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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  We chose it over the Q7 and XC90 - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By JCS - June 29 - 2:10 am

  Now that we have had the CX-9 for about a month I feel I am qualified to provide a detailed review. We have a 2016 in the Signature trim. We also have a 2015 BMW 328i X and we traded in a 2011 Honda Odyssey. Believe it or not, I was looking at the new Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 and chose the CX-9 over both of them (and not just because the Mazda is $20k less). In short, we love the Mazda and I feel it is the best car we have ever owned (I have owned about 7 cars). We needed the utility of an SUV/Van that fits 7, but wanted better driving dynamics than the Odyssey. While we lost some of the utility of the van, the Mazda is almost as fun to drive as our BMW. For $45k, the overall level of refinement and luxury is amazing. The car is by far the quietest car I have ever had and almost everything has been well thought and executed. With every car I have owned I frequently thought to myself, why did they do it that way – did they ever drive the car after they designed it? With the Mazda I thought yes, that makes perfect sense (with very few exceptions). Both the interior and exterior styling are great and the car feels so much lighter and smaller than it actually is. The 4 cylinder engine provides more than enough power and I have never felt I needed more. So far we are averaging about 23MPG in mixed driving. All seats are comfortable and the access to the third row and space in the third row is fine for our needs – occasional car pooling for short rides with pre-teen kids (we have two kids). The ride is a great combination of compliant and sporty. It is far more forgiving over broken pavement than either my BMW or the Odyssey, but it is still fairly fun to throw into a curve. I think Mazda has a real winner here and they could compete directly with Audi and Volvo if they just added the option for a few more features: front parking sensors, heated steering wheel, birds eye overhead view, real time traffic on the nav, vented seats, Apple Car Play, and a 10 way driver’s seat. For the $20k difference in price, I was willing to go without these, but if they could make them an option for $5-$10k, that would the decision a no brainer. The Audi and Volvo have a few more available features, but they were not important to me. Further, I just don’t like the styling of the Q7. While it is a great to drive and loaded with tech, who wants a homely car? To me it looks like a bloated station wagon. The Volvo looks nice, but does not ride well. It has that typical truck/SUV bouncy ride. The Audi and Mazda drive more like a car. Further, the Volvo appears to have big quality problems in this, its first model year. I read the owner’s forums whenever I am considering a new car and there are many, many owners complaining about problems they have with the Volvo. Both the Audi and Mazda don’t have nearly the number of complaints. In summary, highly recommended.

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  From Gernan to Japanese! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By YoVinnie - June 24 - 2:56 am

  After 3 years in our BMW X5 we chose to go a different path with our purchase of a 2009 Mazda CX-9. What a delight it is to drive and we cant believe the creature comforts! Tight but kind suspension and great get up and go when demanded.

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  Absolutely love it - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By frank - June 11 - 2:00 am

  It came down to an Odyssey, Sienna, or the CX-9. Drove the Odyssey for a week, and the CX-9 for a week, no comparison. Had to take a trip to Nashville, smooth, powerful, no road noise. Got the entertainment DVD for the kids, and didnt realize I got the Bose sound system with it, AWESOME SOUND. The step up to the touring trim gets the leather, and I got black on black. Best looking vehicle Ive ever owned. People stop and ask "what is that?" Did not know I could not add the towing package as later an option. Without the package, you are limited to 2000 lbs. With it, 3500 lbs.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By trish - June 5 - 10:43 am

  This is an amazing car! I just bought it 2 days ago. I got the Touring edition with DVD system, nav system, power lift gate, keyless entry, roof rack. The WOW factor on this car is a 10!! All heads turn when this thing comes down the road. The drive is fabulous and smooth. I got the 18 inch wheels instead of the 20 inch. The ride is much smoother with the 18 inch. The selling point of this car is the third row, I am 5 foot 10 (tall mom) and I can sit in the third row with plenty of leg room to spare. Truly a clever stadium seating design back there. I am in love!! I highly recommend this car in all aspects. This is going to be a big seller here in the USA.

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  Zoom Zoom is the real deal! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Geoff C. - May 30 - 4:50 pm

  Ive driven an SUV for the past 20 years. This car is unlike any of them. I traded in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a car with better gas mileage and more space for my family. I spend more than 2 hours in my car commuting every day, and I love my drive time in this car. It is a dream to drive. The seats are terrific, firm and supportive. The interior is sharp and well done, not cheap and plastic like many American made models Ive driven. The third row seating is extremely easy to access and the amount of space to get in is more than any other car with a third row. I was skeptical about zoom zoom, but this car made me a believer. Its handling and feel are unlike any SUV. It rocks.

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  Love this CX-9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By georgebake - May 8 - 4:03 pm

  We love the smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. AC, seats, quality, blind spot monitoring, stereo, all great. Test drove Highlander, Venza, Pilot, Veracruz, Santa Faye, Cross Tour (Honda) (our second choice), Kia Sorento, & Murano and this was the BEST by far. Just got back from a 1500 mile trip. Got about 21 MPG. Love the ride, quietness, memory seats, key less entry and start and all the other features.

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  A lot of car for the money. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tony - April 22 - 9:36 am

  A lot of car for the money. Weve been very happy with the car.

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  Im in love - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By NH - April 20 - 9:46 am

  Test drove a Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Volvo XC90. Wife nixed the space-ship looking Nissan Murano on looks alone. I wanted a third row for times when we cart around our kids friends, and all the luxury amenities. But didnt want to drive a boat; spend more than $35K; or end up driving a boxy, boring SUV like everybody else. The second I saw the Mazda in-person I was sold. Exterior is honestly a work of art. Test drove both the Touring and Grand Touring. Bought the Grand Touring. Much better ride and so many little worthwhile enhancements. Zoom zoom.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Scott - March 13 - 4:30 pm

  Originally I was set on a CX-7, but after I sat in a CX-9 in the showroom, I fell in love. I was very impressed how much rear legroom it had and the 3-zone climate control. Then I drove it, and the first thing I noticed was how much quieter it was than the CX-7 and how smooth the enigine and transmission were. It also doesnt feel like youre driving a large SUV. My dogs fit in the back with room to spare. I went from a Celica to this, so cornering, parking and gas consumption are much different, but I knew that it would be.

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  Best in class - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jtwiss - March 13 - 2:06 pm

  I all most bought a GMC Acadia. The big difference from this crossover is the fit and finish and the bang for the buck. I noticed the attention to details like the leather padded doors to the LED backlighting on the doors. This list goes on. I also look at the Audi Q7 at $55k and for $20k less the Mazda is in the same class as the Audi. Why pay $20k grand more for the Audi? From the back and side they look very similar.