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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  Familyt Road-Trip Rock Star! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By tdough - May 10 - 1:23 pm

  We have 17,000 miles on our 2010 CX9, 5000 of those have come in a 5000+ mile cross-country and back trip in the past five weeks. I have really liked this car since I bought it 15 months ago, now I love it! It really excels on the highway - very fun to drive, great handling, and very comfortable. I really shopped around before buying it, especially giving the Honda Pilot serious consideration, but I am SO glad I went with the Mazda.

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  From Murano to CX-9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Slugworth - May 6 - 3:20 pm

  We needed a bigger vehicle as our child gets older. Ive had 2 previous Nissan Muranos with excellent ratings but it was too small. Saw this vehicle on the road. Im a big music lover and saw that it had Bose sound system with AudioPilot and surround.

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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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  Transmission Issue - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Les - April 8 - 10:26 pm

  Fuel mileage is poor. We have taken 2 long trips,one West to Yellowstone, Glacier, Tetons and the Black Hills. 2nd was to East Coast Fall Colors trip At the toll booths one needs to accellerate quickly after paying in order to merge with the other cars and we found that during this hard accelleration the transmission would not up shift beyond 4th gear even with pedal fully released, the only way to up shift was to maive the lever into the manual position then force the up shift manually. We have taken the car in to Morries on 2 occasions but was not able to dispaly the problem to the service people. We soon start another long trip and have concerns about the transmission failing

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  Downsized from Suburban - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By thead2 - April 6 - 3:53 pm

  I downsized from a 2003 Suburban and was concerned about giving up 8 passenger seating so I was glad to find the CX-9. The third row is difficult to get little ones in and out that need adult help in getting fastened, I would not want this to be an every day thing, but I am a grandparent, so when needed it will work. The built in dvd system was a hit on day 1. I have had it not quite a month, and so far I am very pleased with it. Gas mileage is not great, however I knew that going in. It has great power which was important in going from my V8 Suburban, I havent gotten myself into trouble yet. Its very comfortable, seats are great. No issues yet, overall very pleased.

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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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  Left my family stranded on the highway - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By konigsmark - February 25 - 10:59 am

  So far our experience has been awful. First, we live 5 hours from the closest Mazda Dealership. So I drove down early in the morning and bought the 2012 with 26 miles on the car total. On the way home, I start smelling gasoline. I figured it must be a new car smell, Ive never owned a new car. Then the next day after purchasing the vehicle, the transfer case explodes on the highway. The car is filled with my family and we were out of cell phone range. Thankfully, some people stopped to help and a couple hours later our brand new car was towed to Pueblo, Colorado (5 hours away) to be repaired. I just want a safe car for my family.

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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.