There are a lot of SUVs on the market today, which can make it difficult to check out all of them and determine which one is right for you. Even if you’ve narrowed down your options to Mazda, you still have five different models available, with more on the way. However, if you need a stylish and spacious SUV with seating for up to seven people without being too big, then I suggest taking a look at a Mazda CX-9 for sale and seeing if it can deliver what you need.
The CX-9 is a midsize, three-row SUV that brings a lot to the road––it’s also the largest model currently in Mazda’s lineup. What I love about the CX-9 is that it’s roomy inside with stylish and sophisticated interior features, but the midsize design means it won’t take over your life. Full-size SUVs can be great, but they can also be so big that it’s hard to fit them into your world––particularly if you prefer a more modest lifestyle. You have five different trims available for the 2023 Mazda CX-9, and they all have something different to offer, so let’s take a look at each one and figure out which is right for you.
2023 Mazda CX-9 GS
We’ll start things off with the base trim for the CX-9––the GS. Every CX-9, regardless of trim, comes with a Skyactiv-G 2.5L Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode and Drive Selection mode. This makes for a very rewarding driving experience, giving the CX-9 plenty of power while letting you have as much control as you want behind the wheel. Perhaps best of all, i-Activ all-wheel drive is standard on all five trims, making this a great SUV for dealing with rough winter weather or heading to your favourite campground.
On the outside, the CX-9 GS has 46 cm wheels, with body-colour heated side mirrors and body-coloured door handles. Other details like door-mirror turn-signal indicators, LED headlights and daytime running lights, automatic on/off headlights, and noise-isolating glass are also standard. You also get a number of advanced driver-assist features on the GS, including Smart City Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and a Distance Recognition Support system. A Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist System, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also all standard.
Inside the CX-9 GS, you’ll find premium cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, along with a leather-wrapped shift knob, and you get seating for up to seven people thanks to a second-row bench seat. The GS has a 26 cm full-colour infotainment display with Mazda Connect and a six-speaker sound system. Keyless entry functionality is standard, along with push-button start, three-zone automatic climate control, and more.
2023 Mazda CX-9 GS-L
Moving up to the GS-L, you’ll find a number of upgrades inside and out, though the underlying performance of the CX-9 remains much the same. One difference worth noting is that GS-L and the other trims beyond it all have paddle shifters to enhance your driving experience, which you won’t find on the standard trim. You also get 51 cm wheels on the GS-L and higher trims, but otherwise, performance is unchanged. There are a few exterior upgrades, such as LED fog lights and a power glass moonroof with interior sunshade, but it’s otherwise quite similar.
On the inside, you’ll find numerous features in the GS-L that the base trim lacks, including a heated steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and advanced keyless entry featuring vehicle access via key fob proximity. You get an auto-dimming rearview mirror in the GS-L, plus a height-adjustable power rear liftgate, USB ports for second-row passengers, and leather-trimmed upholstery, including heated second-row seating. A 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar is included with this trim, along with a four-way power front-passenger seat; a second-row bench is standard, but you can choose a pair of captain’s chairs instead for six-passenger seating if you prefer.
2023 Mazda CX-9 GT
The GT builds on the GS-L with a number of improvements, such as power-folding door mirrors, LED front and rear signature lighting, LED licence plate illumination, and an Adaptive Front-Lighting System that helps improve visibility when driving at night. You get a number of additional safety features with the GT, such as Smart City Brake Support Rear and Traffic Sign Recognition, a Driver Attention Alert, Front and Rear Parking sensors, and a 360-degree View Monitor that gives you a virtual look around your vehicle while manoeuvring.
Interior upgrades abound in the GT, including a navigation system, support for SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system with Centerpoint 2 surround technology. There’s an available hands-free power liftgate on the GT, which you can’t get on the lower trims, along with additional LED interior illumination overhead and for the front door handles and window switches. The GT comes with additional third-row USB ports, an eight-way power front-passenger seat, ventilated front seats, and driver’s memory settings. There are also aluminum and satin chrome accents throughout the interior to set this trim apart from other models––plus an 18 cm LCD screen with the driver instrumentation.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Kuro
As the penultimate trim for the CX-9, the Kuro (which means “black” in Japanese) is a gorgeous expression of luxury and sophistication, starting with its Jet Black Mica exterior mirrors, gloss black-finish front grille inserts, and more. The Kuro has Garnet Red leather-trimmed upholstery that looks stunning, plus it comes with second-row captain’s chairs standard, giving you seating for up to six passengers. You get a premium steering wheel with exclusive red stitching, black metallic trim on the upper door panels and dash, and red stitching on the centre console to bring everything together. All of these details and features help make the Kuro something special.
2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature
Finally, we have the Signature and its array of exclusive details and refinements that you won’t find on any other trim. On the outside, the Signature sets itself apart with titanium grey metallic-finish front grille inserts, Signature grille illumination, and upgraded dual chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers for an elegant and powerful overall appearance. Unique interior details include a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, standard hands-free power liftgate, and aluminum cabin trim. You also get Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery with quilting and piping on the seats, a premium cross-stitched steering wheel, and Santos Rosewood panels on the centre console and doors.
Which CX-9 Is Right for You?
As you can see, the differences between the five trims can be substantial, with some adding robust functionality and safety options, while others are more about luxury and refinement. Choosing the right trim really comes down to knowing what you want from your next SUV and getting everything you’ve been looking for. If you’re sticking to a budget, then the GS or GS-L are great choices, while the GT ensures you get all of the best features and options available. For those extra touches of sophistication, the Kuro and Signature can’t be beaten. Now, all you have to do is head to your Mazda dealer and see the CX-9 for yourself.
