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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  CX-9 - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By vts747 - January 1 - 2:15 pm

  Feels like smaller sporty car. My 12 hour long, 850 mile long road trip last summer wasnt as exhausting as usual, thanks to smaller steering wheel, sporty seats and carlike handling. Steering is sporty and precise. Seats feel carlike and comfortable for a long trip.

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  Minivan for the Non Minivan Mom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Robert - December 30 - 1:10 am

  We looked at everything in a 7 passenger configuration, at the end we where left with the CX9, Honda Oddyssey, and Audi Q7. The Mazda beats them on almost every level. If this car had captains chairs it would have no comparison, not even the Acadia/Outlook.

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  Great value but could be so much more!! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By scottworks4u@hotmail.com - December 27 - 6:27 am

  Now that I have been driving this car for a month heres what I have learned. First, I love the car and definitely made the right choice. The ride is so much smoother than the pilot or highlander which we test drove. The interior finishes rival that of lexus, acura, etc.. That being said there are some things you should be aware of. The rear lift gate, does not go all the way up. Im 62 so the first time nearly gave myself a concussion. now im more aware of it. If you are short than this will not be an issue for you. The navigation & entertainment system are poorly designed. Its quite difficult to scroll through stations while driving. For navigation, you cant enter any address while driving, this means the passenger also. No android or apple play system. Finally, the front seats are quite narrow. Im 62 212 pounds and I feel restricted in the seats. If you are a bigger person or just like more space you will probably not feel comfortable. The cargo space is ample. If you need a lot more cargo space than recommend the Honda pilot but the CX-9 works perfectly for our family.

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Edge - December 24 - 6:13 am

  I traded in my 2003 Expedition and wanted something a little smaller with better handling/ride, but still needed the 3rd row seats. Looked at the Explorer, Pilot and Acadia but the CX-9 was in a different league when I test drove it. Im very impressed with the CX-9 and feel I made the right decision.

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  "good value" " atractive design" - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Don - December 22 - 7:20 am

  Cx9 best value for the cost..very good in snow here in Colorado... very responsive handling. Driver position very comfortable. Xenon head lights useful on mountain roads at night. Third row seat and storage area a big benefit along with sun-roof and side warning system. Excellent sound system and navigation... best value for the price in this category.

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  Hot Car - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By ES - December 21 - 9:00 pm

  My wife and I traded a 2014 CX-5 for a 2016 CX-9. The vehicle is outstanding in all respects except for one glaring and unforgivable fault. The air conditioning system is woefully inadequate. The car has been to the dealer twice and I have been told that there is no fix possible. It is an engineering fault. That said, Mazda Corp tells me that it is within specs. This cannot be true as the air temp wont blow any colder than 54 degrees. According to my research air conditioning should blow between 40-45 degrees. In the hot humid summers of central Kentucky the cab is stiffling and is barely adequate on even 75 degree fall days. I dont care about all the other wonderful attributes of the vehicle. If its not comfortable in the cab, then to me it is worthless. Since experiencing this problem, I have found one review that gives the CX-9 rave reviews but found themselves "roasting" on a 80 deg day. They hoped that this was not a problem with other vehicles. I sincerely regret buying this vehicle and am in the process of trying to get a buy-back. Heed my warning. Mazda Corp has not been cooperative.

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  CX-9 Sport Model - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By galo - December 21 - 10:16 am

  After driving it for only 1 week, my wife absolutely loves it. It is stylish and elegant, very quiet ride and comfortable. The 3rd seat is what sold me, plenty of leg room for an adult, same as the 2nd row. Although I think Mazda could have dressed up the interior with more chrome pieces, I still like the way it looks, I feel that the CX-9 is more ergonomic than other crossovers. We looked at GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse, Honda Crosstour, Hyundai SantaFe and Toyota Venza and none appealed to us as much as the CX-9. I definatelly recommend it.

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  Best Value for your money - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By FDC - December 19 - 6:23 pm

  Nice ride. Comparable to other luxury SUVs without paying the $$$. Nice handling and power. Touring edition has some nice features that cost more in other models. Definitely better than highlander or the pilot. Lots of room, great bose surround system. Comfy ride.

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  Great SUV - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Brian - December 14 - 12:11 am

  We compared this vehicle to the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. We eliminated the Highlander after one test drive, and then test drove the Pilot and CX-9. We ended up buying the Mazda, however there were a couple of things that we liked about the Pilot - the inside storage compartments are way bigger (there is a place between the driver and front passenger seat that is huge and can store almost anything) than on the Mazda, and the right side blind-spot monitoring was pretty cool. However, the inside materials of the Pilot seemed cheap, and the drive was not as smooth. So we ended up buying the Mazda, and overall we are happy, though we do wish the interior storage was bigger.

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  A overall great suv. - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By sportsphil - December 1 - 1:57 am

  Well lets start with the fact that i went from a 2006 BMW x5 to my 2014 cx9. The X5 was great for what it was. The CX9 is better for what i wanted. The CX9 is much comfier. It is adequately fast and adequately nimble. The X5 was way faster, more nimble and could break alot better. But its ride was extremely uncomfortable owing to all the sportiness of the vehicle. I enjoy the cheaper gas and the better mileage in the cx9. I enjoy the quiet comfy ride that is light years beyond my x5. The navigation in the CX9 does realtime traffic (with no subscription)... which i didnt expect or maybe that was something the dealer got for me since i got it as an add on. 4000 miles, so far so good