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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Great find - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By Jun - June 30 - 10:33 amThis CX 9 is a replacement for my wifes 03 Highlander. We compared it to the 08 Highlander and the 08 Murano. When my wife first sat in the CX 9, we knew that we found her next SUV. We bought the GT, and even with the 20 inch wheels, it rides just fine with us. My BMW 540 with the Sports package rides firmer than this.
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CX-9 Fan - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By CX-9 Fan - June 22 - 7:03 amTraded 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.
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bought mine yesterday - 2016 Mazda CX-9
By santiagosomos - June 20 - 9:23 ambeing 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
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2010 CX-9 GT AWD - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By XTC75 - June 13 - 10:00 amMost of these reviews are glowing so Ill just list the faults. Brushed faux aluminum on the inside of the door scratches easily and looks terrible. Plastic coating on the floor runners that the rear seats slide forward/backward on scratch, peel and flake after a few months and look terrible (although still function fine). Getting to the fade function on the stereo is way too difficult (requires 3 different button pushes to change, not intuitive either). Also we have water entering into the passenger floor area beneath the dash when cornering to the left. After some online research this appears to be due to a clogged sunroof and evaporator line from the AC. Pending resolution...
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Really Like This Vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By Bonnie - June 13 - 10:00 amWe 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.
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Great Crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By Zion Isabelle - May 25 - 2:56 pmThis 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!
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CX-9 -Best 3row- - 2018 Mazda CX-9
By Mike - May 19 - 3:46 amMy 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. ;)
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Best decision - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By tamcat - May 18 - 12:50 amI have been looking at buying an SUV off and on for five years, but I was waiting to see one that would have everything I wanted and be a great deal at the same time! The reviews on this website helped me tremendously. I also looked at the VW Toureg, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Lexus RX, and found the perfect one with this. The third row folds flat really easily with the headrests on. Has every luxury and comfort items the others have, plus some.
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A tall-roomy sports sedan - 2007 Mazda CX-9
By LSRHAR - May 13 - 3:33 amIve had my new CX-9 for about a month and cant say enough good things about it. This rather large vehicle handles like a sports sedan. I have a Lincoln MKZ and I think the Mazda CX-9 is every bit as good in every respect. The ride is quiet, taut with little lean in the curves. No blind spots looking aft the view through the back doors is like looking through a picture window. The CX-9 has already drawn over a couple of my neighbors with lots of questions and favorable comments. In short, Im a very happy camper especially when you compare the cost of the Mazda CX-9 to a comparable Audi or Acura of equal size and equipment - $1,000s LESS.
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Great Driving SUV - 2012 Mazda CX-9
By bfyerxa - May 12 - 5:48 amIve been following the CX-9 in publications so I knew its "Zoom-Zoom" reputation. Meanwhile my wife always wanted an Acura MDX (too much $$$ for my blood). Then on vacation last March fate stepped in and we got a free CX-9 upgrade for our rental. Needless to say, 2 weeks with the CX-9 and my wife wanted one bad. Finally, the deals were good enough this fall to pull the trigger. Simply put, this thing drives great for an SUV. It drives no "bigger" than our 09 Accord and in fact has a slightly smaller turning radius. My wife came back from running errands and stated "it is actually calming to drive". We will see how it holds up in the long term (no problems yet).
