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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  All I ever wanted - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Danny - August 17 - 2:50 pm

  Im loving it ! I had an CX-7 and the turbo was too much for me to handle (turbo lag was omnipresent). I was dreaming about CX-9 since I bought CX- 7 but my wife was not so sure we can handle 40K. Then, I missed more all the options that my Grand Touring Buick LeSabre 2000 was having : rain sensing wipers, day lights, compass in the rearview mirror, trip computer and so on. Missed so much the Buick...and I ended up trading in CX-7 for CX-9. In the first day, I drove in Greater Chicagoland area, 200 miles of fun and joy. I was so happy that I could not believe it. Thank You Mazda, for being number one in my heart. Still...put the towing package for GT. Please.

• 

  Very happy, so far! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By j73alb - August 5 - 12:20 am

  I love the exterior and interior styling of this CUV. Performance is really good for such a large vehicle. Acceleration, steering, and braking are all the same or better than my wifes coupe. We took the cx-9 on a 1000 mile trip this summer. We averaged over 22 mpg and this was with 5 people, luggage, and driving through mountains. Not bad for a CUV! We also test drove the new Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia and the Mazda was our favorite. I highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  AWD GT 2018 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By BJPJJS - July 29 - 8:00 pm

  SUV thats fun to drive. Im 6-6 and the cx9 is very comfortable lots of head room . Driver seat is very comfortable. Great acceleration handle like a much small car great connected to the road feeling . nice balanced ride handles broken pavement pretty well. Economy beld of hwy and city 21.8. Machine gray looks fantastic interior . Interior is very high quality. Very happy with my choice.

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  Great Ride for a Big Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By parunner - July 19 - 2:23 am

  We bought this because we needed a family vehicle with more space. We went from a VW Passat and honestly there is not much difference going to this bigger vehicle. It drives wonderful.

• 

  Excellent so far. - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Todd - July 17 - 1:26 am

  Bought the CX-9 after extensive research. Looked at the Honda Pilot & CR-V, Ford Flex, and a few others. It came down to the Pilot & CX-9. The Mazda has more power, better interior/exterior, better brakes, and seems to ride better. We traded a Honda Odyssey for it & it is our first Mazda product. Vehicle is black & looks absolutely sweet after its been washed. Couldnt be happier w/the purchase. Capital Mazda of Cary gave us a great price. It is loaded (back-up camera, Bose system, auto rear hatch). Took it home for under 30K. And gave us exactly what we wanted in trade for Odyssey + threw in some extras. Very happy we went /the CX-9!

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  Love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Carlover - July 16 - 1:50 pm

  I love everything about this SUV, minor changes and better quality i would ask, don`t get wrong is minor like door handles. Love the Bose, leather, blue tooth, zoom zoom power, rims, this SUV is great.

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  Way better then the Acadia - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Jason A. - July 9 - 10:56 am

  We looked pretty seriously at the Acadia and the Traverse, which were both nice, but this is much more fun to drive. Also got it for $8,000 less then the equal product in the Acadia. When I wen to the dealer, I drove the base model and ordered a touring. I thought that I might be a bit let down not getting the Acadia, but now I have no regrets. Its awesome... got to go for another road trip!

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  Grand Touring Rocks! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By crisrn - July 3 - 9:16 am

  Weve had our CX-9 for just a week and we love it! It is very comfortable and it does not feel like we are driving a mid-size SUV. When going on the freeway, the accelerator is extremely responsive. The turning radius is surprisingly sharp, which makes parking in tight spots and u-turns effortless. The ride is also very smooth, even with the 20 inch rims.

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  Mazda CX9 is ZOOM ZOOM GOOD - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By jetsnut - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the way this SUV drives. The keyless entry is the ticket! Now I know why Motor trend named it "SUV of the Year" I have been in for Service at Schwartz Mazda and they even gave me a massage while I was waiting.

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  cx-9 is sublime! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By angela linville - June 21 - 9:09 am

  First thing to go on this car? The paint job! Only done routine maintenance in 7 years and and 106,000 miles. Couldnt ask for a more reliable vehicle. Favorite things are the sub woofer, remote start, keyless ignition, heated leather seats, acceleration and handling, flexibility with use.