2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 Comparison

Mazda’s line of car models has been a firm favorite amongst buyers across the world, especially in North America. Their cars offer buyers a luxurious feel but in an affordable price range, especially when it comes to their SUVS.

Both the 2023 Mazda CX-9 and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 are great options when it comes to safe, comfortable driving. So, which one do you choose? In this guide, we’ll explore the features and specs of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5.

Is the Mazda CX-9 Better Than the CX-5?

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize SUV built for families who need seating for up to seven and strong torque for towing or hauling, while the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is a more compact, sportier five-seater with sharper handling and a lighter footprint. Both share similar safety ratings and tech features, but the CX-9 offers more standard luxury touches (like leather seats), while the CX-5 counters with a more powerful available turbo engine and nimbler driving dynamics.

Key Takeaways
The CX-9 comes with one engine option (250 hp, 320 lb-ft torque), while the CX-5 offers two, including a turbo variant with up to 256 hp but slightly less torque (310 lb-ft).

• The CX-9 seats up to seven across three rows, while the CX-5 seats five across two rows.
• Cargo space favors the CX-9 with seats folded: 71.2 cubic feet vs. the CX-5's 58.1 cubic feet, though the CX-5 offers more room right behind the rear set of seats for its size.
• The CX-9 is larger and heavier (about 4,400 lbs, 16.6 feet long) compared to the CX-5 (about 3,800 lbs, 15 feet long).
• The CX-9 includes more standard luxury and tech features, such as leather upholstery, Wi-Fi hotspot, and proximity keyless entry.
• Both SUVs earned the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick award and a 5-star NHTSA rating, with matching standard safety tech like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
• Choose the CX-9 for family-friendly space and seating; choose the CX-5 for sportier handling and a more compact, agile drive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-9

The new Mazda CX-9 is a popular choice of mid-size SUV offered by Mazda with a fun driving experience thanks to the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. This impressive baseline engine for the smaller SUV guarantees 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.

While the CX-9 may be a mid-size vehicle, passengers do not need to stress about a lack of space as the CX-9 comes with enough seating for seven people within the three rows of seats.

The CX-9 is a great choice for a mid-size SUV, even when compared with competitors like the Hyundai Tucson.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a smaller, compact SUV that still makes a big punch with its two engine options available, the fastest engine offering up to 256 horsepower. Along with two engine options, the CX-5 comes with some great technology and safety features.

Making your driving more fun by using Mazda’s sport mode and the manual shift mode. This compact SUV may be on the smaller side, but the five-seater interior is luxurious and modern.

2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 Performance

When we compare the 2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 at performance, the numbers are similar. The Mazda CX-9 comes with just one engine option, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. This turbocharged engine will power up to 250 horsepower with 320 pounds of torque. CX-5 buyers can choose between the baseline 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and six-speed automatic transmission or the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with up to 256 horsepower.

The CX-9’s baseline engine does one up the CX-5’s turbocharged option, which only offers around 310 pounds of torque.

When it comes to handling, the CX-5 excels, thanks to its capable suspension system that is made up of MacPherson struts in the front and multi-links in the rear. Just because the Mazda CX-9 is considered a family car does not mean driving it needs to be boring. The 320 pounds of torque certainly guarantees this.

Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 Interior

When comparing the 2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 at interior space, both Mazda’s come with a decent amount of space without feeling too squished. The Mazda CX-5 has space for five passengers, with 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the rear set of seats. This space can be improved by simply folding down the rear seats, which gets you at least 58.1 cubic feet of added cargo space.

Just because the CX-9 can fit more passengers, up to seven, does not mean that it is any less spacious than the CX-5. The CX-9 offers about 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space found behind the third row of seats. If you fold that third row down, you will have 38.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and if that’s not enough, once you fold down the third and second-row seats, you will have up to an impressive 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Comparing the CX-9 vs. CX-5, both come with sleek and modern interiors, keeping with Mazda’s premium materials in an affordable car. Inside the CX-9, you will find standard leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver and passenger seat, standard heated front seats, and a power liftgate. Additional upgrade features are offered as well.

The CX-5 comes with pretty much the same offerings, except the seats come in standard cloth rather than the leather that the CX-9 has. 

Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 Exterior

Both Mazda CX-9 vs. CX-5 do have a sporty and modern exterior, seen in the smooth exterior lines. The CX-9 weighs around 4,400 pounds and is 16.6 feet in length, while the CX-5 is slightly smaller at around 3,800 pounds and 15 feet in length. 

The CX-5 comes with exterior features like a fashionable roof-mounted shark fin antenna and 17 or 19-inch wheels with all-season tires. Both these Mazda’s come with standard LED daytime running lights and all-season tires. The CX-9 comes with an adaptive front-lighting system. 

Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 Tech

When it comes to the technology features of the 2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5, both models offer some impressive options. Like the 10.25-inch infotainment system, wireless device charging, navigation systems, and Bluetooth. Always stay connected by using the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.

The CX-9 does offer more standard technology features such as the Wifi hotspot and proximity keyless entry, and a push-button start feature.

Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 Safety Features 

Mazda takes the safety of its cars seriously. Both the CX-9 and the CX-5 have been awarded the 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award and were given a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Both the CX-9 and the CX-5 come with Mazda’s standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning.

Both models of the Mazda are a great choice if you’re looking for a good-looking car that is safe.

Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 Fun To Drive

How do the driving experiences differ between the 2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5? If you’re looking for a fun and fast driving experience, the impressive turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine of the CX-9 promises up to 256 raw horsepower, and with the firm suspension, this car feels light on the road with excellent handling.

As a crossover SUV, the CX-5 has precise steering and is more than capable of handling some rough roads. The fast throttle response guarantees an enjoyable, comfortable, and reliable drive.

Both the Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 have their own pros and cons, and choosing the right car for you will depend on what your needs are. Are you looking for a car with lots of room for extra passengers? Then the CX-9 is your best option, whereas the CX-5 is great for those looking for a sportier, more compact SUV.

Whichever one you choose, come visit us at Seacoast Mazda to test drive your next car.

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