Overview & Reviews

Mazda CX-9, Crossover SUV

The only vehicles capable of carrying seven adults or lots of cargo used to be minivans, traditional full-size SUVs and passenger vans. But the full-size crossover SUV (sometimes referred to as CUV) has been a game-changer, providing the space of a large SUV, respectable fuel economy and handling, and exterior styling that doesn't immediately scream "diapers!" Mazda's entrant in this segment is the stylish yet practical CX-9.

The Mazda CX-9 combines a spacious interior that can be lavishly appointed along with the sporty handling characteristics that Mazdas are known for. Though the CX-9 shares its basic architecture and engine with the Ford Edge, the Mazda feels much better executed, with superior driving dynamics and a more athletic feel despite its larger size.

Current Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. All are powered by a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

The base Sport trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a multifunction tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system. Safety features include antilock brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags. Stepping up to the Touring trim brings heated and powered front seats, leather upholstery, a blind-spot monitoring system, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.

The Grand Touring model includes 20-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power rear liftgate, memory settings for the driver seat and keyless ignition/entry. Notable options include a Bose stereo, a navigation system, a towing package, a sunroof and a rear seat entertainment system.

Seven-passenger seating is standard on all Mazda CX-9s. The prospect of hauling around seven people can be daunting, but this crossover SUV's third row can hold actual adults, though you'll have to slide the second-row seats forward, making legroom tight for both rows. Also, third-row headroom is limited. On the bright side, access to the rear is relatively painless thanks to an easy-to-use latch that lets you slide past the second row into the back. With the second- and third rows folded flat, the CX-9 can carry 101 cubic feet of cargo.

On the road, we've found that the Mazda CX-9 is fun to drive. The carlike unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension provide sporting responses, with minimal body roll and controlled ride motions. The steering is surprisingly responsive and the effort is weighted just right. However, the CX-9's ride quality (particularly with the Grand Touring's 20-inch wheels) is rather firm by segment standards.

Used Mazda CX-9 Models
The CX-9 was introduced for 2007. In its debut year, the CX-9 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that made 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. The current 3.7-liter V6 replaced the 3.5 in '08, but the original CX-9 was hardly lacking for power, so we wouldn't discourage anyone from purchasing a used example. In the years since, Mazda has made only minor adjustments to the CX-9's exterior styling and availability of standard and optional features.

User Reviews:

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  A FLop Instead of a Pop on Trim/Color Options - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By NanNan - August 31 - 10:24 am

  Have looked at every brand for a replacement second vehicle and are looking for comfort and ease of driving. Mazda has entered the higher end price market with the CX-9. In most repsects, it competes head-to-head with its comparably priced SUV rivals, some with 3rd row seating and others without it. The climate and infotainment controls and functions are the best/easiest we tested, and access to the 3rd row is excellent for its size. Handling and performance also get an "A". There are only a few things that keep it from being best of breed, all of which led to our not buying the vehicle. First, the interior color choices are limited across the exterior color pallate. Only black interior is offered for most exterior colors on the Grand Touring trim, including silver that is popular in this region. The Signature model (top of the line) is offered in very nice leather, but only in one, somewhat tackey, if not ugly, two-tone, color pallette. This makes the interior look cheap though the materials are not. The height and tilt range for the drivers power seat on the GT and Signature should be enlarged ( either in the existing 8-way or as a new 10 way), and the 4-way passenger power seat should be at least 8-way, like its Volvo, BMW, and America competitors. Heated/Cooled front seats would hit it out of the park. Last, there is no front parking assist. Front beepers would be ok, and a surround camera would be a plus and bring the CX-9 in line with its Asian competitors. With the Signature model selling for over $45K, Mazda has placed itself in a higher class with this SUV. The targeted market for this class of vehicle can afford, and should be given more interior/exterior color combinations at the Grand Touring and Signature levels and certainly more power seat positioning options. We hope Mozda will make some changes in this SUV so folks like us can buy one.

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  Transfer case go BOOM!!! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By sleepyspeed3 - August 8 - 5:53 pm

  My wife took her our cx9 on a road trip with our 2 girls. On the way home she heard a clunk trying to back up. Then at low speeds she heard a grinding noise, pulled over and had it towed to a dealership. They said it had mice nesting near the bell housing. Today I was suppose to go get it back and the mechanic called and said he tried to back it up and CLUNK. Cracked transfer case. It will be another 2 - 3 weeks before its fixed. It looks like many other owners have had this problem. Ours only had 17k miles on it. Mazda should recall their cx9.

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  Over-rated, Highlander better choice - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By BDW - February 21 - 7:53 am

  The transmission noise/uncertainty and lurching is a continuing source of annoyance. The visibility is just fair at best. The fuel economy isnt close to EPA estimates and its hard to get in and out w/o banging my head on the too low entry/roof. My favorite passenger isnt happy about ride comfort either. A very over-rated vehicle.

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  Fun to Drive, Very Poor Quality - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By zang3 - January 27 - 7:16 am

  I have a 2009 CX9 Sport. It is fun to drive. But Mazda has a very poor quality. after about 30k miles, brake has some issue and costed me about $1000. after another 30k miles, all four tire sensors broke and tires kept leaking. That costs another $1000. The bottom line, if you dont want to get annoyed. Stay away from Mazda.

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  Not user friendly for mutliple car seats - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Judy - January 26 - 5:13 am

  I leased the car on a comparison review of the Highlander,the Pilot and the CX- 9. There are only 2 baby clips available in the 2nd seat. You can not put a baby seat in the middle (it folds down). I put my 1st baby seat on the smallest section and then could not fold down the larger section to get into the 3rd seat. (I needed to place 3 car seats in the car) In the comparison they did point out the negative about the rear passenger doors being longer and more difficult to open it tight situations. I have found that it is more difficult in most situations. The road noise is terrible. There are multiple blind spots and the drivers seat is very uncomfortable

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  Need More Features for a $45K SUV - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Mink70 - March 21 - 8:58 pm

  Considered this car for my wife and as a second car for trips. Agree with another reviewer that Mazda has produced a very good midsize SUV but has failed to add features that make the top trim models worth the $45K+ price. With a few changes, Mazda could hit it out of the park with the CX-9. The seat bottoms and back could could be a bit wider by falattening the side bolsters without widening the compartment. Cant understand why passenger seat is only 4-way on a SUV of this price. Need to have power 10--way driver and 8-way passenger adjustments. Heated and cooler front seats would be a selling point. There also is no heated steering wheel. Interior and exterior color combinations are limited in Grand Touring (no silver with light interior) and theres only one interior color for the Signature, whose leather is of high quality but a tacky color compared to its European competition. No front park assist (beeper) or surround camera like Japanese and Korean mfgs. On the other hand, access to 3rd seat is better than most in its class, the AC is excellent, the infotainment system is the best of breed, and overall handling and comfort is superior. Mazda may have limited its trim because the 2016 CX-9 is the first generation of this new model. Hopefully, the company will produce enough upgrades to actully justify its being considered an upscale midsize SUV.

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  Zoom gloom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By k1200gt - February 26 - 9:20 pm

  At initial purchase all was good, however when it came to getting an appointment it was hard, CD player did not work from day one, they told me I stuck something in it. But on further inspection the opening for the CD was NEVER cut through. when I shut the car off the a/c fan comes on , when the car is off and I turn on the parking lights. Guess what, the a/c fan comes on. I press the remote for the doors, guess what comes on in unison.. yup the a/c fan and it will run for 5 min and up to 30 and has at times killed my battery. They said "we never heard of such a thing." Well I have proof in the shape of a CX9, also loud squeakiness as if it uses leaf springs from the 1950s wont buy another

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  2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Review - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By tim218 - January 7 - 6:00 pm

  Pros: Driving feel, features Cons: Reliability. interior rattles, gas mileage The car handles very good for such a big auto. I find the driving experience to be enjoyable. The family (6 pax) just returned from a 1600 mile trip. We used a thule attachment on the roof and found the overall driving experience to be very enjoyable. Right before our trip, the front differential started to leak and had to be replaced. The car only had 10,000 miles on it. A fairly major job that almost derailed our vacation. Fortunately for us, the dealer had the part in stock. A little research online revealed this has been a habitual problem for this model.

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  Hot Car - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By ES - December 21 - 9:00 pm

  My wife and I traded a 2014 CX-5 for a 2016 CX-9. The vehicle is outstanding in all respects except for one glaring and unforgivable fault. The air conditioning system is woefully inadequate. The car has been to the dealer twice and I have been told that there is no fix possible. It is an engineering fault. That said, Mazda Corp tells me that it is within specs. This cannot be true as the air temp wont blow any colder than 54 degrees. According to my research air conditioning should blow between 40-45 degrees. In the hot humid summers of central Kentucky the cab is stiffling and is barely adequate on even 75 degree fall days. I dont care about all the other wonderful attributes of the vehicle. If its not comfortable in the cab, then to me it is worthless. Since experiencing this problem, I have found one review that gives the CX-9 rave reviews but found themselves "roasting" on a 80 deg day. They hoped that this was not a problem with other vehicles. I sincerely regret buying this vehicle and am in the process of trying to get a buy-back. Heed my warning. Mazda Corp has not been cooperative.

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  2008 mazda cx9 Grand touring awd - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By tcm - November 27 - 11:03 pm

  Dont do it. This car was fine for the first 18,000 miles. But now it has all kinds of electrical problems. TCS light, BCM light, engine coolant light all flash on and off. First time was told it was brake booster, 2nd time same thing, they replaced BCM module, 3rd time, there still working on it. Horn stopped working, since been fixed but now has been beeping for no reason. Doors wouldnt lock or unlock. Faulty wiring. Keeps getting worse.