Sayonara! Mazda CX-9 to bow out of US market, PH too?

"After many successful years, Mazda will discontinue CX-9 for the US market following the 2023 model year. Offering a unique blend of utility, performance, design and premium sensibilities, CX-9 proved to be a very capable family vehicle paving the way for Mazda’s next generation of vehicles, like the first-ever 2024 CX-90. Mazda’s deep-rooted commitment to deliver the best human-centric experience has remained at the very heart of our business and can be seen in the continual evolution of our vehicles."

And this, our friends, is what Mazda North American Operations published on its website, confirming the discontinuation of the highly regarded Mazda CX-9 (Specs | News) in the US Market.  

The larger and arguably more luxurious Mazda CX-90, a three-crossover that shares the same platform and powertrain as the Mazda CX-60 (Specs | News), will replace the CX-9 from the 2024 model year onwards in the American market.

Also Read: 2024 Mazda CX-90 breaks cover: Is all-new 8-seater flagship Mazda's ticket to luxury?

Of course, it wasn't unexpected as the CX-9 has duly run its course as Mazda's flagship crossover for two generations. And with the brand's luxury market aspirations, it was only natural that the CX-90 would take its place at the top of the lineup.

Now for the Philippines, the Mazda CX-9 has been one of the highly sought-after models of the brand. Despite its high price of admission, upmarket customers have lapped the top-of-the-line Skyactiv All-wheel Drive models even more than the entry-level 4x2. This is mainly because it offered near-European levels of performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.

Mazda Philippines has claimed that the CX-9 will live on in our market despite the arrival of the CX-90. Much like it has continued to sell the Mazda 6 despite the model being discontinued in the US.

However, with the recent launch of the newer Mazda CX-60, and the future entry of the Mazda CX-90 toward the end of the year, both with the latest inline six-cylinder engines under the hood and with higher levels of fit and finish, it is also expected that the demand for the dated CX-9 will wane.

Also Read: The next Lexus? Mazda Philippines wooing Euro car owners with all-new CX-60 luxury crossover

So, if you're looking for a three-row, turbocharged, all-wheel drive premium crossover, the remaining stocks of the CX-9 in Mazda dealerships might just be some of the easier ones you'll be able to get your hands on. The CX-90 will surely be more expensive but perhaps more worth its price.

Will you wait for the Mazda CX-90 or just get the CX-9 now?