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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  Im impressed - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Thppbt - July 9 - 7:03 am

  I love this car! I cant get over how much bang I get for my buck. Mazda produced a refined and beautifully designed car inside and out with all of the high-tech gadgets I would expect in a $40,000+ car. Look out Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti. Before I bought the CX9, I had compared it with the Ford Edge, Acura RDX, Acura MDX, and even the Mazda CX7. In the end, the CX9 was a no- brainer. The exterior styling looks aggressive. The interior styling is gorgeous. The CX9 has virtually all of the same features as the Acura MDX, but for $1000s less. I liked the power and handling of the CX7, but I preferred the cargo capacity, options, and fuel economy of the CX9.

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  Best in this Class - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By BV - July 4 - 7:30 am

  I was looking to replace a 2004 MDX. The newer MDX while very impressive is mid 50s with all options....Ouch! The dash of the new MDX has way too much going on. The CX9 was a surprise for sure. For what you get this is by far the best in the larger 3rd row SUVs. Many people actually see this rig and think it is a Lexus. You dont see as many of the cx9s on the road and I cannot figure out why. We have three small children and did not want to go mini-van.

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  A Mom Who Wanted Style with Room - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Laura - July 2 - 1:50 am

  The process of finding the perfect vehicle was exhausting! We needed room for our family of 5, wanted better gas mileage than our Tahoe was giving us but did not want a minivan. We looked at the Lincoln MKX, BMW X-5, Volvo XC90, Acura MDX, none seemed worth the price. Then we test drove the CX-9 and fell in love with it. At nearly $6000 less and with nearly all the same options and even more exterior style, the Mazda was clearly the better choice. We love it.

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  Mazda CX 9: Over-achiever of the year! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By camp168 - June 28 - 11:46 pm

  We bought this car to replace an 01 Explorer that was going to cost more than it was worth to repair. We tried the Chevy Traverse, Ford Edge, and Explorer XLT...after 5 minutes in the CX 9 it was a done deal! We got the Touring model with AWD, and it blows away anyone elses SUV/CUV! A like vehicle from Acura or Lexus would be $15k more! Fit and finish is exceptional. I am tall - 62"- as is my wife at 58" so we figure the kids will be big, so I sat in the 2nd and 3rd rows...plenty of room in the 2nd row, and even in the 3rd though head room was shorter...but I could see my self in any seat in the vehicle for a 2-3 hour trip with no problem! The engine is powerful and smooth. Tight handling!

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  Mazda CX9 Grand Touring - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Andy_Stoy - June 16 - 7:36 am

  Took delivery of our new CX9 Grand Touring yesterday and have no regrets whatsoever. The CX9 was "hands down" the best vehicle in the class. We looked at Acura, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan and VW and none of them compare to the CX9 in terms of features, styling, comfort and performance. Out purchasing experience was good. Pricing was a little high, but we opted for the top of line Grand Touring. You will not get the deal of the century on this vehicle due to demand and popularity, but you should walk out with a fair deal. Our dealer offer a couple of lease options if the monthly payment estimate scares you. We do wish Mazda offered a longer basic warranty.

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  Excellent quality at a reasonable cost - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Stefano - May 23 - 3:00 pm

  High quality material comparable to luxury cars that will cost 20K more. Instrumentation is simple and useful for comfortable and safe driving. Smooth and fast acceleration.

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  Great car but with some odd issues - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By dougrek - May 22 - 9:50 pm

  All in all we enjoy the car. Great acceleration and handling, plenty of passenger room, beautiful styling. I would recommend to friends and family. For a vehicle this size its astounding we havent had to change the brakes yet, and were at 60,000 miles. Two odd issues: The mounting pads for the engine already are worn, which creates a nasty clinking sound when the car is put into gear; and the circuits go bad, meaning Ill turn off the car and the fan will suddenly go full blast - I have to turn the car on and off a couple of times to make that stop. But these are relatively minor fixes (Ive been too lazy) because overall the car has been wonderful for us.

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  Dare to compare - look out Lexus! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By JohnT in NJ - May 22 - 3:53 pm

  Bought the GT AWD and got an awesome deal. Dare I compare this to the Lexus or Infiniti SUV offerings? Absolutely yes. Interior quality and materials are great. E.G. padded armrests on doors. Nice. The cargo space whips the luxury class models. Features? Navigation, backup camera, proximity key, Bluetooth, moonroof, memory seats with powered lumbar support, iPod jack, powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone a/c, blind spot monitoring! For under $40K you CAN have it all. I got the white pearl exterior.

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  love the car except.... - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Milan - May 21 - 4:18 am

  Love the car. Much better than my 2010 Mazda6. I have only one issue so far - drivers seating position. I am 6,4 about 210 pounds. I am still to find a comfortable position. I think that comfort can be easily improved if the telescopic steering wheel could be pulled a bit more towards driver. Other than that, the car drives and looks great! We are making 24-26 mpg, combined - 70% highway, 30% city. We test drove Toyota Highlander, and although Toyota put more thought into practicality and space designed particularly for families, I simply didnt like the driving feel. Reminded me of the van we had. Mazdas storage, compared to Highlander, isnt great, but in my opinion is still plenty for a family of four. The cars style and drive feel won.

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  Wowed by the Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Bill C - April 14 - 7:56 pm

  As a crossover, I am fully impressed with the CX-9 GT. Fast, handles like a sports car on turns and acceleration, yet comfortable and roomy. You can go race it on the highway or take your wife out to the opera in it... not that I do. Gas mileage isnt that great, but then again it is a high performance 3.7L engine with AWD. Not bad when you factore that into the equation. We are so impressed, we will get another one after this lease expires and I am buying a MSP3. Bravo Mazda!