2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring for Sale

Are you on the hunt for a 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring for sale? If you're after a sleek and sporty SUV that doesn't sacrifice luxury or practicality you're in the right place. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring has quickly become one of the most sought-after midsize SUVs in the market—and for good reason. From its stylish design to the tech-packed interior there’s a lot to love. But (and there’s always a "but" with cars isn't there?) it’s got a few quirks that you should know about before taking the plunge.

So buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the world of Mazda's flagship SUV. And don’t worry—I'll make sure to sprinkle in a few laughs along the way as we explore what makes the 2023 CX-9 Grand Touring so special.

Overview of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

Before we start nitpicking let’s take a broad look at what the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring brings to the table.

• Engine: 2.5L turbocharged inline-4
• Horsepower: 227 hp (250 hp with premium fuel)
• Torque: 310 lb-ft (320 lb-ft with premium fuel)
• Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds
• Seating: 7 passengers

On paper these specs scream “I'm versatile yet fun to drive”—and that’s exactly what this SUV delivers.

Key Features That Set the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Apart

• Luxurious leather-trimmed seats for a premium feel
• Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system to make every drive a concert
• Mazda Connect™ infotainment with a 10.25-inch display
• Power sliding-glass moonroof for an open-air feel
• Advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking

Sounds pretty amazing right? Now let’s dive into what makes this SUV shine and what could have been a little better.

1. Performance: Zoom Zooming with Class

If you know Mazda you know "Zoom-Zoom" isn’t just a catchy slogan. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring lives up to the brand’s reputation for delivering a fun-to-drive experience even in an SUV. Despite its size this vehicle feels nimble on the road thanks to its turbocharged engine and precise steering.

Now let’s be honest: you’re not buying a CX-9 to hit the racetrack. But for a midsize SUV its performance will surprise you. The 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine offers two levels of power: 227 horsepower on regular fuel and a nice boost to 250 hp with premium. It’s like getting an extra shot of espresso for your morning commute—if you’re willing to pay a little more at the pump.

Pros of the Performance

• Responsive acceleration that makes overtaking slower cars a breeze
• Impressive AWD system that grips the road even in tricky weather conditions
• Smooth ride quality thanks to Mazda’s finely tuned suspension

The Drawback: Turbo Lag

There’s a slight but noticeable turbo lag when you first hit the gas. It's like the engine’s saying “Wait for it… wait for it… now!” before finally delivering that punch of power. It won’t ruin your day but it might cause you to curse softly when merging onto a busy highway.

But hey if you’re not in a rush it’s a good excuse to "enjoy the scenery." Right?

2. Fuel Economy: Decent but Don’t Expect Miracles

When you see the words turbocharged engine you usually brace yourself for low fuel efficiency. Luckily the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring does better than most in this department. With an EPA rating of 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway it’s not exactly sipping fuel like a hybrid but it’s respectable for its class.

The Positives

• All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard—unlike many competitors where AWD is an upgrade
• Better-than-expected fuel efficiency for a turbocharged midsize SUV
• Fuel-saving tech like cylinder deactivation and stop-start

The Downside: Premium Fuel Strongly Suggested

While the CX-9 runs fine on regular fuel it really hits its performance stride with premium gas. And let’s face it: no one’s jumping for joy at the idea of paying more at the pump. Consider this the SUV version of having expensive taste.

3. Interior: High-End Looks Without the Sky-High Price

Climbing inside the CX-9 Grand Touring is like stepping into a luxury lounge on wheels. Leather-trimmed seats feel buttery soft and the Bose® 12-speaker system will have you blasting your road-trip playlist in style. Plus with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display you’re not left feeling like you’re driving in the early 2000s.

Best Features Inside

• 3-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfy—whether they run hot or cold
• Heated and ventilated front seats are a must-have for those cold mornings or hot afternoons
• Second-row captain's chairs add a touch of first-class for your rear passengers (just note this means the middle seat is more of a suggestion than an actual seat)

The Not-So-Great: Third Row Is Tight

The third row of the CX-9 feels like it was designed with children or very short adults in mind. If you’re over 5’5" expect your knees to make friends with your chin. It’s not a dealbreaker but if you’re planning to haul seven adults across the country… maybe rethink that plan.

What Alex Collantes Has to Say About the Interior

According to Alex Collantes a proud CX-9 owner “The interior feels super premium for the price. I’m a tech guy and the touchscreen and infotainment system didn’t feel like an afterthought like in some other brands. My only complaint? That third row isn’t for grown-ups.”

4. Tech and Infotainment: Simple Yet Packed with Features

Mazda’s infotainment system might not have all the flashy gimmicks that some of its competitors boast but it works. And sometimes that’s all you really need. The 10.25-inch display is crisp the menus are intuitive and it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard so you won’t be stuck with just Mazda’s native interface (though it’s pretty decent).

Tech Highlights

• Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System with voice command
• 12-speaker Bose® audio system for crystal-clear sound
• Heads-up display (HUD) for keeping your eyes on the road
• Wireless phone charging for the Grand Touring trim and above

The Drawback: No Touchscreen

Okay technically it’s a touchscreen but only when you’re parked. Mazda for some reason decided that once you’re driving you have to control the screen with a rotary knob. It’s a safety feature sure but sometimes it feels like overkill. Imagine explaining to your passenger why they can't touch the screen while you’re cruising down the highway.

5. Safety: Feel Like a Pro with Mazda's i-Activsense®

Safety is one area where the 2023 CX-9 really shines. Every CX-9 Grand Touring comes with Mazda’s i-Activsense® safety suite which bundles together features like lane-keep assist adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It’s like having a co-pilot who won’t let you make (too many) dumb mistakes.

Safety Features You’ll Love

• Blind-spot monitoring for stress-free lane changes
• Rear cross-traffic alert to help you avoid parking lot fender benders
• Adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic

The Quirky Flaw: Overeager Lane-Keep Assist

While lane-keep assist is generally helpful sometimes it feels a bit too eager to do its job. It’s like the car’s saying “Hey buddy you’re drifting” even if you’re really just slightly grazing the lane marker. It’s not a dealbreaker but it can get a little annoying—especially on long road trips.

6. Cargo Space: Not Quite as Roomy as It Could Be

For a midsize SUV the CX-9’s cargo area is on the smaller side. With all seats up you get 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space which is just enough for a few grocery bags. Fold down the third row and you’ll have 38.2 cubic feet—enough for a family’s worth of luggage but still not class-leading.

The Perks

• Power liftgate makes loading and unloading a breeze
• Second- and third-row seats fold flat for more space when you need it

The Drawback: Cramped with Seven Passengers

With all seven seats in use you’ll find the cargo space shrinking faster than you can say “road trip.” Don’t expect to haul both a full load of passengers and their luggage without playing a game of Tetris.

7. Price: Affordable for the Luxury It Delivers

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring comes in at a starting price of around $45,000. For the amount of luxury and features packed into this SUV that’s a pretty fair price. You’re essentially getting a luxury SUV at a non-luxury price which is always a win in our book.

Price Breakdown

• Base Price: ~$45,000
• Fully loaded: ~$50,000 with all options and upgrades

The Potential Downside: Is It Really Worth Premium Gas?

As mentioned before to get the most out of this turbocharged engine you’ll need to use premium fuel—and those costs can add up over time. So if you’re counting every penny at the pump just know this isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle out there especially if you want all 250 horses under the hood.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring?

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring is a fantastic all-around SUV that offers a near-luxury experience without the luxury price tag. It’s sporty stylish and packed with tech and safety features that make it a joy to drive.

However it's not without its quirks. The third row is best left to kids the turbo lag takes a moment to kick in and you'll be paying more at the pump if you want the best performance. But if you can live with these minor inconveniences the CX-9 Grand Touring delivers a whole lot of bang for your buck.

As Alex Collantes puts it “I never thought I’d love driving an SUV this much. Yeah it's got a few quirks but what car doesn’t? It’s fun comfortable and makes me feel like a boss on the road.”

So is the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring the perfect SUV for you? If you’re looking for a blend of performance luxury and practicality with just a dash of humor it just might be.

More Content You’ll Love:

• Top 10 Features of the 2023 Mazda CX-9
• Why Turbocharged Engines Are the Future of SUVs
• Is All-Wheel Drive Worth the Extra Cost?

Thanks for riding along with me on this deep dive into the 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring! If you're thinking about buying one make sure to test drive it and see if this quirky stylish SUV fits your lifestyle.