibly be in that head that when you drive it, it doesn't even have power?

[@schwinnbiking]

Seems like a better car over the new cx90 lol

[@mnwolves180]

The CX-90 is coming!!

[@colinbeckstrand2612]

Most family oriented minivans literally have captains chairs in the second row. They may not have console, but the lack of a bench seat doesn't make this car not work for a family. Also maybe just have your kids disciplined enough to not slam the console all the time. Usually kids do things like that to get attention so maybe there is some other things going on if your kids do that.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

I bought one last month. I don't think it's big at all. I cross shopped with all the other 3 row crossovers and this was the smallest. Earlier the same day I bought mine, I was around $900 shy of buying a nissan pathfinder. and those things are enormous in comparison. I also looked at the Highlanders. Twice as much legroom in those in the second row. But then again, it doesn't drive like a big truck either. I think it drives like a car. I agree with some of your other critiques. As for the price, the difference is I got min for close to $4k under MSRP and didn't pay for add ons. The other brands wouldn't really budge although I got real close at one nissan dealership where I was an existing customer and same people working there. And to get those same features in a pathfinder or highlander, you're at $55k MSRP You'd be looking at a Highlander Limited or a Pathfinder platinum select and they nickel and dime you to death now with packages for basic things. (December 2022)

[@AZM195]

Hi, what market is that...I live around Chicago Illinois and most dealers are sticking to the msrp. You may be able to get a 1000 or 2000 off the msrp at my area. Congrat for the new suv!!

[@panzer_TZ]

Glad someone else brought this up. I tried to find a Limited AWD Highlander 2 months ago and gave up. The Toyota Distributor (at least here in Texas) always adds in $1000 in port-installed accessories, then you have to find one with the $1000 package for the 360 camera. So now you're at $52,000 MSRP, you don't even get rain sensing wipers, and you haven't been hit with dealer protection packages/mark ups/low ball trade-in offers/etc. yet. Hybrid Highlanders, especially with AWD and desirable trims, are pretty much unobtanium. Unless you're happy with a FWD XLE, the Highlander really isn't worth it at the moment.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

@@panzer_TZ I was looking for a Highlander Limited too. I wanted the hybrid though. Since those hybrids are mostly only available as the base LE trims, I tried to get one of those. They wanted lexus money for stripped down car that didn't even have heated seats.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

@@AZM195 metro Atlanta

[@mattmroz4905]

I think the wood trim is real on the Signature.

[@Dudefixedit]

My wife is 5.4 and she loves the size. Not big for her. Just maybe you driving a mini Cooper as a daily?

[@KROMO50]

That's real wood

[@stevewise1656]

Can't believe they don't have hood struts on that long hood. Mazda is going to be building more of their cars in Japan and that's a good thing. The build quality in US built Japanese automakers accounts for the few issues there are with Mazda's. I've watched several vids of Mazda's very modern plants. The employees take pride in workmanship and if the panel tolerances are very tight. If they're not, they send it back in plant and fix everything.

[@kingkrimson8771]

??? Until Mazda started producing the CX-50 in a US factory shared with Toyota, ALL their vehicles for the North American market were built in Japan.

[@kevinW826]

Except the CX30 which is built in Mexico. And certain Mazda 3s

[@kmrice2803]

Very “quiet” with Lexus-type insulation…the engine is loud?? How can that be?

[@tuhinghosh]

Thanks a lot for your reviews. They are very helpful to make an informed decision.

[@mar56313]

Great review as always. I have the CX8 (2.5 non turbo) and love it. I also love the fact Mazdas don’t chop and change models every year and make their car look old inside and out. Don’t fully agree with everything you said, yes it is big but some people like that. I think you should have had a look at a few trims down, they are much more value for money and drive exactly the same.

[@LacDole]

The CX-9 was in my choices, but I got a 2023 4Runner Limited with the 3rd row option, just in case I need the extra seats.

[@DrPepperCooled4090]

2 entirely different vehicles

[@edmundfong7288]

Yes pull out the 2nd row Bench and 3rd row to convert for camping with used 2016 lower trim!

[@yzhan225]

The CX-90 is coming out soon with the supposed new inline 6 mazda has been working on. Along with plug in powertrain worked on with toyota.

[@bobbyling1846]

I live in a country where there is practically not much choice when it comes to 7 seater SUVs. The only comparable ones are those from the koreans and germans. Japanese quality still top the koreans. As for the germans their prices are even steeper. So its an easy choice for me.

[@MrLathor]

Interesting comment about the engine being underpowered and unrefined. I think this may have to do with the type of gas used. Premium gas gives the engine significantly more torque low in the rev range (310 vs 250) and it no longer labors much to accelerate. Direct injection turbo engines definitely prefer higher octane fuel even if it can run on regular.

[@CarsTechWood]

I hope the CX-90 isn’t way overpriced

[@michaelknibbs]

I've owned Ford turbo V6s and Jeep V8s. And yes they have more power. But this is so much nicer to drive. Sure, if your idea of driving is foot to the floor and threshing it, then the turbo 4 cylinder gets buzzy and rorty - but I don't think it is harsh. BUT, in real world driving it's delightful. Tons of torque at low revs, quiet and direct. It drives so much smaller than it actual size. I'm on my second one - the first was totally reliable and had no rattles or squeaks after many years. Mazda is out-punching its weight - it's a premium feel without the sticker shock.