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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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By BTownCX9 - March 31 - 1:50 am

  We love our new CX-9. Handles well, has "Zoom-Zoom" and we can go to dinner with Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, AND baby all in the same car. I had to drop a friend off at the local Audi dealer to pick up his car from the repair shop, and all the salesmen in the lot came over to drool on my CX-9. They told me they thought it looked better than the Audi Q7 they were selling (Ill have to agree!). Not to mention it cost about $12,000 less for the same options. We love it - no complaints so far. Mazda hit a home run on this one.

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  Love it - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By susaner1 - March 29 - 1:26 am

  Been driving this car for one year and love it. Great handling and feels like a sports car. Agree with some issues, like needing auto door locks and better mileage; but the NAV sys is great, you just have to be sure its set where you live. Have driven big SUVs before and will never go back. Dont use the third seat, but use the significant cargo space for 4 big dogs. Plenty of room and very reliable. Great sound system, cool keyless entry, and useful, easy to reach controls. Highly recommend the CX9!

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  Very pleased with the CX-9 - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By wbedggr - March 27 - 9:23 am

  We purchased our 2011 CX-9 about a month ago and are very pleased with the car. We traded out of a 2006 Honda Odyssey, after looking at the new Odyssey and not wanting more of the same (although it was a great vehicle). But we werent ready to give up the thirdrow seat just quite yet, either. We wanted something a little more interesting to drive, as well. So, as advertised, the CX-9 is a treat to drive for a large crossover and the interior has a solid and upscale feel. Lots of room in the second row seat for the kids.

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  Best Value and with High Quality, Superb - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Big - March 13 - 3:26 am

  My wife was tired of the Expedition and wanted something easier to park. She wanted either a Murano or the Infinity FX. As I started to do the research on these vehicles, I noticed the CX9. In my opinion this is a far better value than the Infinity FX or Murano and the third row seating is surprisingly comfortable for adults. A big plus over the others that dont have the third row seating. Seats fold down easily. We got the Galaxy Grey Grand Touring model. This vehicle rides better than my 300 (the base company car). With the all aluminum V6 it has plenty of get up and go.

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  "impressive ride" - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By rsbklyn - March 13 - 1:20 am

  Got the CX-9 im place of my leased07 Envoy. Took test drive and was sold. Great power and handling. The cockpit really sold me. Took it out in the snow and WAS IMPRESSED ON HOW IT HANDLED. Price was right for a 7 pass CUV.

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  Great SUV but - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By HssRao - March 6 - 1:00 pm

  It is since 3 weeks, 1000 miles on it. Drive is smooth, but engine roars a lot even on small uphills, or starting from signal light. So too much of interior sound when the gear changes higher. Good pick up, but cannot compare with MDX, absolutely no sound inside. Good shock observers, lot of pot holes literally cannot be felt. Basic Audio system is not great. I have given 9 for performance, reliablity as it is too early to be determined. Expected better fuel economy from a 6 speed gear box.

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  Awesome Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Tdeann - March 2 - 10:53 pm

  We love our CX-9 GT! We have had it for 2 weeks, and love everything about it! It drives like a sports car, but has all the cargo space of an SUV. The leather seats are very comfortable, and all the controls are easy to use. It has a very high end feel inside, and out! It turns heads everywhere we go!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Patrick, Charleston - February 20 - 12:43 am

  Researched Lexus, Toyota, VW, Nissan, Ford and Saturn but none compared to the price, drivability and style of the CX-9. Actually brings back the fun in driving. Bose sound system is the best car stereo I’ve ever heard. Lots and I mean lots of room especially in the second row seating. At 61" I actually have room to extend my legs. Third row folds down perfectly for more cargo space. Safety features are endless. Lots of comments on the outside appearance but when they open the doors and look in, they are amazed. Like others, it lacks a few of the items that should be standard, compass and fuel computer

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  Best Value without a doubt! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-9ers - January 25 - 11:13 pm

  Looked a Lexus GX470 for months but did not want to pay high prices for DVD and navigation combo, this car gave me both and a much lower price. Perfect size car for the wife to drive too. Love all the features!

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  New CX-9 GT Owner - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By dnwdeep - January 24 - 12:36 pm

  We have owned this 2008 car--a loaded AWD GT for a month and a half but have only driven 1,000 miles so far. We LOVE this car--rides better than our 2004 Audi Allroad but there are a few missing elements that should be available on a car at this price. The interior is very nice in beige. Adjustable Xenon headlights are good.