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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  CX-9 GT AWD AWESOME!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Luv2nou2 - July 17 - 4:16 am

  Purchased this when it first came out, and was a bit hesitant as it was a new model for Mazda. Its now 3 years later and we have had NOT one problem mechanically or otherwise. This vehicle has truly been a dream to own, as vehicle headaches are exactly that...HEADACHES!! Every option from bluetooth to navigation to our awesome bose audio system works perfectly! Ride and response are excellent and I believe we will be purchasing another next summer, when our lease is up. If buying this used, I would recommend! turns heads even 3 years after release! People still ask us what we are driving!

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  The Best Three Row Crossover under $50K - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Clem - June 30 - 10:42 am

  Recently bought the CX9 Grand Touring after test driving the Honda Pilot Elite and the Toyota Highlander. The Pilot was nice but Honda does not do a good job of asorbing imperfections in the road. I traded in my 2013 Honda Accord sport and test drove the 2016 Honda CRV as well before pulling the trigger on the CX-9. The Hondas are really nice on smooth roads but fall significantly in my eyes on imperfect roads. The Highlander was smoother on imperfections but felt big and not as maneuverable as the CX9. Both the Pilot and Highlander appeared roomier inside, but one drive of the CX9 and it was no contest. Folks have made a lot of fuss over the 2.5L Turbo, but it is as smooth as butter. The more I drive this CX9, the more I love it. The drive is extremely quiet, smooth, comfortable and more than enough power to do anything I need a car to do. Some are concerned that the CX9 doesnt go 0-60 in 6 plus seconds....really, this is an three row SUV. It will do 0-60 in 7 plus seconds and that is faster than most family sedans. If you are one of those people who need to find something wrong with a vehicle i.e.. v-6 power, turbo, panoramic roof, cooled seats, Im sure you can find it. If you are truly in the market for an SUV, you have to go and test drive this CX9. We bought the CX9 and our kids are grown. We considered the Lexus RX350 (could not justify the price for us), Nissan Murano (very nice but i was disappointed in the ride quality...we owned the 2004 Murano and loved the way it drove. The 2015 Murano Platinum on 20"wheels did not soak up the bumps as well as i remember the 2004 doing and the V-6 was not as smooth). Have not driven the Durango, Explorer, Traverse, or Acadia so I cannot comment on them and I wish I had taken the opportunity to test drive them as Im reading good things on the Durango. In the end, Im extremely happy with my purchase as this is my first Mazda and if this holds up well, it will not be my last.

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  2018 Mazda CX 9 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Frank - June 20 - 12:19 am

  Seats are heated, but not air cooled! Getting out is kinda akward, but not too uncomfortable. Air conditioning controls could have been in a little more user friendly location. GPS would definitely been better had it had real time traffic conditions, and capability to zoom into current location.

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  Excellent Bang For The Buck! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Steve Richards - June 18 - 1:30 pm

  Just bought and so far, am VERY impressed with my CX-9. It replaced a 3 year old Volvo XC-90. Feels solid, drives great, looks great and I actually prefer it over the Volvo. Plenty of room inside to buy just about anything with the seats down. Rear seat heat and a/c is actually effective. Keyless everything is great. For the price, it cant be beat. I looked at much more expensive vehicles including Audi, Mercedes and Lexus and aside for the interior wood trim, softer leather and a little extra glitz in these high end crossovers, the Mazda is a winner and represents incredible value. It really has everything youd ever want.

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  Excellent minivan replacement - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By eml - June 11 - 1:53 am

  As a replacement for our minivan (Nissan Quest), the CX-9 is nearly as versatile, just as comfortable and much more fun to drive. The acceleration is excellent, the ride is smooth and the handling makes it feel much smaller than it actually is. Weve been on some 5 hour road trips with no complaints from our 2 teens in back. Weve also filled the 3rd row with teen-aged friends with no complaints on in-town trips. The front seating area could use some more storage space and the mpg is merely adequate but overall this is an excellent choice for those who need a versatile carrier.

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  good all around car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By NiceCar - June 8 - 1:20 pm

  I have 20" wheels on mine. It is not smooth as some people like. but it is so cool, it offset the bottom dis-comfort. fuel economy is not great but ok considering the size of the engine and the zoom you get when pushing down the paddle. 24 GPM on a 12 hour flat land highway trip at 75 MPH cruise control. GM and Buick (Encore & Traverse) are asking few thousand $ more for a compatibly equipped vehicle. Traverse and Arcadia interior is all cheap plastics. I though I will qualify for some bail out discount.not.Cant see a reason to 1st pay GM to build cars and 2nd buy cars with higher price. not all at lost, Mazda is a partner of Ford which is still an AMERICAN company. so I was told.

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  Incredible Value - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MCNC - May 23 - 8:43 am

  Traded in an 05 MDX, and after review & test drive of the new MDX and other "premium" CUVs, couldnt believe the value - I suppose maybe a few missing features? No compromise to the ride and handling, however, and great drivetrain with 6 spd manumatic. X5, ML, Audi, etc, have nothing on the CX-9 in terms of the way it drives. Also quiet and comfortable. Mileage is as advertised, not great, though on a recent trip got 18.5 mpg with car loaded down including rooftop luggage. Middle row seat is limousine-like. Only criticism is this is my 2nd Mazda (also a 2007 "3") with a vibrating LH mirror - Mazda cant fix them?? One unscheduled repair for a failed rear wheel bearing.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By tooold - April 10 - 9:53 am

  Just fun to drive. Feels light and quick. The 20" wheels cause a rather harsh ride, but it doesnt bother me. Extremely quiet. The advanced keyless system is in the same class as my first TV remote, color TV, and AC equipped car. I doubt that I will even consider a car that doesnt have it in the future. I put mine on a little lanyard that goes around my neck and I just drop it inside my shirt. The rain sensing wipers are also a very nice touch. Im coming from a 2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali and Im impressed with everything except the mileage. Mostly highway at 4000 ft elevation @ 82 mph yields about 18 mpg. Much better than the 6 liter Denali, but I was hoping for 20. Buy one!

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  A drivers SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SwissDog - March 30 - 6:46 pm

  I have been driving a Mazda 3 5-door for the past 4 years. That vehicle drove great and had amazing feel in the wheel-just as good as my wifes 2002 325i. Getting behind the wheel of the CX9 was seamless... no difference in feel. There is definitely more mass but thats what you get for a big vehicle.

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  Ask questions! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Ian - March 29 - 3:03 pm

  Ive been a devoted MDX guy and thought Id try something different. The CX9 seems to be abouit 85% of what an MDX is. Thats ok given the price. And its fun to drive. BUT the options are so confusing that youve got to ask questions about what youre getting and not getting. With the MDX youve got about two choices and you get everything. Some models have the side warning thing, some dont; depends on when during the year it was built. If you want a sun roof you cant have the entertainment pckg. and so on. What most bugs me that there was no home link system to open the garage - something you dont even think to ask about these days. Lesson is go over EVERY detail several times!