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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  2nd one! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By jjp - November 11 - 10:26 am

  Just traded a 2007 CX-9 Grand Touring for a 2010. Guess that says it all. Residual value was awesome after 3 years and had no issues with at all in 3 years. Most stylish people mover on the market.

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  A great family hauler - with style - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark - November 7 - 9:00 am

  We purchased our CX9 after looking at the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford TaurusX, Volvo XC70, as well as the Subaru Outback and Tribeca. We decided the CX9 had everything we were looking for; Room, utility, horsepower, great driving habits, and last but not least great looks - in and out. With the exception of a early stability control issue it has been trouble free. Surprised not see more of these on the road.

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  New owner of Mazda CX 9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By xlostlaker - November 6 - 1:40 pm

  Only had my new CX9 FWD for 3 weeks but everything favorable written about it in other reviews by actual owners, is pretty much true. I bought the Sport Model and had leather seats and Sirius radio installed.

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  New 2016 cx9 signature - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Ike walton - November 6 - 6:31 am

  Fantastic SUV. Dont let the 4cyl turbo dissuade you. More torque than competitors and uses Regular unleaded. Needs 3rd row climate control in Desert climate. Bose is spectacular. All safety features great except the City braking feature to sensitive at times. Ingress and egress to third row good , however 3rd row is not for adults . Power band on the low to mid range . Once more the 5k rpm power tapers off significantly. Outside styling is spectacular. 20 in wheels ride comfort is above average. Interior color scheme nice. Materials are soft and comfortable. Mpg initially 16 avg. but has improved to 20 combined. Hwy 26 is almost as rated. Overall the drivers choice for an SUV for sheer driving dynamics. Transmission is smooth as silk. Only the highlander and pilot come in around a 7/10 and 8/10 respectively. Mazda is 10/10. Mazda hit this out of the park. Extremely capable family hauler with style and pizzaz. Its obvious that at Mazda, driving matters!!

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  CX-9 is the Mazda3 of its Class - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By MDmike - November 4 - 11:43 pm

  We got a CX-9 GT AWD a week ago, so this is my first impression. Daughter has 05 Mazda3 and Im as impressed with the CX-9 as the 3. That says a lot! I think the 3 (2.3) is the best value on four wheels. The CX-9 GT interior is superb. I drive a 98 MB E320 and the CX-9 interior equals it w/o the real wood. The materials and controls definitely feel first-rate and the doors have the vault-like sound of Mercedes as well. The ride & shifter are also Teutonic and firm, which I like. More fun to drive than those we compared - Acadia & Caddy SRX 6. As a Mercedes owner, I think the CX-9 is comparable to the R-Class at $15k less! If its reliable like the 3, Mazda has another winner.

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  The Car Sold Me - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tim R - October 31 - 7:13 pm

  I purchased a new 2008 Mazda CX9 for my wife in Feb 2009. We were impressed by the look and ride of the car. We were blown away by the fuel economy of our car. We were expecting less than 20 miles per gallon. We are getting 22 to 23 miles per gallon. Our only sore spots with the car are the hood latch that broke very easily and the third row seat belt hooks that feld off while driving around town. Due to the great cars ride and comfort, those flaw are very minor in comparison. We will recommend and have recommend buying the CX9 to our friends and family. The power will blow you away.

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  Impressed. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By AZzoomzoom - October 28 - 4:46 pm

  Was completely impressed with the Cx9. After searching for six months, we narrowed it down to the Volvo XC90 and the CX9. We chose the CX9 because of the available technology, comfort and style.

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  6th SUV - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By COP31 - October 27 - 5:03 am

  This is our 6th SUV and we must say this is the best yet!!! The gas mileage is our only knock on this vehicle but it is par with all the others we have own, so we expected it! The design, comfort, and quality of a Mazda has met all of our expectations. my daughter is driving the Mazda 6. looks we are now apart of the Mazda Family and Mazda is apart of ours!

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  My CX-9 - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By mycx9 - October 24 - 2:10 pm

  Overall, I love the car- style, handling, features, value. The gas mileage is the same as my last suv, so no surprises there. The interior is beautiful, but dust and dirt do show on the dark leather and mats. A bit surprised by the amount of plastic used on the front exterior and hope it lasts. I like that there are few chrome accents inside limiting glare - something seen in many other cars. There is however, no way to escape the amount of direct sunlight coming in when driving due west. This may have to do with windshield design and shape of the vehicle- a small price to pay for great visability. My family just came from our 1st road trip through the mountains and the car performed great!

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  Easilly Comfortable - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Angie Koenig - October 24 - 11:18 am

  I like it , it is very nice handles very well so far only owned for a couple weeks. Only thing I wish is for better gas MPG but thats to be expected as it is a fairly large size SUV. Love it so far.