The Perfect Used Three-Row SUV for Driving Enthusiasts With Families

A used three-row SUV that truly excites behind the wheel and handles family duties well may seem like a contradiction, but a standout model proves that you don’t have to choose between fun and practicality. With its athletic suspension, responsive steering, and ample power, this SUV stands out among typical family haulers. Every drive is more engaging than comfortable.

Yet it still offers the space a growing family needs, with generous seating in three rows and enough cargo capacity for road trips, business, or weekend errands. Inside, the cabin offers comfort, technology and functionality, making it equally well-suited for removing car seats as it is for traveling back roads.

If you’re looking for a used SUV that doesn’t sacrifice driving pleasure for an adult-friendly layout, this is what you need. It combines everyday usability with real-world driving dynamics, delivering the rare blend of family-friendly versatility and enthusiast-level performance in a complete package.

You can get a 2023 Mazda CX-9 for less than $30,000

If you’re a driving enthusiast, you already know that Mazda is one of the best brands on the market when it comes to driving engagement. This even extends to their larger models. The CX-9 was previously the brand’s largest SUV, having been replaced by the CX-70 and CX-90, and a relatively new model year can already be had for much less than its original MSRP.

2023 Mazda CX-9 Average Used Price

TMazda isn’t the most popular brand in North America, which is a pretty big factor when it comes to depreciation. Although they don’t lose value as quickly as brands like Dodge or Tesla, some models experience a steep drop in value. The other factor affecting the value of the CX-9 on the used market is the fact that it has been replaced by an all-new model, the CX-90, which is losing its appeal compared to the old SUV. While the 2023 CX-90 had an MSRP between $40,125 and $49,835 depending on the trim, used prices average $27,830.

The CX-9 is available in a number of different trims, with some retaining their value better than others. In our eyes, the Grand Touring represents the best value for money. The CX-9 comes with a ton of pretty premium standard features and the Grand Touring model builds on them pretty substantially for not a lot of extra money. It includes things like 20-inch silver wheels, power-folding side mirrors, a 360-degree camera, and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition.

Warranties and maintenance

• Limited Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles
• Free scheduled maintenance: None

Buying a 2023 model year means you should still have some balance of the original warranty package. Mazda’s offer is not substantial, but it is enough to ensure that many components are still covered. Bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties should last a few more years, provided you find a model with low enough mileage. Mazda doesn’t offer any free maintenance, so make sure the model you’re looking at has been serviced on time and by a reputable dealership.

Based on estimates from reputable sources, taking care of your Mazda CX-9 shouldn’t cost you an absurd amount of money. CarEdge says the three-row SUV’s ten-year maintenance costs are about average for its class. RepairPal estimates that you’ll spend around $539 per year on maintenance.

This family SUV feels much sportier than any of its direct rivals

Credit: Mazda

Growing up usually means having to trade in the two-door coupe for something a little more practical. Fortunately, brands like Mazda make this trade a little easier, offering driving dynamics that are far more engaging than one might expect. The CX-9 is big and roomy, but it still manages to deliver plenty of fun, being more smiley than any other three-row SUV.

2023 Mazda CX-9 Performance Specs

Most SUVs in this class opt for a V6, so it was a bit risky for Mazda to stick with a turbocharged inline-four. However, this engine is very capable, developing similar amounts of power to its six-cylinder rivals. It’s also capable of running on premium fuel, which increases power slightly, up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Every model comes standard with all-wheel drive and a well-tuned six-speed automatic transmission.

The CX-9 might not win drag races, its zero-to-60 time being about average for the segment, but it offers enough power to feel joyful. The turbo-four also makes a relatively throaty noise when pushed hard, which is entertaining. The Mazda’s best attribute, however, is only realized when you take it on twisty sections of road. The Japanese brand is incredibly agile for its size. The steering is exceptional, giving you that connection to the car that enthusiasts dream of. The main downside to all of this is that the suspension feels a little firm.

Fuel economy

Although it has two fewer cylinders than most of its competitors, the CX-9’s overall fuel economy is about average for its segment. Given that the Mazda keeps pace with its rivals in a straight line and feels like a much smaller car around corners, it’s a compromise we’re happy to make. The SUV is much more efficient on the highway and if you often take longer trips you will find that it will save additional mileage.

Every CX-9 comes with a fairly reasonable 19.5-gallon fuel tank. That means you should be able to go about 448 miles before needing to refuel, according to the EPA.

The 2023 CX-9 is incredibly plush for under $30,000

Credit: Mazda

The CX-9 already seems like a pretty good deal, offering good performance and engagement for a reasonable price. Take a look inside and you’ll see that its value proposition goes even further. Mazda has been ahead for some time, in our opinion, with interiors that feel more premium than the brand’s market dominance might suggest. The CX-9 demonstrates this perfectly.

Interior dimensions and comfort features

The main downside regarding the CX-9 concerns interior space. It comes standard with three rows of seats, but the rear seats are quite cramped. These are best used for children. The second row, however, is more than roomy enough to make even the tallest passengers feel comfortable. Cargo capacity behind the third row is not exceptional. However, fold down the rear-most seats and you’ll find up to 38.2 cubic feet of usable space.

Mazda really takes the cake when it comes to interior design, and the CX-9’s cabin looks like something taken from a luxury brand. In addition to featuring one of the best-looking dashboard designs in this segment, the three-row Mazda is finished with premium materials, no matter which trim you opt for. The best features are available depending on the trim you choose, including three-zone climate control with air filtration, Nappa leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and heated first- and second-row seats.

Infotainment and technology

We really like Mazda’s approach to technology and screens, with the CX-9’s standard 10.3-inch screen sticking out of the dash. Rather than feeling like the focal point of the cabin, it looks like an accent, which is exactly what car screens should look like. The display is impressively sharp and the system is easy to navigate, with the rotary dial on the center console helping you keep your attention on the road.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features on every trim, but unfortunately they only work via a wired connection. In addition to a number of USB-C ports, some versions also come with a wireless smartphone charger. Mazda Connected Services is also available, allowing you to use the MyMazda app to check the status of your CX-9 remotely as well as lock, unlock and start it. The standard audio system is pretty average, but some versions come with a pretty good 12-speaker Bose system instead.