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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  Best 3rd CUV on the market for the price - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ceric - December 9 - 11:06 am

  I chose among Highlander, Pilot and CX9. Pilot is too ugly for my taste. Highlander is too expensive with ultra-cheap 3rd row and non-splittable. CX9 is the best deal out there. I was worrying about the reliability like most potential buyers would be. No problem for me after 1 year. Mazda service in my area is also superb. Loaners for repairs (TSB, etc.) and major services. The bottom like is that CX9 drives like a BMW X5 with more than $20K saved in your bank.

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  Good family car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By AngelicPenguin - November 25 - 2:23 pm

  I wish I had noticed how loud this car was before I purchased. Also, the leather on the seats is not as nice as it could be. The AC seems to smell funny too and my "new car" smell left after only a week : (. I do love the keyless start. I consider it a safety feature because it keeps me from spending minutes in a dark parking lot searching for keys. I didnt get the nav. system but wanted a back-up cam so I had the rearview mirror cam installed and I love it!! The car is growing on me. Love the cargo room when third row is folded down.

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  A fun and practical big car to the family - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By neutro99 - November 19 - 6:53 am

  The best feature I like? I have two car seats installed on 2nd row and just slide the 2nd row up, I (perfect height by the astronaut standard) can get into the 3rd row effortlessly! I dont think any vehicle out there can do this, even with minivan. As soon as you have both car seats block the rear door, the 3rd row cant be accessed. Amazingly CX-9 can do it! I didnt even realize this feature when I bought it. The only thing I dont like so much is the suspension is a little too hard. It is sporty and gives you good cornering but after a long ride you wish it could be a little softer and more comfortable.

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  Mazda CX -9 Soars - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By kathrynb - November 1 - 11:07 pm

  When I began my SUV search I hadnt considered the Mazda brand until I read the outstanding reviews. With a family of five to transport plus lots of sports equipment - yes, Im a soccer mom, I wanted a lot of space for people and cargo but didnt want to feel as if I was driving a bus. Mazda delivered with style, functionality and performance. Mazda had superb ratings and having now owned my car for 3 months I finally can attest to the incredible driving experience. It is pure luxury and is a pleasure to drive. The car is very roomy with lots of leg room for the driver (510" and husband 63") and the vehicle soars across the road. A driving machine that is pure joy to drive.

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  Great CUV and Great Value - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Who Knew - October 26 - 4:23 am

  Had to replace my 04 SRX and researched for months. Looked hard at new SRX, R350, MDX, Q7, Pathfinder, Enclave, Outlook / Acadia, but decided on fully loaded CX9 GT AWD (black on black). This thing has every feature and better than the more upscale brands. An amazing animal! - a huge CUV family bus with eye-popping looks, sports car handling, great seating / comfort and space shuttle technology - how do they do it? This car is extremely well designed, way quieter / tighter than the SRX, fun to drive and has more toys to play with than our basement. Without a doubt, the best car value for the money in any price range. Very pleased with my choice!

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  Driving matters - Mazda stays true to this! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Olaf Roepke - October 24 - 11:10 pm

  Very happy with my CX-9 GT. Have put 1,500 miles on it and love it. Great ride, high quality materials, torquey engine (although hp a bit on the weak side with regular gas). Love the active safety features, Lane Assist works really well, blind spot monitoring is a big plus. Gas mileage is at least in the low 20s in mixed driving. Only complaint I have the tank shows DTE = zero when there are still 2.5 gallons in the tank!

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  Very happy with my CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By hearingman - October 21 - 11:36 am

  I have had my CX-9 touring AWD for 1 month and look forward to driving it everyday. So far my only regret is not buying the grand touring for a few more dollars. The ride is great, yet I still feel connected to the road. The factory tires are not the best for slick pavement or ice, but seem better after having them siped.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By CX-9 GT - October 20 - 5:23 pm

  Realizing of course that no vehicle is perfect, I love this vehicle. Previously drove a Mercury Mountaineer and hated it. It drove like a truck and felt very cold. The CX-9 GT is so refined and fun to drive. Smooth, quiet ride, plenty of room, and a very nice feel.

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  Love this car, hate the drivers seat, - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By 3rd Time CX-9 Owner - October 19 - 2:35 pm

  First off, the new CX-9 is easily the best looking SUV on the market for the price. I would definitely consider it a class above in regards to looks, interior quality and design. However it is missing some major things that set it back. In my opinion Mazda dropped the ball in regards to some features the CX-9 lacks compared to its competitors. The sunroof is too small (every other car in the segment has a dual or panoramic sunroof option), cooled seats and heated steering wheel (again, available in all competitor cars), passengers seat adjustment is limited to forward and back only. Oh, and then comes my biggest complaint about the car, the drivers seat. The drivers seat was down graded from an 8-way adjustable in the previous gen to a 6-way for the new CX-9. They dropped the adjustment of the tilt of the seat bottom, or thigh support adjustment. The seat feels like its tilted forward, Im always sliding forward out of the seat when braking. I would give anything to be able to tilt the front part of the seat upwards so i feel like Im securely and comfortably positioned in the seat. I have never driven a vehicle where it was so hard to find a comfortable driving position. All my complaining aside, the interior is ultra quiet and super plush. It definitely gives the feel of a luxury car ride. The materials are of top quality and the design is very ascetically pleasing to look at while riding in the vehicle. The functionality of all the controls are well executed and much so satisfactory. One of my favorite parts about the vehicle is the driving experience. The vehicle has the ability to shove you back in your seat under acceleration and passes on the highway with ease. The handling is unbeatable by far, with the ride not compromising to much from the stiffer suspension setup. Back seat space is not to complain about and cargo room is ample. All in all Mazda outdid themselves with the design of the new CX-9 and its an SUV i would highly recommend, that is if you can find a comfortable driving position is that darn drivers seat!

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  Engine Tick @ 12,000 miles - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By salesguy - October 16 - 2:46 am

  The CX-9 is good looking and fairly responsive for a heavy vehicle. But, the engine developed a ticking noise at 12k miles. NOT what I would expect from a $40k car. Been in twice to fix, but has returned twice. Dealer service is OK, not on par with Acura, BMW, Lexus.