In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, Mazda USA has announced the CX-9 is being discontinued at the end of the 2023 model year.
The company didn’t exactly get teary-eyed over its death, but the CX-9 arrived in 2006 and featured Ford-sourced underpinnings as well as power (at least initially). The second-generation crossover debuted at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show and featured a striking Kodo design as well as a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder pumping out up to 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 320 lb-ft (433 Nm) of torque.
Mazda said the CX-9 offered a “unique blend of utility, performance, design and premium sensibilities,” which enabled it to be a “very capable family vehicle.” However, after “many successful years,” the time has come to retire the crossover.
More: Mazda Drops Entry-Level CX-9 Sport For 2023, Crossover Now Starts $38,750
Mazda CX-9
While the CX-9 is going away, its spirit lives on in the CX-90. The three-row crossover debuted earlier this year and starts at $39,595 before a $1,375 destination fee. Mazda offers an extensive lineup and the entry-level variant is powered by a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six with 280 hp (209 kW / 284 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Customers can also opt for an upgraded engine developing up to 340 hp (254 kW / 345 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm).
The CX-90 is also notable for offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 17.8 kWh battery pack. This setup gives the model a combined output of 323 hp (241 kW / 327 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. More importantly, the crossover has an electric-only range of 26 miles (42 km).
