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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  love the car except.... - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Milan - May 21 - 4:18 am

  Love the car. Much better than my 2010 Mazda6. I have only one issue so far - drivers seating position. I am 6,4 about 210 pounds. I am still to find a comfortable position. I think that comfort can be easily improved if the telescopic steering wheel could be pulled a bit more towards driver. Other than that, the car drives and looks great! We are making 24-26 mpg, combined - 70% highway, 30% city. We test drove Toyota Highlander, and although Toyota put more thought into practicality and space designed particularly for families, I simply didnt like the driving feel. Reminded me of the van we had. Mazdas storage, compared to Highlander, isnt great, but in my opinion is still plenty for a family of four. The cars style and drive feel won.

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  Good Value - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By kraft4a3 - May 15 - 10:36 am

  We needed a secondary people mover with a 3 row seat and AWD for the winter. The CX-9 fit the bill. For shuttling kids around town is good enough. Long road trips would be tough with more than 4 people/kids, but that is what we have our mini-van for. When driving solo or on date night it is a fun, sharp, and enjoyable car to drive.

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  Style Plus Bling - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By CarGuy - April 22 - 7:22 am

  On the negative side: The high end Bose Centerpoint audio system in the Grand Touring is a big disappointment. Overall muddy sound. Distinctly lacking in clear tonality, particularly in the mid-range. Front seat bottom cushions are too short. The turbo 4 cylinder is fine at highway speeds, but it sounds unrefined when accelerating and at lower speeds. Feels like a cheap engine. Not enough miles behind the wheel to judge fuel economy, but dipping into the turbo drives down the mpg. On the positive side: Very good styling. Quality of interior materials is good. Instrumentation good. Control interface is good. Heads up display is very good and it now projects onto the windshield. Handles way better than the Highlander.

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  Wowed by the Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Bill C - April 14 - 7:56 pm

  As a crossover, I am fully impressed with the CX-9 GT. Fast, handles like a sports car on turns and acceleration, yet comfortable and roomy. You can go race it on the highway or take your wife out to the opera in it... not that I do. Gas mileage isnt that great, but then again it is a high performance 3.7L engine with AWD. Not bad when you factore that into the equation. We are so impressed, we will get another one after this lease expires and I am buying a MSP3. Bravo Mazda!

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  Great Choice! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By RS - April 13 - 7:00 am

  In deciding on a second car, I did a lot of research over a 6 month period. To be honest, Mazda never even entered the discussion initially until two months ago! Truth be told, in test driving the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 330, Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia, the CX-9 had them all beat. The ride was incredible. Power when I needed it and agility when necessary are the atrributes that made the CX-9 stand above the rest in this category. While the review is true about the stiffness with the 20" wheels, its not as bad as the review potentially paints it. Interior and Exterior stylings are very, very nice! - This car makes people do double takes! (Especially the Grand Touring model!)

• 

  Best SUV for the Price - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By KeithE - April 1 - 6:06 am

  Best 3-row SUV out there. Drove Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi and Volvo, none compared on interior quality and exterior style to the CX- 9. Top that off with a price which was minimally $10K less than anything else, and you have a real winner. GT package does shift the ride quality to the firm side, but the handling achieved more than compensates. Car has every bell and whistle found on the "high priced badges" with better styling interior and exterior than any of them. Dealership experience has been excellent.

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  Enjoying my GT CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Rob - April 1 - 3:26 am

  Ive had my GT CX-9 for a week and have really enjoyed driving this vehicle. Does drive a bit bumpy due to the 20 inch tires but I love the handling on the roads. I also looked at the Acadia and Pilot but fell for the stylish looks of the CX-9 and Im very happy with my choice.

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  No problems so far - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By BillD - March 28 - 2:36 am

  Got a great deal on a great SUV at the end of 2009. Back seat a little tight for adults but Ok for kids. Fun to drive and quality of build is good.

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  Fun to drive, but not so reliable - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By wv_mazda - March 21 - 1:41 pm

  We have a 2012 CX 9 and have enjoyed it until it was slightly out of warranty. The car has a strong motor and for a third-row vehicle is pretty fun to drive. It also performs well in the snow. The brake booster failed last week at 42,000 miles, nearly causing a traffic accident for my wife. This is a recurrent problem with the 2010-2011 CX 9. My guess is you will have problems with 2013-14 models as they hit 30-50k mileage, since the brake system is unchanged. It is unfortunate Mazda chooses not to address safety concerns in a family vehicle. I would look at the Hyundai Santa Fe in this class.

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  Finally Settled on the CX-9 Touring After Months of Test Drives - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By anotherfan1 - March 12 - 5:27 pm

  I switched from a 2008 Camry, a car I only liked for the gas mileage, to the CX-9 Touring. We looked at the GMC Acadia, the Pilot, the Highlander, Volvo XC-90, the Flex and the Explorer. XC-90 - Uncomfortable, cost too much Flex - Comfortable but strange looking Acadia - Didnt seem to have the quality I was looking for Highlander - Built on a Camry chassis and this was what I was trying to get away from Pilot - Seemed clunky and I did not like the dealer. The CX-9 is comfortable, spacious and it drives great. It has a very easy to manage center console, radio, etc. What I dont like is the mileage and how its tough to be more a la carte while building your car online.