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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"Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! What a feeling!" - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By FM - December 8 - 7:56 amCompared this car with the 08 Highlander. We decided on the 08 Mazda CX-9 because of the standard safety features, great quality interior and the very sturdy feel when driving. Plenty of room with standard 7 passenger seating, standard 2nd row air vents, as opposed to the Highlanders optional 7 passenger seating and optional 2nd row air vents. The Bose sound system is a plus! Great exterior design. My children loves the roomy space and the DVD Entertainment. We have discovered the "zoom, zoom, zoom" way of driving and what a feeling, indeed! We recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping for the best of the best! Safety, quality, comfort the zoom, zoom way! The price is just right
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Love My CX-9 - 2011 Mazda CX-9
By pure_hp - November 24 - 8:26 amWe test drove on the same day the following vehicles: Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz, and the CX-9. For the price, content and fun to drive factor, we couldnt go wrong with the CX-9. Its quick, agile, spacious and well built. Aside from poor fuel economy (still waiting to see if 17city/24hwy for FWD is really true), we have no complaints.
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Best CUV for your money - 2009 Mazda CX-9
By Duayne - November 21 - 2:20 pmI test drove many and this car was the clear value leader (IF you can still get the generous discounts). Safety was a high-priority and the CX-9 has every safety device/feature available on vehicles under $50,000 - except Daytime Running Lights!? Excellent handling/steering. Design and features impress everyone from teens to middle-aged. To be sure, it rides a little rough on typical streets -- you will feel all the bumps -- but has the most comfortable car seats Ive ever sat in (and I dont have leather). Maybe the best thing is that its a big car, but doesnt look or drive like one. No car is perfect, but the minor annoyances on this one are more than made up by the outstanding ones.
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Overall Best of the Bunch for this Class - 2007 Mazda CX-9
By KAC - November 20 - 11:53 pmGot the GT AWD with Nav and rear Entertainment. Traded a loaded 04 Quest SE. Looked hard at the 07 MDX and GMC Arcadia. MDX is nice but price, size, styling didnt work for me. Arcadia, great looking vehicle and very comfortable but felt under-powered and lame on test drives. The Mazda is tight, very responsive for a 4,500 lb. car. The Nav system is nice but the touch screen is, ah touchy. The ride in the GT is stiff, seriously thinking of putting on smaller tires to improve comfort factor although 20 inch wheels look great but bumps are pronounced. Keyless thing is cool but still learning how to work it.
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Its Top Shelf - 2016 Mazda CX-9
By Les - November 20 - 11:06 pmSUV of the year!
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Sporty and Fun - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By Mark - November 7 - 8:36 pmI traded in a VW Beetle, so there isnt much comparison except from the test drives I have been on. We considered a Pathfinder, Pilot and the Highlander. The Pilot was too much like a car and not very responsive. The Highlander was too pricey for the amount of vehicle. The Pathfinder felt really bulky in comparison to the CX-9. I drive about 4 hours every weekend with my wife and great dane. We wanted a vehicle that would allow us to have room for children in the back along with our dog. The gas mileage isnt too impressive, but a vehicle this size just doesnt have that 30 mpg ability right now. The backup cam on the nav screen seems dangerous.
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I Claimed it - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By sum - November 3 - 9:56 pmVery nice ride, seemed somewhat worried about ride and it proved very stable and much quieter than cars. No complaints yet positive experience great dealer treated with respect. Very happy with purchase, test drove Traverse, Highlander, MDX and some others CX-9 the best overall in drive and value. Great Mazda Car.
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Researched for 6 months - this was the best! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
By Mazda Newbie - November 2 - 5:26 amI had been looking for a 3 row SUV for hauling my grandchildren along with their trinkets whenever they came to visit. I studied all of the U.S. manufacturers and drove the offerings from Ford and General Motors. I also drove the comparable vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and even a late model Infiniti. All were acceptable but nothing had the wow factor. I was encouraged twice within an hour time frame from car guys to drive a Mazda CX-9. I knew nothing about Mazda but was willing to try anything as I had not yet found the perfect match. Im glad that I did. I drove the CX-9 and Im glad that I did. This vehicle had the wow factor I was looking for. The exterior styling looks like a European luxury car. Its really a big vehicle - almost 200 hundred inches long - but it really doesnt look big unless its next to another vehicle. More importantly, it certainly doesnt drive like a 3 row SUV. I cracked up when I discovered the CX-9 classifies as a station wagon on my vehicle registration. It isnt my fathers station wagon - for sure!!! It handles like a dream with many safety features including lane assist, radar cruise control and smart brake assist. The instrumentation for navigation is intuitive after learning the basic features of the joystick that explores the infotainment system. The factory sound generated by the Bose speakers is really good. I enjoy the heads up display now that I have it tuned properly for my height (64"). It lightens significantly when wearing polarized sunglasses but it is still visible. The 4 cylinder turbo gets off the line much more quickly than I need it to and there is plenty of power for passing. Shifts are noticeable but not overly dramatic. I was also pleased with the price point of the Mazda. The price point was also best in class compared to similarly equipped vehicles - and none of the other vehicles I drove had the heads up display or the wow factor. I havent owned it long enough to provide an accurate reliability score but Im impressed overall in the first month of ownership. Im looking forward to a long relationship with this one!
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The Little Things Matter! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
By Mr Rob - October 23 - 8:33 amWeve had the CX-9 for 10 months after reading favorable reviews on Edmunds.com. I have to say that the reviews were spot on as this has been the most fun to drive vehicle we have owned in the last 10 years. Handling excellent, and everything remains "tight" and well engineered. Well done, Edmunds, for making such an accurate recommendation!
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Mazda does it again - 2016 Mazda CX-9
By Glenn Loveless - October 22 - 4:50 amMy last Six cars has been Mazdas, four of which were CX9s. Ive found the build quality of Mazdas cars to be excellent. They are reliable, attractive, and cost-effective. I will continue to purchase or lease a Mazda car as long as Mazda continues build cost-effective and reliable automobiles. Now if I can only get reliable service and attention to details from their dealership Ill be a happy camper.
