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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  Complaints - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By krayj - February 10 - 5:13 pm

  A few items are rather [violative content deleted]: 1. The power rear lift gate does not operate by squeezing handle. It is only power open by using the remote or the switch inside the car. 2. The memory seats do not include side mirrors. 3. You can not enter a single contact in the bluetooth phone book. 4. There are no audible sensors with the backup camera. 5. Freeway speed limits are not shown on GPS Seems to me a so called "Grand Touring" car should include these items.

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  Another keeper - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By TIM JONES - January 22 - 7:03 pm

  Our second Mazda product and no disappointments. We shopped for weeks and considered all similar vehicles from $25,000 to $40,000+. Nothing compared for dollar value. This CX-9 set the standard for everything else. We could not find any reason to buy Lexus, Acura etc. Nothing is perfect but we have yet to find any faults which is a great experience, especially considering the selling price compared to others. Yes it would be nice to have better mileage but ride, comfort and build quality are first class.

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  Great with a few glitches. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Mick - January 16 - 11:16 pm

  I leased my CX-9 one week ago after about 4 weeks of comparison shopping. I love the ride on this vehicle. It is smooth and comfy on the road, yet still manages to feel somewhat sporty, and drives like a much smaller vehicle. I had a Ford Explorer and the comparison is like night and day. I find the 2nd row seats very comfortable for my 60" frame, and the 3rd row a little tight for me, but my 56" wife thinks its just fine. My 2 kids certainly fit well. The drivers "cabin" is roomy yet seems to wrap me up more like a sports car than an SUV. The ABS and AWD worked wonderfully last week in our spring snowshowers. Finally, it looks SHARP!

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  Mamas Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Brandi - January 7 - 7:00 am

  Its no mini-van but has all of the positives of one. Three rows of seating. Its no truck but tows like one. Its not an SUV but the AWD makes sure you go anywhere you want. Its not really a sports car but is fun to drive like one. Its just a fantastic vehicle that does it all. I didnt lose style, fun or multi-use. Better gas mileage than a truck/suv.

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  Great Car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Sam - January 6 - 4:33 am

  Just purchased a week ago and have to say what a great car this really is. Test drove the Pilot, Pathfinder. Highlander but this was the best value and drive for the money, by far. Had a VW Touareg a couple of years ago and feel as safe driving the Mazda as I did my Touareg.

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  Happy with purchase of CX9 - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Kansas Girl - December 31 - 5:40 am

  Love the cx9! We test drove several cars until we decided to purchase a cx9. We need the room of a minivan, but wanted something to please our teenage children. They also love it! It drives like a car, similar to mazda6. It is a large roomy suv, but feels smaller than it is. We love using it for our children sport events, easy to bring cooler and gear for needed for games. The sport version of the CX9 is a great value, you get many standard features for your money.

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  CX-9 Just picked up today! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By ferrez - December 30 - 7:31 am

  Just picked up my CX-9 GT. Man this car is awesome. I know its new so Ill return after a while and update everyone. Paid well below TMV price! Trust TMV!

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  Love our new cx9 - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Emily - December 18 - 4:25 am

  We are loving the new cx9. Its super comfortable, quiet, and has great handling. With two kids I wasnt sure whether we needed the third row, but weve used it many times already in the past month. It has lots of space but doesnt feel huge when you are driving. As a somewhat short person, the only downside is the front seat makes me slouch a tad. Otherwise really happy with the car

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  MPG Only Complaint - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By paul andoni - December 16 - 10:16 pm

  1600 miles into our 2008 Touring CX-9, AWD option has already paid for itself in a brutal start to winter, even by Michigan standards. Decided on Touring over Grand Touring because 18 in. wheels/tires produce a much less jittery and more comfy ride than the 20 inchers on our cratered, suburban Detroit roads. The vehicle strikes a wonderful ride comfort/handling balance, providing agility, flat cornering, responsive transmission and steering while not punishing occupants on bad roads. I am surprised by the lack of a mpg computer. While not expecting hybrid-like fuel economy, I am very disappointed by the 12.6 mpg experienced thus far--can only hope this improves as break-in progresses!

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By T Clark - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Never thought about owning a Mazda. Test drove an Infiniti FX35 and compared to the Mazda CX-9 it was so much smoother and really has a lot of power. I was really impressed. You get so much more for your money with this model. Love the way it handles and my daughter loves having the DVD system. That was just an added bonus for us. Only had it a few days, but so far it has been great!