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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  Beautiful, affordable, and fun! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Luluza - January 20 - 1:03 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 46,800 miles. Runs and looks like a brand new car without having to pay the new car price. Totally happy with my choice of car after trying out the Chevy Acadia and the Nissan Pathfinder. It drives very nice and smooth. Its spacious but not overly big like some of the SUVs out there. I have the sport model which is the basic model but I love it because I dont need the leather seats or navigation system. Its pretty good on gas too. Not as bad as I thought.

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  Very Good Vehicle! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By freedvr1 - January 18 - 11:45 pm

  I have had my CX-9 for 2 years and 36,000 trouble free miles. I have two small children and my wife and the kids have made several 1,000 mile road trips. Very comfortable and stable on the road. I also have a 550i BMW, and this car definitley is as much fun to drive. Relatively speaking. Best value out there!

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  Best SUV/Crossover for the money! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By s515fox - January 15 - 11:53 am

  This is our second Mazda, having driven a 2008 CX-7 since early 2008, which was a company car. We were so impressed with it, that we decided to buy the CX-9 for its greater seating and because of excellent consumer reviews to accompany our experience with the CX-7. We couldnt be happier with our purchase. We bought a program car with 18K miles on it for about $21K, with leather seats. Another $600 spent on a DVD player and $200 on GPS saved us about $2-3K for the factory installed versions. We couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle! The ride and comfort is better than the CX-7; its quieter and feels very luxurious. Well have this for a long time!

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  Love Love Love it! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By nicclements - January 14 - 8:32 pm

  We bought this car new in 2012. I waited this long to review to make sure I just wasnt being reactive. This car has it all. As a soccer mom, Im constantly picking up and dropping of kids, swapping car seats, and running errand. The sliding 2nd row makes it easy getting car seats in and out, and fitting even adults in the 3rd row. The power liftgate is handy. Theres plenty of room for fitting our 60lb dog and all our bags back there (though I would recommend buying a liner). This week was the first time really testing it on snow and it did great. Not only is it quick, agile, and fun to drive...Its just plain makes life easy. I recommend this car to everyone!

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  Excellent Crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By EHood - January 7 - 5:56 pm

  I test drove all the others in the segment and there is no comparison. The CX-9 handles like a car 1/2 its size. It has brisk acceleration, corners well and has excellent brakes with no fade. It has good space, but for those looking for all the bins to put stuff in (like the Pilot or Acadia), you need to look elsewhere. The AWD system is seamless and we have received many great complements. Thank goodness Mazda made this vehicle- I can finally have fun driving my two (soon to be three) kids around town. I owned a 2007 Pilot and the CX-9 beats that in every facet hands-down.

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  Impressive - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Aaron - December 30 - 2:30 am

  We test drove the MDX, Enclave, Traverse, Pilot, and Highlander. None compared to the CX-9 for price, power, interior quality, fit and finish. We went with Grand Touring with assist package includes Nav , Back up camera, The Blind spot radar is very cool. MSRP little over 39k. We leased with min drive off $1200 for $550 a month 42 months. That was $200.00 less than any of the vehicles I mentioned above. I also like the fact that this is truly a Japanese Car. Engine, Trans, and assembled in Japan. Oh and news flash there are not any US car companies any more. They have been Multi National for a long long time. Yes I know mazda is owned by ford..

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  AWESOME Car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Mazdude17 - December 24 - 10:36 pm

  Waited for the 2010 to arrive before I pulled the trigger. Was considering the MDX and others. Test drove many. I went the CX-9 because it is the best value. My wife and I both felt the MDX had no luxury value over the MDX. The new CX-9 is really nice! It handles it beyond expectations and has awesome features. I am 63" and this car was is very comfortable. Adding both the IPOD Module and Overhead DVD.

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  Best luxury family SUV for your $$ - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Doug - December 11 - 9:30 am

  Fully loaded Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. We agonized over which family SUV we would buy. Looked at Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, Acura MDX, Lexus RX350/400, BMW X3, Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, Volvo XC60/90, and a few others. If buying a car is a multi- variable decision (price, comfort, quality, reliability, luxury / convenience options, aesthetics), you absolutely have to check out the CX-9. Mazda has built the best car for your money, bar none, in the family SUV with 3 row class. Its a hidden gem. You will pay $5-10k more easily for a comparably equipped Toyota / Lexus, Honda / Acura. Its a great fit for anyone who wants a big car for the family but not as big as a Suburban.

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  Wow and fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By upland - December 6 - 10:03 am

  We were considering other SUVs & crossovers such as the Murano & Acadia & CX7 & XC70. Have been in a Volvo V70 with 3d row seat for the last 250,000 miles and was looking for another dependable vehicle, but something a little bigger and one with a higher ride height. Well, we found it in the CX-9. We looked at all trim levels and decided on the GT AWD in Pearl White & Sand Interior. The Bose sounds as good as most after market thumper stereos. The CX-9 drives as good as it looks. The fit and finish is as good any other vehicle we considered. From the side view it looks like a lot of other mid-sized SUVs, especially the Lexus. Weve driven it a month now, and we love it.

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  Worried about the gas - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By uzeus2 - November 22 - 12:46 pm

  I love my new CX9 very much, however, I was silly to believe the 18/24 mpg. I have only filled up 2 times, but I am not getting anywhere near that, and that is one reason I leased a V6 from a V8. Other than that I am really happy with the car. Its very smooth. I read all the reviews and agree with the need for automatic door locks, and auto lights off. I drive with babies and a toddler and the fact that the doors do not auto lock is not good. Since its obviously made to be a family car, they should have thought of that. You dont think about that when buying, and its not a big enough reason NOT to get it!! It took me about 3 months of research!