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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  So far, so good! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By 99ZoomR - June 2 - 7:56 pm

  Ive only had my CX-9 for a little over a week, but so far Ive been very pleased with the performance and quality. Seems very well built, quiet, roomy, and my daughter is definitely enjoying the Rear Seating Entertainment System package (RSES).

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  Just a few missing parts - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By dragonphire - May 18 - 4:46 pm

  I have had less than sixty days but I am really luvn this car. I flew to Chicago from NC to get it and drove it the 13 hours back the next day and was really impressed. There are a few things I would change like having auto door locks and trip computer. Yes the gas mileage stinks but not much worse than others I have driven. Real world is always different than EPA anyway. I have test driven every thing available in the segment and this is the best thing going.I drove the Flex, Highlander, Pilot and the GM trips as well as Audi, BMW and some others.

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  Awesome, almost perfect family vehicle!! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By wilsonclan - May 4 - 4:00 am

  Picked it up last week. Waited specifically for the 08 and the 3.7 engine, worth the wait for sure. Power really comes on strong now for passing. Perfect blend of utility and performance, blast to drive. Comfort has been excellent so far, no complaints from rear seat passengers, plenty of room all around. Most of the upscale features one would expect for the money. Fit and finish exceptional. More quiet than the Infiniti we just turned back in from lease. Where we live there havent been many running around on the roads yet, which doesnt bother me at all, who wants to see what youre driving on every corner. Adds a level of exclusivity!

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  Great SUV for familes - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Ken Miller - April 3 - 3:23 pm

  The Mazda CX-9 is a much better vehicle than the 2007 Honda Pilot I traded in. There is less road noise, better steering, better stereo, more power and torque. It seems like it should have cost more for all of the features, how it handles and drives compared to the Pilot. The six-speed automatic does not downshift all the time like the Hondas five speed did and shifts perfectly unlike the GM six speeds in their new SUVs which I also looked at. Rear seat is easy to get into and seats are much better than the Pilot.

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  Great Value & Still Zooming in Raleigh - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Tearlach - March 28 - 2:00 am

  After 8 months: best combination of driving experience, braking, interior space & comfort, technology and safety amongst Highlander, 4Runner, Pilot, Sante Fe,Outback, Tribeca, Vera Cruz & other Asian SUV/CUVs w/ AWD evaluated (Asian quality/value bias after owning 20+ domestic, Euro & lately Asian vehicles). A nearly perfect family of 5 transport design w/ generous 2nd row and a 3rd row even adults could fit into in a pinch - and still have some cargo room. Not there isnt decent competition, but the steering, decent acceleration & AWD, excellent brakes and low road noise compared to even pricier CUVs are impressive. Drive of the CX-9 to others considered or you will be short changed.

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  Fun car! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By btm2518 - March 26 - 12:56 pm

  Love driving this car. Im 67" and it it one of the most comfortable cars Ive ever driven.

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  Love the CX-9 - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By syracusebeagle - March 25 - 2:50 pm

  After owning several unreliable Jeep products, I decided it was time to try something new. Enter 2014 Mazda CX-9. This is quite possibly the nicest car I have ever owned. It is lovely to look at. Fun to drive. Has loads of cargo space. The most crucial consideration for me was the AWD feature. I outfitted the CX-9 with Blizzaks for the winter. I have already taken this car on treacherous journeys. The CX-9 is a tank. Combine the outfitted CX-9 with a little common sense and you will go anywhere.

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  The Funnnnest 7 Passenger Vehicle Ever! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By AL - March 21 - 9:00 pm

  My new Mazda is the coolest car in the entire world. It is really fun to drive and my kids love the rear entertainment center. My husband loves the Bose Audio Package. This Mazda sits up a bit and has a really aggressive tone to the exhaust system. The navigation system is really practical and easy to use. Basically, everyone that has seen this car is amazed with the practical design and comfort that this new Mazda provides. I think the turning signals in the side mirrors provide for a modern look. I noticed an eighteen-wheeler on the interstate the other night moved over and let me in when I displayed my turning signal. That has never happened to me before and it felt really good.

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  If Lexus made a 3-row Cross-Over.... - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ALM - March 16 - 3:26 pm

  ...it would be this vehicle. Bought it used but it only had 74 miles on it!! Great Deal!! Traded in my 2000 Ford Explorer w/ a V-8. What a world of difference. This CUV is so much smoother, refined and quiet. Love the handling and power. Took a long distance trip (1000 miles round trip) and it was a perfect combination for passenger and cargo space. Three rows came in handy, plenty of room for the kids. Minor quibbles: CX-9s w/ navigation require separate i-pod module, no automatic locks when rolling, no rear back-up sensors (Explorer had em), no load leveling system, seat cushion slightly short for taller drivers. Other than that, having a tough time keeping it from my wife.

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  I love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By bobbi - February 22 - 2:40 pm

  This car is more fun than I had expected. With touch screen audio, built in navigation and my favorite, the rearview camera, I feel like Im in a spaceship. The kids love the Bose speakers and DVD package; the keyless entry and start make life so much easier for me when Im on the go. My kids all have long legs and they fit comfortably in all seats including the third row, which is the very reason why I turned down other crossover vehicles, they had NO room. I feel like Im driving in luxury without the luxury price. We love it.