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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  Few niggles, but a good buy overall - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Andy - June 17 - 10:50 pm

  Got an attractive offer for one of the last 07 cars so went for it. Stylish interior, nice functionality (bluetooth, bose). Would have liked mp3 capability with stereo. Still unsure about the looks from the front, but looks great from rear. Keyless entry and engine start is cool but ultimately irritating. Felt exclusive initially, but now seeing more on the roads. Overall happy with the car, and excellent value for money.

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  LUV The CX9!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By MELUSA1 - May 28 - 10:20 pm

  Overall the CX9 is a great vehicle. It is our 2nd CX9 in 2 years. My wife loves the vehicle and we couldnt let the 0% offer for 60 months pass by. Awesome value for the price/features you receive. Puts to shame anything else in its class.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Schnurpster - May 24 - 11:20 pm

  We did an extensive search and compared the Acura, MBZ, GM lines, Toyota and Honda and the CX-9 was the clear winner. We are throughly enjoying the ride and convenience it offers. After driving a traditional SUV for 10 years, the Mazda is a welcome change. Interior space is excellent, access to and use of the third seat is easy and the ride is solid and fun. It also was a better value when compared to the other makers. In short, Mazda did a great job with this car!

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  Crossing over to a true Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Jeff M - May 15 - 2:40 pm

  Have had the Mazda CX-9 now for several weeks now and truly enjoying the experience. We purchased the touring over the grand touring based on available features and price. We have been very pleased with the ride and available features Mazda has put into this vehicle. We went from a Suburban to the CX-9 and that was difficult at first because of the difference in interior room. The 9 is built on a truck frame but feels more like driving a car. Its fun to drive and very comfortable. You will be impressed.

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  Very amazed about this vehicle !!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Guillermo - May 12 - 10:56 pm

  WOW, that basically what comes to mine mind when describing this vehicle. Great performance, excellent Cargo space,comfort is awesome either at the front row and second row, dashboard is very nice and neat, bluetooth is also another great feature and extremely easy to setup. Mazda should add to their Basic package the Cargo Cover and Cargo Mat. We purchased the Sport Model and added the after market leather. Great Choice, way much better material the factory installed, cheaper. You will not go wrong when considering the purchase of this vehicle.

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  Best In Class, Most Room for 7 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Tim - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This by far has been one of my favorite vehicles. Ditch the mini van fellas and reclaim your masculinity. Bose stereo rocks, crystal clear, ipdod jack, DVD entertainment, leather heated seats. Ride quality is very smooth, gliding on air. Lots of room with the 3rd row seat. Being 61 even I can ride back there comfortably. Go out and buy one. Bought ours used and saved lots of money. Actually have equity in this vehicle..they hold their value.

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  WOW! This car has it all, >$40k - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Jorojoro - May 11 - 10:00 am

  So far, the car has performed way above expectations. We were looking for a family car with GPS for her and a DVD system for the kids. I was most concerned with luxury class features and styling such as adaptive Xenon lights, leather interior, Handsfree B/T operation, auto liftgate, etc. Our CX-9 Grand Touring has ALL of this.

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  Fun Family Hauler - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By John - April 19 - 2:03 am

  This is an overall great vehicle. Performance-wise it handles like a smaller car, carves through a curvy road like its on rails, engine seems mostly quiet (can barely hear it at idle) and gives off a nice growl with the pedal pushed down. The CX-9 feels sporty both inside and out and has just the right luxury touches. Looked at many competitors: MDX, Acadia, Outlook, Veracruz, etc., and the only one that came close to the feeling of the CX-9 was the MDX; however you would need to spend at least 8-10K more for the same features. I liked the Outlook but the overall driving feeling (Zoom, Zoom) wasnt there like with the CX-9. Performance and value make this car worth buying

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  Love my car! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By MGL - April 13 - 5:03 pm

  Absolutely love the car. Weve had it for two weeks. Ive already used it once for a long trip. Our kids love the 3rd row. We started out wanting to get the GMC Acadia, but the GMC dealer didnt want to work with us at all. We decided to go to the Mazda dealership the next day, and had no problems. Im really glad we decided to go with the CX9. It has so much space and it is fun to drive.

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  Head turner that does it all!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Great Vehicle - April 7 - 12:26 pm

  Never had a vehicle that got so much attention from other drivers; they are literally in awe. It rides great, handles fabulously and tows my boat better than my wifes Chevy Trailblazer. Vehicle has done everything Ive asked from hauling 6 people, large patio furniture, and towing boat in excess of 2,500 lbs. Previous best vehicle was Honda Odyssey, however, I like the Mazda even better because of the extra horsepower. Bought this vehicle without my wife test driving; crazy move, however she loves it and boasts about it everytime we pass an Acadia or Honda Pilot.