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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  Honeymoon ended - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jlenart - February 12 - 9:07 pm

  This car is a great style option for those that want the 3rd row, 4-wheel drive and NOT a minivan. The first 20k miles was fine but after that it was really really bad. To qualify, we changed the oil and did ALL dealer service as recommended - never missed a beat and from 20k-60k we had so many issues - rust on the back hatch door even though we paid $1500 for an addl paint warranty, window and body liners fell off, roof black plastic pieces came off, the rear wheel bearings went, then the strut, the interior fell apart, etc etc. NIGHTMARE. So buy it for >2 years and then DUMP IT. The warranty and the dealer dont support their product so DON"T buy any addl warranties!!!

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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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  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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  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.

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  Competitive to germany car - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Kenneth - December 22 - 5:34 pm

  . I traded my mercedes benz r 350 2007 (owned 7 years) to cx9. I really love this car. Because the car is more quiet and better looking interior. Even I compare cx9 to glk 350 2013 (my sons car). My cx9 have better quality seat , bigger interior,cheaper price and more tach option.