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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  Awesome car! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By nk - August 31 - 5:01 pm

  Awesome car!

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  Great car!! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Michael - August 10 - 12:30 am

  Very nice car in all aspects with the exception of gas mileage! Still though if you need the third seat this is the cream of the class!

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  Loving my CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Kathy - July 22 - 11:20 pm

  We looked at every 7 seater available, and decided on the CX-9. It was a great choice. It drives like a car but has the capacity for 7. Compared to all the others you couldnt beat the price. Ive had numerous comments on it in the 3 weeks Ive owned it. I expect to see a lot more out on the road soon.

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  CX-9 AWD Grand Touring AWESOME! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By luv2nou2 - July 9 - 10:13 am

  So far everything is fantastic. Quality and fit and finish of the grand touring is amazing! 20" Wheels, Wood/metal interior trim and blue interior glow at night is amazing. Love the gauges and colors at night (like some futuristic automobile). Mazda did some nice stuff in this vehicle. Hands free voice activated phone and navi system. Two tone heated leather seating. Fuel economy not bad for this size vehicle (about 18 mpg). Sound system sounds terrific. So far a lot of heads turning and people asking if "Is that really a Mazda?" LOL

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  Saying Goodbye to Minivans - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By BigDaddy85 - July 8 - 11:20 pm

  We have been driving minivans for about 20 years raising the kids. The kids are grown, but we still need occasional room to haul cargo and up to six passengers comfortably. The cx-9 is a blast to drive. Great Bose stereo system. Solid handling. Many nice features. We bought the awd as we do like to go to the mountains and make long trips in the winters. 95% of the time the fwd would be fine. The difference in fuel economy was minimal, so we decided on the awd.

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  In-laws are welcome too - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Road-runner - June 28 - 11:10 pm

  Ordered back in November, last week we finally got our Red Mica Touring CX-9. It came with 20" wheels with Homelink (optional). Turn to be an almost perfect ride for families with luggage and bikes although there is space for improvements.

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  Great Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By TLL - June 24 - 9:26 am

  Have been looking to replace our minivan with another 7 seater for over a year. My wife and I drove or looked at about 10 minivans and crossovers. Were going to wait for Buick Enclave to come out before buying anything, But after test driving 3 CX-9s we drove home a CX-9 Touring with Rear Entertainment the same day. The interior is first class. The ride and handling are excellent. For overall value the CX-9 is a very good vehicle, plus its fun to drive. You can feel the strips on concrete roads and visibility out rear sides is limited, but you would have to put in more glass and kill the looks and handling would take a hit with taller tires.

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  Great car - but be aware... - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By gwg_columbus - June 20 - 3:43 pm

  Like most reviewers, I looked at a lot of cars in this class. Right now, the CX-9 is the best deal, hands down. For around $32K, you get a lot more features for the dollar than almost any competitor, foreign or domestic. The CX-9 has been around several years, so the reliability should be terrific. It may not have every bell and whistle, but its got the ones that really matter.

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  Chose Mazda Over Infiniti? - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Chris - June 17 - 2:53 am

  Ive had an Infiniti FX35 for the last 5 years and loved it. It has been a great family vehicle, the quality was nice and the reliability was top notch. My only wish was sometimes that it had a little more trunk space. I was prepared to buy another one last week, now a QX70. However, before I pulled the trigger I had to do due diligence and cross shopped the Acura MDX (slightly bigger than the Infiniti with 3 rows) and yes, the Mazda CX9. The Acura drove pretty nice, but for the price I didnt like it as much as the Infiniti and it looks more like a mini van to me than an SUV, which is counter productive to buying an suv. Seeing the new bodystyle of the CX-9 made me immediately think of it as being similar to my FX-35 body style Id come to love, only stretched out slightly for the 3rd row giving more room. I decided to check them out and Im so glad I did. Mazda has always been nice, but not luxury vehicle nice. I tested out both the Grand Touring and Signature level trims, noting the main differences being subtle: the real wood and dark brown interior in the Signature model with led lighting in the grill vs the Grand Touring with either black or beige interior and black accents vs the wood, both have 20" wheels and nav so the Grand Touring is a great buy if you dont mind black or beige seats only. About a $3k difference. What sold me on the Signature was the dark brown interior I loved; looked a lot more luxurious and reminded me of my 2002 SE Miata I once had with a similar interior. Paired with the pearl white exterior my wife had to have, this was a great compromise; She the got color she wanted, I got the interior I wanted. Had I not read that it had a 2.5 turbo I would have believed it had at least a 3.5L V6 under the hood. Side note: Though the exhaust note is 4cly, the power band and torque definitely are not! It would be easy for mazda to transplant this powertrain to a 3 & the 6 to make mazdaspeed versions and I hope they do! Love the tech safety features that though they are becoming common on a lot of modern vehicles, the way they are implemented here makes them feel like luxury exclusive items. The interior though is what really sold me on this vehicle, its really nice. I do not feel like I stepped own from an Infiniti to a Mazda, but rather that I upgraded. From the NAPA leather, to the aluminum and real wood accents throughout, a plethora of tech and safety features, smooth and very quite ride! Theres some youtube videos comparing the new CX-9 to the Audi Q7 and initially I thought that was apples to oranges, but but after testing it out and now owning it, they have very similar quality. Now that Mazda has separated themselves from FORD, they have the independent ability to re-brand themselves into an even classier company and they are doing it with the CX-9. If you havent driven a MAZDA lately, you owe it to yourself to do so before buying anything else!

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  Best Yet - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Ken - June 3 - 4:03 am

  Drove them all, including Lexus, Audi, Chevy and Buick, none had all the features and fun factor for the great price. Vehicle has been a pleasure to drive, city and highway, feels solid, no rattles, and interior quality is par with Lexus and Audi.