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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  Sweet CX-9 GT - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By MAZDACX-9GT - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Picked up are CX-9 GT with Bose. Handles very nice, lots of room for us and are 2 kids. Got a great price and not one issue dealing with Palisades Mazda,West Nyack. Cant wait to take on a road trip, and also see how it goes through the snow.

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  zoom zoom with some issues - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By texas tarheel - November 11 - 3:50 pm

  After test driving everything in the market, including Lexus, we decided on CX-9. It is amazing how well it handles... quiet, looks great, easily tows my entire family and two more friends with room in back for golf clubs. The problem is the nav... not cheap, but its maps are 4-5 years out of date! Am told new DVD in fall 08 that we will have to pay for... ridiculous! Why didnt Mazda let us know? We would have waited. Bad experience with Mazda as I tried to get answers.

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  Mazda CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Brad - October 17 - 3:43 pm

  I have the Grand Touring AWD model with nav, moonroof, and towing. It replaced a Nissan Murano. So far, the CX-9 is one fine car. It has great handling and abundant room. The exterior may be the best looking of the new CUV type cars. Certainly the interior is much more attractive than the Murano.

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  I love my CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By debbiejay - October 17 - 2:53 am

  I shopped and shopped for an SUV to replace my old Windstar. I rented several for extended test drives including CX-9 and Highlander. I "borrowed" a Honda Pilot for several hours from a dealer too. The CX-9 has all of the features I wanted, the best looks, and decent gas mileage (at least comparable for its class). Very high quality fit and finish and a great interior layout compared to the others.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By greyhounds3 - October 16 - 11:18 pm

  I recently bought a 2008 Mazda CX-9 and I am already in love with this car! I went into the dealership with a "Short List" of requirements that I needed in a car (SUV), and the CX-9 had it all. I researched or test drove almost every wagon or SUV on the market before stopping at Mazda.

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  Like it a lot.. - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By ray - October 12 - 7:20 am

  It was between the 09 Honda pilot and the cx9 and for the price the cx9 won out. I would have spent over $40k to get the features in the cx9. It is really fun to drive, smooth, comfortable and quiet. Brakes really Nice and after 4 months without it being cleaned, I have very minimal brake dust. Havent had any problems so far. I had a durango before the cx9 so it does sit quite a bit lower.

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  Mazda CX-9 - NONE of the others compare. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Tom T. - October 8 - 2:56 am

  We test drove 8 other crossovers that appealed to us. It came down to the Acadia and the CX-9. Value, handling, comfort and pick-up were the deciding factor. None of the others could come close to the CX-9. This car is something else. Its primarily my wifes car but I drive it every chance I get. Ive been running a lot more errands, just to have an excuse to drive it. Thats how fun this car is to drive. Ive never had a car that turned so many heads, as well as gotten so many positive comments from perfect strangers. Handles like a sports-car, hauls like a minivan and looks like you paid $50k for it. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Dont Hesitate to buy this Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark B - October 6 - 4:26 am

  I wanted to wait until I had 15,0000 miles before I wrote this review. I am 55 and buy a new car about every 3 maybe 4 years and have since I was 20. I have always had station wagon, mini van, SUV type vehicles. Owned mainly GM and Ford and I can say without doubt that the CX9 GT is the best vehicle I have bought. It handles beautifully, is so quiet and smooth. No problems of any kind in my first 15K miles. We have taken in the mountains of CO and gone on dirt mt. roads and the FWD was superior to any of my RWD vehicles. This is a roomy fun car to drive and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I drove the GMC Acadia and its a nice car but not near as nice as the CX9 GT.

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  Great SUV for the money!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Harry - September 21 - 3:10 pm

  Have had CX-9 Grand Touring for over four months now and I have absolutely no complaints. Well designed, great performance, practical in every way and attractive to boot! I researched this vehicle and others for over five months not wanting to make a mistake that I had to live with. So glad I bought the CX-9... this car kicks!!

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  Great Value, Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By hmendoza - September 15 - 3:16 am

  I just bought the CX-9 last week but been researching CUVs for the last six months and the CX-9 is the best value for the money and is a lot of fun to drive. My wife and I are very happy with it.