5 Star Reviews for Mazda CX-9

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.62/5 Average
562 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 151 through 160 of 562.00
  • A beautiful and sophisticated SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    We have owned the car for just over 2 months and it so far has been a terrific automobile. The build, and performance is excellent and it seems to be far superior to our previous SUV, Ford Freestyle. When I first drove it I was in awe of its appearance, handling and performance. It is just a very beautiful SUV with a large WOW factor. I am glad I purchased it for my wife.

  • CX9 Sport with lots of Bells & Whistles! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Needed to downsize from a 2007 Chevy Tahoe but still needed third row option. I loved my Tahoe! But did not love the $604 monthly payment! We compared the CX9 to the Pilot and the Acadia. The CX9 Sport had soo many more bells and whistles for a base model! It was a NO BRAINER for us! Bluetooth, roofrack, seat warmers, satellite radio, dual zone heating/cooling, nice dashboard finish, power seats and drives beautifully! The first night I had the CX9 7 of us piled in for my birthday! We all fit comfortably!

  • Very Happy Owner - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    I bought the CX-9 GT to replace our 9 year old Odyssey. This time I bought a loaded vehicle (only 2WD though) and am glad I did. Previous reviews are spot on. Performance is good for a vehicle of this type. Interior fit and finish also very good. I looked long and hard at the Chevy Traverse (nice but too expensive), Ford Edge (no 3rd row seat) and the Subaru Tribeca (cheap looking interior and just didnt feel right). MDX was wonderful but couldnt justify the extra $8-$10k more. Sticker was $38,315 and I put $0 down and $630/mo for 60 months @ 0% interest.

  • Best SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    This is really nice vehicle. I drove it for the last 2 months and I love it. It has road presence and distinct design. Mazda did a good job in designing this SUV. Finally, there is an SUV which does not look like it was designed in 1945. The price counts too. Navigation systems, rear camera, keyless entry feature, power lift gate, rain sensor made this car absolute fun to drive and to own. If you can spend few more dollars on extra options it is definitely worth it.

  • Great car for a family - 2011 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    We have had our CX-9 for three months now. We went to the Boston Auto Show and went through every single mini-van, SUV, and CUV in the place and found the CX-9 to be the best. Now having owned one for three months I can definitely say we are not disappointed. If you want the maximum amount of room get a mini-van. However, the CX-9 balances room (which it has plenty of) with a car that you enjoy driving. I love it and would recommend it, no strings attached, to anyone.

  • CX-9 Fan - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Traded a Volvo XC90. I was a little leary about moving from european to japanese make. The car has been flawless. Feels very solid. Handles beautifully. Feels very safe. Quiet, smooth & powerful. I look forward to driving this car to work each day.

  • bought mine yesterday - 2016 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    being a mazda rotary fan my entire life i have a 93 and 85GSLSE Rx7, I need it a 3rd row family hauler , i drove the cx9 AWD turbo and was impresed right away. i bought the sport AWD

  • Really Like This Vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    We bought this vehicle to replace a 10 year old Ford Expedition. We test drove a Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Chevy Traverse. The Mazda CX-9 wasnt even on my radar screen but my husband suggested we take a look. It has the look and feel of a luxury vehicle.We were very impressed with the smooth ride, handling, and spaciousness. The inside is much more roomy than the outside would lead you to believe. We purchased the Grand Touring model with all the bells and whistles and still came in well under $40,000.Getting the same features on the Chevy Traverse would have cost us almost another $5,000. Thus far we have been very happy with this purchase.

  • Great Crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    This is our 5th vehicle purchase. We owned Toyotas ever since but the recent recalls made me think about their quality and reliability. Ive always been curious about CX9 but never had the chance to test drive one. Once I drove it, instantly fell in love! The quality is above average. Interior is beautiful so as the exterior. Very quiet on the road. Handling is great. A lot of space even with the 3rd row up. Became a Mazda fan immediately. Thinking to trade in my Corolla for a Mazda 3!

  • CX-9 -Best 3row- - 2018 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    My wife and I recently got our CX-9 Touring AWD w/premium package, and I’ve gotta say I’m thoroughly impressed. I was sort of iffy about it at first, since we have always hated automatics, but after the first test drive, we were sold. This is by far the best feeling automatic transmission ever. No jerking, awkward and inconvenient downshifts (thanks mostly to that crazy amount of low RPM torque, I know), or that weird floaty feeling that’s very hard to describe that would always make me car sick in other automatics. The engine is fantastic too. I test drove the Highlander and Pilot before getting the CX-9, and those two felt sluggish during acceleration even though they had 6-cylinder engines. They were turds compared to the Skyactiv 4-cyl. I’ve played around with all the settings and features in it, the MZD Connect, moonroof, traction/stability, the butt toaster, climate control, etc, every button and switch in there, and I have 0 complaints. No need for Android Auto/Apple Car Play, the current HMI system is very user friendly and pretty much perfect. I also tried sitting in every seat and row. At 5’7”, average build, and setting every seat at a position I would set it at, I fit very comfortably in every seat in all 3 rows. So, as long as every person in your family isn’t like 6’5”, they should fit. The Pilot had great space as well, but the interior itself was bland as hell and not very user friendly. The Highlander, on the other hand, I busted my shin and shoulder trying to get into the 3rd row (and getting out of the 2nd row with the seat adjusted to accommodate a 3rd row passenger my size, might I add), and my head was also bumping the ceiling while sitting back there. Lastly, the CX-9 is the first “tank” we’ve ever gotten, and it definitely doesn’t drive like one, unlike the other two mentioned. It’s like a Mazda3, only higher off the ground, which you don’t even notice that until a sedan rolls up next to you lol. Anyways, it’s definitely worth every penny, and you should most definitely give it a go if you’re looking to get a SUV. Heck, even if you aren’t, give Mazda a try as a brand. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed no matter which model you try out. ;)

Mazda CX-9 Reviews By Year:
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