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:
Showing 361 through 370 of 562.00-
Enjoying the zoom zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By Mazda Mom - October 4 - 10:06 pmI have not owned a new vehicle in 9 years. I have been doing research for a while and really investigated the Mazda CX7 and CX9. I had been driving a Dodge Durango and loved it. My husband did not want a smaller vehicle so we drove the CX9. I really like the looks of the CX9. My only complaint is that I settled for the black interior which I know will be very hot in the summer.
-
Still fun after 2 yrs. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
By Yee Haw - September 27 - 1:40 pmStill has plenty of Zoom Zoom in it. Have had this as my primary vehical for two yrs and have not regretted one minute of it. Long trips (800+ miles one way) are a breeze. Hooked up a PS2 and the kids are happy. Head phones make Us happy, and the ride make everyone happy.
-
Most fun Crossover to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By Bobzilla - September 14 - 2:56 amI test drive the Saturn Outlook, the new 2008 Highlander, Honda Pilot and the 2007 Acura MDX. The CX-9 was more fun to drive than all of them and still gave me a real third row seat. I took my 22 year old son with me and we both tried getting in and out of the back seats in all of them and the Mazda was the easiest. I found this the ideal car for taking my road bike to the club starting point and hauling 7 family members to dinner and the most fun to drive of all the cars. Economy seems the same as my 1997 Camry V6 so far on the first two tanks.
-
Great Crossover SUV! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
By Mike Ferguson - September 9 - 8:50 pmLet me start by saying we never expected to like this vehicle so much. It was more of a "lets take a look so we can eliminate one more option". But when you get behind the wheel and give this SUV a good look trust me if you buy another SUV I will be shocked. It is as close to perfect as you will find. It is simply THE best kept secret in the mid-size SUV/Crossover market. Great size not to big not too small. Usable third row with as much legroom as many full size SUV. Great build quality. Smart engineering and logical design/layout. Drives as much like a sports car as possible in an SUV. All the safety features. Unbelievable upscale features on the Grand Touring for the money.
-
First Mazda - Impressed so Far - 2012 Mazda CX-9
By jk96 - September 8 - 5:55 pmWe have 3 children and were looking to downsize from a Ford Excursion to a mid-size SUV. Our requirements were seating for 7, leather interior, and easy access to the third row. We drove every mid-size SUV out there in the under 40k price range and found the CX-9 was our favorite with the new Dodge Durango a very close second. Ease of rear access on the Durango killed it for us. I needed something my 6 year olds could do themselves and the Mazda was a breeze. Doors opened wide, easy slide second row for rear access, and the fact that I could still fit 3 kids in the 2nd row and fold the rear seats for cargo space if needed was a huge plus. Great value lots of options for the money.
-
CX-9 Long Term Review - 2007 Mazda CX-9
By ThatGuyFromOhio - August 13 - 11:03 pmWe have had our CX-9 GT AWD for nearly 3 years and it is a great people mover that is still fun to drive. It has maybe the best 3rd row access in the whole segment. The styling is great (with the 20" wheels). Looks better with the roof rack too. When I bought it had the Ford engine, and it has worked perfectly. The gearbox is smooth and the ride is still nice and tight. Only after two years have some little things (small plastic interior pieces) have come loose. But overall a great car that seats seven with a lot of flexibility. The mileage could always be better, but I cant complain, it is a big truck that has some go to it. My biggest issue now is do I get a newer one in 6 months
-
From 7 to 1 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
By mrpladd - August 12 - 11:42 amTest drove 7 SUVs and all were nice and capable but the CX-9 was the only one that really excited me after the test drive. Pilot, Traverse, and Pathfinder were too cavernous. Explorer had too many bad reviews (here, CR) and I rented one for a weekend and it was falling apart at 1700 miles. Acadia was overpriced. Durango was a really nice ride and came in a very close second but was probably more SUV than I needed (I dont tow). The CX-9 website does not do justice to the looks of this SUV. It is very sharp looking and people have given me nice compliments. Got it last week and drove 2 hours to Boston this weekend. So comfortable. Didnt want the drive to end. Fit kids and luggage no prob
-
great wheels - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By Jerry - August 11 - 7:03 pmLess than a month since purchase and we are very happy that we chose cx-9 over Highlander etc. Overall mileage 19-20, highway 22-23. Although I am tempted to zoom-zoom at times. As I have read there are better tires to be had, but I am in no rush. Still learning some of the bells and whistles. Love backup camera and xenon headlights. Plenty of space.
-
Best of class - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By Billz1979 - July 28 - 10:00 amComing from an Acura Owner who did a lot of research and nearly bought a MDX, the CX-9 is without a doubt the best bang for the buck. Cargo room, ride, build quality, everything is top notch.
-
Crash worthy - 2010 Mazda CX-9
By veloguru - July 17 - 1:35 pmI had my 2010 CX-9 for a year and was involved in a very hard front end collision which rolled the other vehicle over. My two young kids and I were totally unscratched, and even though the front end was destroyed, all the doors were still aligned and working perfectly! Impressive. Im off to my dealer to order a brand new CX-9. ( white, not black this time, too lazy to keep the black clean!)
