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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  A hidden gem - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By CTCXer - September 10 - 5:33 am

  Like others, I looked at the Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, Lexus GX470, Saturn Outlook, and Subaru Tribeca before selecting the CX-9. The exterior styling is fantastic with the stylish lines and those 20" rims. The interior is well laid out and feels like it was designed by people that actually cared about what it would be like to ride in every day. Controls are intuitive which is a nice change from our BMW X5 and Infiniti FX. The Bose stereo also beats the Harmon-Kardon in the bimmer by miles!! The bluetooth took 3 minutes to setup and worked with both mine and my wifes phones. Smooth to drive, plenty of pep, and comfortable.

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  Good SUV, but - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By hss_rao - September 6 - 9:53 pm

  Pretty good CUV. Rides smooth on flat roads, but engine rattles on uphill and makes high rev noise inside the cabin. Lot of wind noise. Looks are ultimate, unmatched. Interior comfort if also good.Too early to tell anything about reliability or performance. fogs inside a lot even under mild humid condition. Lot of people compare this car with MDX, but it definitely cannot match the MDX engine smoothness(Absolutely no noise in MDX), but at least my car makes a lot of engine noise. I dont have a lead foot. Suspensions are very good.

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  Luxury for a non-luxury price - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By VC021993 - August 20 - 4:46 am

  I have been shopping for a third row SUV for a few months now and have been looking at the Q7, MDX, Q60 and the Pilot. The CX-9 by far has the best look of them all and the technology you get out of it for the money is amazing. Ride is very comfortable, quiet, and sporty. Literally stands behind what is said as being a drivers SUV. It gives you the feeling of wanting to take it out for a spin for fun. Now the power of 250hp is a bit less than the competition but not by much. The torque is at 310lb-ft which engages at 1700 RPM so instant power for your everyday driving. The CX-9 is definitely built for your regular everyday driver which is why this is a BIG score for Mazda. On top of it all none others get the gas mileage this one gets either. 21city/27hwy. Give it a shot, compare it yourself and you will be impressed.

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  Mazda CX9 FWD Grand Touring - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SCaldriver - August 20 - 12:36 am

  We purchased a 2008 CX9 Grand Touring FWD 13 months ago and now have 20,000 miles on it. This vehicle has met all of our expectations. We previously owned an Expedition and a Sequoia and like the CX9 much better. The interior in the CX9 is great. The second row seats slide forward for easy access to the third row with a split seat with enough room for an adult. The CX9 is fun to drive with plenty of zoom zoom. We live in an area with hills and the CX9 moves up them. It drives more like a sports car than an SUV. Exterior looks great especially with 20 inch wheels. Whenever someone rides in it they are impressed & comment on how nice the interior is & how well it drives.

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  BEST CAR EVER - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Kryfka012 2010CX-9 - August 10 - 12:03 pm

  i looked at many cross over cars and was torn between volvo xc60 and mazda cx-9 the price and options and power under the engine made the final call. when i could get every option but the indash nav for and out the door price of 36,000 for the mazda and 43,000 for the volvo minus many options and got the extended warranty and matiance warranty for 150,000 miles on the mazda with the 36,000 price.

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  Big Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By gbraxton - August 9 - 12:13 pm

  Due to circumstances beyond my control I had to find a replacement for my MDX. After 5 months of denial, it came down to the new MDX (only in AWD and funny looking grille), the sluggish but gorgeous Enclave and Big Zoom. The CX-9 handled better and was a better value. After 3 weeks, there are things I miss about the MDX, but I am a very happy owner. Having an Acura and Lexus, my wife and I were apprehensive of Mazda but the MT SUV of the Year award and the many Mazdas we see now helped. Big Zoom is black on black GT FWD with GT assist package.

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  What a great CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Jb - August 2 - 1:00 am

  We bought this vehicle for my wife, she was looking for a spacious crossover to upgrade from her VW Passat for our 2 active boys. We looked at the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Mazda CX-7. The Edge was just boring to drive, the Murano was our second fav pick, but too pricey and significantly smaller. We were most surprised though about the difference between the CX-7 & the 9. The fit and finish of the 9 seemed significantly better than the 7. Both are fun to drive, the 7 has serious zoom-zoom, but for a bigger vehicle, the 9 does as well. For overall look and utility, the 9 was the hands down winner for us.

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  What a GREAT car!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By cristina - July 29 - 3:56 pm

  I shopped around for over 2 months and drove the Jeep Liberty, Honda CRV, Toyota Highlander, Chevy Equinox, and Ford Edge and Escape to name a few. I am so happy with my Mazda SUV. It drives beautifully, its Japanese, the interior is beautiful the leather is very nice and the drive is better than any vehicle mentioned above. The drive is smooth and quiet and I was very worried to downgrade from my Mercedes GL 450 (spoiled) and thought that I would not find a nice but better priced vehicle.

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  The BEST crossover. Love It. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By carguy - July 5 - 11:30 pm

  This vehicle is amazing. As a car nut who has owned just about every type of car imaginable including Audi, BMW etc. - this vehicle has exceeded my expectations in every way. The drivability and sheer practicality of the CX-9 is unmatched. I looked at every crossover and for anyone who enjoys cars - there simply is no comparison if you need the room of a 3 row CUV/SUV. I even owned the new Acura MDX and aside from the Acuras vastly superior navigation system, just about everything else on the CX-9 is better. BTW - I have not had any issues with the 20 inch wheels - the ride is smooth, taut and in no way harsh. The CX-9 simply drives like a nice European vehicle. Highly recommend it.

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  A Wise Choice - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By dbal72 - July 2 - 5:16 am

  Purchased my 2008 GT AWD in August of this year w/ 9k miles on it. It replaced our 2006 Chrysler T&C Van. My wife absolutely loves the CX9. I drive a 05 Audi A4 Quattro w/ sport pkge and I am amazed at how well the Mazda handles and drives for a larger heavier vehicle. If you need 3 rows of seats and dont have to have sliding doors, then make sure you drive one of these before purchasing anything else. We test drove 10 different crossovers and SUVs and kept going back to the Mazda. I also drove the Touring model. The GT does not ride that much firmer for how much better it handles and looks. Love the sliding 2nd row for entry/exit and the legroom. Ours is loaded and we love it.