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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  Passengers abuse my door! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By snowie - September 13 - 12:13 pm

  This luxury crossover needs to be taken more seriously. Perhaps with maybe a Lexus badge... The problem is, it is designed so well that the big doors are effortless to open and close. But passengers think its a truck door... and swing it open with brute force (straining the door stops), and slams the door when they leave! One of them even swung the door right into a shopping cart return cage when I deliberately parked there to avoid other cars opening their doors to it! People just dont realize this is a luxury level crossover. Fuel economy, power and sporty handling is remarkable for something this heavy. I love the car! No complaints, except my passengers!

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  Drivers 3-row CUV more upscale than before - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By jcpharm - September 3 - 8:37 pm

  Wrote this on kbb already so just adding my 2 cents here as well. Quick take: Pros(+) nice exterior/interior (albeit subjective) considerable low-end torque gives more than adequate acceleration with no discernable turbo lag great handling for the class (drives much smaller than its size) MUCH quieter than other Mazdas Heads Up Display (HUD) is pretty cool and safer since you dont have to look around as much at the dashboard or nav-display - even blindspot warnings appear in the HUD) safety package (for GT trim) includes blindspot monitoring, lane-departure warning/assist, adaptive headlights, auto-highbeam, automatic brake support, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control) Fuel-efficient for the class (21/27 - 23 combined EPA) CONS(-) Cargo area is probably amongst worst in class (71 cubic ft vs. Honda Pilot 100 cubic ft) AC does not seem as strong as before no ventilated seats, no heated rear seats, no panoramic roof, no handsfree auto liftgate Not a lot of extra power after 2-3k rpm (but honestly i havent had to push the engine in those ranges) 6-way power drivers seat adjustment vs. 8-way (height) adjustment in competitors 3rd-row seats are probably only usable for small kids Towing rating is 3500# which is below competitors overall, the cons dont mean that much to me since i only have 2 kids, dont tow, and dont need a ton of cargo but for those who need those things, those might be deal-breakers. personally the steering/handling and interior quality and quiet but comfortable ride are what did me in. so overall i really like the car and think you get a lot of value for the money.

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  CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By PBH - August 26 - 6:23 am

  Just drove off the lot with this awesome car...roomy, fun to drive. Kids love it too.

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  Best In Class! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Driver - August 4 - 11:06 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. Im an engineer and very picky about what I drive. I drove all the competitors vehicles before buying. This is the bust CUV in its class. Mazda knows how to make great cars. Acceleration, ride, handling, interior space, standard features, and interior design are better than all the rest. Bose stereo sounds great and was a big selling point for me. Purchased new and just turned over 10k miles. I drive like its a race car and still get 18 MPG with AWD in the winter in MN. 22+ ave MPG highway at 75 mph. We also own a CX-7 and have had no trouble with either one. This is hands down the best auto Ive ever owned.

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  WoW - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Dalpaa - July 10 - 6:13 am

  I was a fan from the moment I got in and stepped on the gas! Very well done for the price.

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  What a Surprise - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Bryan O - July 3 - 2:00 am

  We had been looking, since July 2010 and covered everything but a Kia. We drove the Porsche, MB ML-350 you name it and we drove them all. I can say this was the winner by a long shot. Coming from a Porsche guy, I am glad we saw and drove this wonderful vehicle last.

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  Great drivable SUV - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Joseph masterson - July 2 - 3:13 am

  Test this car before buying another SUV

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  I love my CX9! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By JJ - June 28 - 2:03 am

  I traded in my BMW 3-series because it was giving me nothing but problems. As much as I love European cars, I just could not deal with the constant repairs once my car hit the 80,000 mile mark. I decided to trade my car in since it was still in good condition (after all repairs), now was the time! I was leaning towards getting a Lexus or Infiniti SUV, but noticed the Mazda. I am so happy that I got the CX-9 because it was thousands cheaper and still fully loaded. I love the 19-inch stock rims, dual exhaust chrome pipes, the interior is so spacious, and I feel so safe. This car is a great combo of the 2 SUVs I originally wanted to, so now I have the best of both worlds...but even better!

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  Go zoom zoom mommy - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By cgllane - June 1 - 3:44 am

  Just got our new CX-9 in May. We have already put nearly 6000 miles on it, and have loved every mile. My daughter likes to say go zoom zoom mommy, so I do. It is so much fun to drive and comfortable for the whole family on our long road trips. We love it. And the staff at Freeway Mazda in Ogden were all great to deal with.

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  Great value for a cool CUV - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Sagar - May 31 - 5:46 pm

  As the reviews said CX-9 is a cool design, great drive and excellent value for money. Drives like a car, is a very roomy people carrier with sporty looks. Am getting about 20 - 21 mpg during the first month!