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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  Sweetest SUV on the Market - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By slimgetman - April 24 - 11:50 pm

  You have to drive this vehicle to really appreciate how well it handles. With the AWD version, it feels like the car is driving on two rails it holds the road so well. The interior is luxury-car quiet. Very little road noise. The front driver seats seem a little narrow with the huge center console. Its about 10 inches longer than a Pilot or Highlander, but it doesnt look that way due to the excellent exterior design. Very sporty. The std. blue tooth is a nice touch. My wife LOVES this vehicle. So glad we didnt get a Pilot or Highlander. People complain about the gas mileage, but its an SUV....they all consume too much gas. The CX-9 was very close in MPG to its competitors.

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  CX-9 = Practical and Fun - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Kevin - April 14 - 7:56 am

  I compared Highlander, Outlook/Acadia/Enclave, Veracruz, and the CX-9. They all were very well designed, spacious CUVs, but the CX-9 was the only vehicle that was exciting to look at and fun to drive. I have had my CX-9 for 3 weeks and driven about 700 miles. The CX-9 is a very spacious, practical vehicle, and it is about as close to driving a sport sedan as a CUV can get. The Grand Touring 20" wheels do ride slighly stiffer than the 18" wheels on the Touring, but I dont find it objectionable. The interior is quiet at cruise, but you can still hear the engine growl under acceleration. Handling seems nimble for such a large vehicle.

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  What a ride - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Wyzby - March 28 - 2:20 pm

  After owning a Lincoln Navigator and Honda CRV, what a treat to have a powerful yet nimble car to drive. It has the size and power but lacks the clumsy sloppy handling of other larger SUVs. We love the interior and its performance on winding roads is spectacular. Our minds were made up on another CRV but I am glad for the small difference we looked and bought the CX-9

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  CX-9 2007 San Antonio - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-9 GT San Antonio - March 17 - 3:53 am

  Our CX-9 Grand Touring, is fun to drive. We love the headlights (wide range lighting) because it allows us to see everything and the interior lighting (especially the blue interior light in the dashboard)is a plus. We enjoy the navigation, satellite radio, touch screen, blue tooth, heated leather seats and comfort. We drove it to Yellowstone National Park, through the Rockies in Colorado and it was a smooth comfortable ride. We can fold down the seats for storage space in seconds to carry supplies and my daughter’s belongings to her dorm in Austin. I drive it to work and use my rear view camera to park. It rides on rails. We love the safety features and so does our insurance company

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  Best 7 Passenger SUV out there - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By JT - February 3 - 12:30 pm

  Had it two weeks. Thrill to drive. You name it, we considered it. Bottom line was MDX, Traverse, and CX-9. MDX offered really no extra value for the money and the 2nd row didnt allow rear entry on both sides! MDX 3rd row terrible. Easy on the CX-9. The Traverse was just too long for our garage. Its half a foot longer than a minivan. For our family, this was the best value and ride. We got every feature and were treated well. No regrets. We were surprised how much we liked CX-9. Always presumed wed buy an MDX (actually disappointed it wasnt as good as wed expected).

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  Have now owned for 1 year - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Dan - January 29 - 2:53 am

  I have now owned my 07 CX-9 GT for 1 year - this review may be helpful for people buying/considering the 08. This is a terrific crossover SUV... very fun to drive, roomy, great- looking, great build quality, lots of features, even has pretty good gas mileage (I got 24.5 mpg on a long highway trip @ 70 mph last week; I get 18 mpg around town. I do try to drive gently, e.g. slow starts and stops). I did lots of homework before I bought and still see nothing on the market that compares. I have had great experiences with Mazdas and expect to be very happy with my CX-9 for a long time to come.

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  best large 3-row Crossover for the price - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By jc - January 23 - 7:56 pm

  Basically a acura mdx for someone on a budget like me - get some great features and utility worthy of luxury- level vehicles for an affordable price. Fuel economy is the big downside but no vehicle in this class is any more impressive. I can honestly say this large cuv is pretty fun to drive... Easily comparable to my 05 murano even though its bigger.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By SandyF - January 15 - 9:40 am

  The CX-9 is a wonderful departure from my long-standing SUV days. Smart styling,crisp handling, and all the bells and whistles that I could wish for. The AWD GT model is responsive, quiet, and refined. This crossover is a head-turner wherever I go. The cargo space is cavernous, especially if you have golf equipment rather than kids. After test-driving numerous crossover vehicles, I knew that the CX-9 stood head and shoulders above the competition after about 5 minutes on the highway.

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  dont buy from Byers Mazda- Columbus Ohio - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By elantra6 - January 1 - 6:11 pm

  CX-9 is a great car. Very good quality, great Value. Compare it to all 7 seaters- CX 9 is the best value. I got my for $34,000 - Grand Touring - best value on the market I was very disappointed with Byers Mazda - Columbus Ohio - actually with their service department. The outside mirror is shaking a lot, so I went there to ask the to fix it. Its bean almost a 6 months and I have been given all kind of excuses not to fix it - very disappointed.

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  Great vehicle few design flaws - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By jzwix - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and ride is perfect. A slam-dunk upgrade from our minivan. With two kids and a dog, there is plenty of room for all of our stuff. There are a lot of bells and whistles that we werent used to but with a few friendly drives weve grown accustomed.