The SUV segment is booming, and just like many other automakers, it now has several SUVs in its lineup. That said, while Mazda makes big money, not all of those cars are going to be winners. Here’s a look at the two lowest finishers for the 2023 model year.
This is how Mazda’s SUVs stacked up against each other
The best Mazda SUV right now, according to , is the CX-5. It’s a compact crossover and the site gave it an overall score of 8.7 out of 10.
it’s not great. That said, this is a common problem that nearly all Mazdas have. The next best Mazda SUV wasn’t far behind, and that’s the CX-30.
It is a subcompact crossover and the site gave it an overall score of 8.6 out of 10. This made it the highest rated SUV in the entire segment. The CX-30 performed well because it has a plush cabin and the automaker gave it powerful engines that make it fun to drive.
Why the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and CX-9 scored the lowest
Mazda only has four SUVs right now, so the last two options have the lowest scores. They are the CX-9 and the CX-50. The CX-9 is a mid-size crossover and the automotive critic gave the CX-9 an overall score of 8.3 out of 10.
The main problems US News had with the SUV had to do with its lack of space. The Japanese auto giant gave the CX-9 three rows of seats as standard. This allows drivers to carry up to seven people in the SUV.
Unfortunately, the , ed is only suitable for children. Also, the SUV does not have good carrying capacity. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 71.2 cu. ft., and if only the third row is lowered, it gets 38.2 cu. ft. If the seats aren’t folded down, it has only 14.4 cu. ft. All of these numbers are below average for a midsize SUV with three seats in a row.
The CX-50 debuted in the 2023 model year and has an overall score of 8.2 out of 10. It’s a compact SUV, and just like the CX-9, it has a cargo capacity issue. The CX-50 has a maximum cargo capacity of 56.3 cu. ft., and this is below average for the segment. Also, its ride quality wasn’t great.
However, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and CX-9 are still great SUVs
Despite the fact that the CX-50 and CX-9 are the lowest ranked Mazda SUVs of the year, they are both very good SUVs. After all, both SUVs received an overall score of more than 8 out of 10, meaning they’re better than most options in their segments.
For example, the CX-50 was ranked higher than popular compact SUV models like and Subaru Forester.
The CX-9, meanwhile, was ranked higher than midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Honda Passport. The two Mazda SUVs also performed well for similar reasons. Both SUVs have a great driving experience thanks to their powertrains and handling. The Japanese automaker has also provided them with a luxurious interior that comes with many standard features.
