2023 MAZDA CX-9 | JM3TCBDY8P0641026

Body Styles

The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize crossover SUV with a sleek, coupe-inspired silhouette that set it apart from boxier competitors. Its long hood, low roofline, and sculpted sides reflect Mazda’s KODO design philosophy, emphasizing motion and elegance even at rest. The chrome-framed grille, narrow LED headlights, and subtle rear spoiler contribute to a premium and athletic appearance. Despite its dynamic styling, the CX-9 maintains usable third-row space and generous cargo capacity for a vehicle in this segment.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name Mazda CX-9 follows Mazda’s well-structured alphanumeric naming convention, where each component carries specific meaning related to the vehicle’s category, size, and role in the brand’s lineup.

The “CX” prefix stands for “Crossover”, identifying the vehicle as part of Mazda’s SUV family. This designation is used consistently across Mazda’s utility vehicles — such as the CX-3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50 — and signals a blend of car-like driving dynamics with SUV versatility. The “C” represents the crossover segment, while “X” subtly implies sportiness and all-weather capability, often associated with all-wheel drive.

The number “9” indicates the vehicle’s position at the top of the CX hierarchy. As the highest number in the CX series during its time, the CX-9 represents Mazda’s largest and most premium SUV, offering three rows of seating, upscale materials, and refined driving performance. The numerical naming allows for clear differentiation between models based on size and sophistication, with higher numbers typically indicating greater space, luxury, and performance potential.

Unlike word-based names, CX-9 is globally neutral and non-verbal, making it easy to pronounce and understand in any language. This aligns with Mazda’s international branding strategy, where names are meant to unify identity across markets while emphasizing design and innovation.

In summary, Mazda CX-9 means: a crossover SUV (“CX”) that sits at the top of Mazda’s SUV lineup (“9”), offering a premium blend of family practicality and driving enjoyment, with a name that is globally consistent, modern, and brand-aligned.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Mazda CX-9, produced from 2016 through 2024, exemplifies Mazda’s move into the premium SUV space, supported by a refined selection of body colors, elegant interior materials, and tastefully designed wheels. This second-generation model, built on the brand’s KODO – Soul of Motion design philosophy, pairs sculptural fluidity with a confident, athletic stance, and its aesthetic is elevated through thoughtfully chosen finishes across all trims.

The exterior color palette reflects Mazda’s signature balance of sophistication and emotional design. Machine Gray Metallic and Sonic Silver Metallic emphasize the CX-9’s sleek, contoured body lines with a polished, metallic shimmer. Jet Black Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica offer darker, moodier alternatives, creating contrast against the chrome grille and LED accents. One of the most iconic colors in the lineup is Soul Red Crystal Metallic, a deep, multi-layered red finish that exemplifies Mazda’s commitment to design artistry — rich in depth and striking in motion. Additional finishes like Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Polymetal Gray, and Titanium Flash Mica round out the palette, catering to a wide range of tastes from conservative to expressive, while maintaining a uniformly upscale feel across the lineup.

Inside, the CX-9’s cabin embraces understated luxury with high-quality materials, tailored textures, and a minimalist layout. Entry-level trims feature Black or Sand-colored cloth or leatherette, while mid-range models introduce leather seating surfaces in Black or Deep Chestnut, paired with brushed aluminum trim or piano black accents. Upper trims such as the Grand Touring and Signature elevate the environment with quilted Nappa leather, available in Deep Red, Parchment, or Espresso Brown, depending on exterior pairing. These trims also include genuine Santos Rosewood inlays, hand-stitched leather on the dash, and ambient LED lighting, creating a calm, first-class environment. The seats are wide and supportive, with heating and ventilation in higher trims, and third-row accommodations that, while tighter than some competitors, are finished to match the rest of the cabin’s attention to detail.

Wheels play a subtle but essential role in defining the CX-9’s balance of athleticism and refinement. Lower trims are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels in a silver multi-spoke design that supports a comfortable ride and efficient handling. From the Touring trim upward, 20-inch alloy wheels become standard, featuring machine-finished, dark silver, or gunmetal gray accents depending on the model year and trim. These larger wheels help visually ground the CX-9’s long, sweeping silhouette, reinforcing its premium positioning while maintaining agility. The Signature trim often includes bespoke wheel finishes that coordinate with the chrome window surrounds and dual exhaust tips, creating a harmonized, polished look.

Top Expensive Options

• Signature Trim Package (Nappa Leather, Rosewood Trim, AWD): $4,000
• Bose 12-Speaker Premium Audio with CenterPoint: $800
• Head-Up Display with Navigation Projection: $600
• Power Sliding Moonroof with Sunshade: $1,000
• 360° View Monitor with Front and Rear Sensors: $700
• Heated and Ventilated First and Second Row Seats: $800
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard in late models
• Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Height Memory: $500
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Standard in most trims
• Roof Rails and Integrated Crossbars: $450

vs Competitors

The Mazda CX-9 competed with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Ford Explorer. While most competitors emphasized space and configurability, the CX-9 focused on driving dynamics, interior design, and premium ambiance. It lacked third-row room compared to the Telluride or Pilot, but made up for it with sharper handling and richer cabin materials. The Explorer offered more powertrain choices, but Mazda’s refinement and build quality stood out. The CX-9 was widely regarded as the enthusiast’s choice in the 3-row SUV segment, appealing to buyers who prioritized driving feel and upscale styling over raw utility.

Fun Fact

The CX-9 was the first Mazda to feature the 2.5L turbocharged Skyactiv engine, which later spread across the lineup (CX-5, Mazda6, CX-30 Turbo). It also served as Mazda’s unofficial luxury flagship, often being compared to entry-level luxury SUVs from Acura and Infiniti — despite its mainstream badge. It was the last Mazda built on a front-wheel-drive-based platform with transverse engine layout before the brand’s shift to the RWD-based, inline-6-powered CX-90 and CX-70, making it the final chapter of Mazda’s premium FWD era.