Home > Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-9 Comparison
If you are an SUV shopper searching for a stylish new Mazda crossover SUV for sale that perfectly fits your lifestyle, you will want to compare the automaker’s various options, including the Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-9. These two Mazda CUVs for sale represent two of the larger vehicle options in the Mazda lineup today, offering versatile cabins for cargo and passengers.
Let’s compare the Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-9 to help you find the right Mazda SUV for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Then, you can shop our Mazda specials for a chance to find your preferred SUV model at a highly competitive price.
In standard form, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S base trim features cloth-trimmed seats. This model graduates to leatherette seats in the next trim level, the 2.5 S Select, before adding real leather seating surfaces for all higher trims. In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 gets leather seating as standard. Premium Nappa leather seats are offered on both the Mazda CX-9 and Mazda CX-9 in their top trim.
Both Mazda SUV models get a 10.25-inch digital display and a high-powered audio system. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 gets a four-speaker audio system, which can be upgraded to six speakers, or the 10-speaker Bose® surround sound system fitted in higher trim levels.
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 starts with a six-speaker sound system, or two more speakers than the Mazda CX-5, in base form. That trend continues, with the new Mazda CX-9 offering a Bose® surround sound system like the Mazda CX-5, with two additional speakers totaling 12.
Let’s look at the 2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. Mazda CX-5 interior and exterior dimensions to understand the size differences.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 rides on a 106.2-inch wheelbase and measures 180.1 inches in overall length. The three-row Mazda CX-9 is 199.4 inches long and features a 115.3-inch wheelbase. Now, let’s look inside to see how those larger exterior dimensions help the Mazda CX-9 regarding interior space.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV actually boasts greater standard cargo volume when all seats are upright, with up to 30.8 cubic feet, compared to the Mazda CX-9 SUV’s 14.4 cubic feet. However, the larger Mazda CX-9 boasts up to 71.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, while the Mazda CX-5 can accommodate up to 59.3 cubic feet with seats folded.
Seating is spacious in both models. Passengers in the first and second rows of these Mazda crossover SUVs will enjoy generous legroom. Third-row occupants in the 2023 Mazda CX-9 won’t have as much legroom as passengers in the first two rows, but still plenty for a comfortable journey.
| 2023 MAZDA CX-5 | 2023 MAZDA CX-9 | |
| # of Seats | 5 | 6 |
| 3rd Row Seating | No | Yes |
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 2nd/3rd Row) | 29.1 cu. ft. / – | 38.2 / 14.4 cu. ft. |
| Front/2nd/3rd-Row Headroom | 39.7 / 39.0 in / – | 40.1 / 38.5 / 35.4 in |
| Front/2nd/3rd-Row Shoulder Room | 57.1 / 54.8 in / – | 57.9 / 58.1 / 53.1 in |
| Front/2nd/3rd-Row Hip Room | 55.2 / 55.3 in / – | 56.7 / 57.4 / 40.1 in |
| Front/2nd/3rd-Row Leg Room | 41.0 / 39.6 in / – | 41.0 / 39.4 / 29.7 in |
| Length | 180.1 in | 199.4 in |
| Width | 72.6 in | 77.2 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 69 in |
Drivers looking for dynamic performance from a versatile new SUV can count on the athletic 2023 Mazda CX-5 SUV or the midsize Mazda CX-9.
The new Mazda CX-5 starts with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter Skyactiv®-G inline four-cylinder engine. A Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine is standard on the 2023 Mazda CX-9 and available with the 2023 Mazda CX-5 model. This high-powered turbo-four engine generates up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque in both Mazda SUV models when premium fuel is used.
We encourage you to compare the 2023 Mazda CX-5 Vs. Mazda CX-9 specs, performance, and interior in person at your local Mazda dealer.
| 2023 MAZDA CX-5 | 2023 MAZDA CX-9 | |
| Engine | Skyactiv®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Cylinder Deactivation | Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with WT |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm | 320 lb-ft torque @ 2,500 rpm |
| Towing Capacity1 | 2,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| EPA MPG (City/Highway)2 | 24 / 30 | 20 / 26 |
| Fuel tank size | 15.3 gal | 19.5 gal |
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 is bigger than the 2023 Mazda CX-5. However, both models are spacious, offering generous seating and cargo volume. The Mazda CX-9 midsize SUV is longer than the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV and rides on a longer wheelbase, providing more space to accommodate its standard third-row seating. Tour these SUVs at our Mazda dealer to see how their sizes compare.
The Mazda CX-9 offers more interior room than the Mazda CX-5, but both of these Mazda SUV models are spacious inside and easily accommodate passengers and cargo. Thanks to its greater interior space, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 comes fitted with three-row seating, compared to just two rows in the 2023 Mazda CX-5. Compare the spacious interiors of these two SUVs at your Mazda dealership.
1Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer will have an effect on the vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
2EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
