Mazda CX-9 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.62/5 Average
562 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 361 through 370 of 562.00
  • Best Kept Secret - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Love the car, it rides great the pick up is impressive. Grand Touring comes with 20s HID Headlights, Bose sound system, backup camera, bindspot indicator. Cargo space is roomy with the 3rd row down more room that an Acura MDX, ML 350 or BMW X5. The 20s wheels makes the ride a little bumpy the 18s ride smoother.

  • A big wagon (and thats a good thing) - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    This is a replacement to a totaled Toyota Sienna. *For the segment*, it is probably the best interior space for the exterior dimensions. We looked at a Saturn Outlook, Honda Pilot and Buick Enclave, but the GMs few extra inches in all dimensions made them a chore in parking lots. The Honda sacrificed too much in 3 row. The Mazda was just right. The lack of interior storage is frustrating, with all the room in the center stack wasted under a compartment that barely fits a couple of wallets. A Mazda5 has more interior storage than the CX-9. The handling is excellent, the driver seats far from the front axle and somehow it feels like a substantial sedan on the road.

  • All I ever wanted - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Im loving it ! I had an CX-7 and the turbo was too much for me to handle (turbo lag was omnipresent). I was dreaming about CX-9 since I bought CX- 7 but my wife was not so sure we can handle 40K. Then, I missed more all the options that my Grand Touring Buick LeSabre 2000 was having : rain sensing wipers, day lights, compass in the rearview mirror, trip computer and so on. Missed so much the Buick...and I ended up trading in CX-7 for CX-9. In the first day, I drove in Greater Chicagoland area, 200 miles of fun and joy. I was so happy that I could not believe it. Thank You Mazda, for being number one in my heart. Still...put the towing package for GT. Please.

  • Cx9 AC and Sunroof. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Bought the 2007 CX9 in summer of 2007. 1. The outside noise level was really loud in the car. [all windows up]. 2.The AC started giving problems in the first year. The front passengers side carpet gets FLOODED every year. I have been taking the car every summer to get this fix, sometimes it requires 2 or more trips to the dealer. I now pay out of pocket as the warranty has expired, not only it is costly, the stench of water soaked carpet drives me nuts. Seems like there is a flaw in these cx9?

  • Has everything except storage - 2007 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    This car is great, you get a lot for your money. It drives well, it handles the road, the interior room is great, the exterior looks great. I love this car, I have the blue mica with navi, bluetooth, roof rail etc, all the bells and whistles, the only thing lacking is storage. Little compartments are lacking, you end up putting everything in your cupholder and then having no place to put your cup. Aside from that, little things are not attached properly. something is always popping off and out of place, if its not the seat belt holder, its the cap for the lights on the trunk door. For a family car, you it should be built a little tougher. But all in all, a great buy, very pleased.

  • Very happy, so far! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    I love the exterior and interior styling of this CUV. Performance is really good for such a large vehicle. Acceleration, steering, and braking are all the same or better than my wifes coupe. We took the cx-9 on a 1000 mile trip this summer. We averaged over 22 mpg and this was with 5 people, luggage, and driving through mountains. Not bad for a CUV! We also test drove the new Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia and the Mazda was our favorite. I highly recommend this vehicle.

  • AWD GT 2018 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    SUV thats fun to drive. Im 6-6 and the cx9 is very comfortable lots of head room . Driver seat is very comfortable. Great acceleration handle like a much small car great connected to the road feeling . nice balanced ride handles broken pavement pretty well. Economy beld of hwy and city 21.8. Machine gray looks fantastic interior . Interior is very high quality. Very happy with my choice.

  • Great Ride for a Big Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    We bought this because we needed a family vehicle with more space. We went from a VW Passat and honestly there is not much difference going to this bigger vehicle. It drives wonderful.

  • Really Amazing Overall - 2016 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    If you like a great responsive sporty SUV this is your car. Yes as other review said third row can be a little more roomier but if you dont use it very often the cargo space is great. It is very well designed inside and out, very quick to accelerate and handles as a sport sedan. All driving aids and safety features are great too. Highly recommended

  • Excellent so far. - 2010 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Bought the CX-9 after extensive research. Looked at the Honda Pilot & CR-V, Ford Flex, and a few others. It came down to the Pilot & CX-9. The Mazda has more power, better interior/exterior, better brakes, and seems to ride better. We traded a Honda Odyssey for it & it is our first Mazda product. Vehicle is black & looks absolutely sweet after its been washed. Couldnt be happier w/the purchase. Capital Mazda of Cary gave us a great price. It is loaded (back-up camera, Bose system, auto rear hatch). Took it home for under 30K. And gave us exactly what we wanted in trade for Odyssey + threw in some extras. Very happy we went /the CX-9!

Mazda CX-9 Reviews By Year:
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