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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  joe brawley - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By joe brawley - March 11 - 3:33 am

  just bought the car 300 miles ago awesome car good power look to kill very high end a definite good value get the grand tour it comes with more extras than the lexus at a better price

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  Cx9 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By dmac - March 6 - 2:36 pm

  I like the car very much

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Frazier - February 26 - 5:30 pm

  Ventured back to Mazda after reading all the reviews on SUV/CV market and love the CX-9. Purchased Touring AWD on 1/11/08, and have about 5500 miles on it. Smoothest and quietest ride ever, great stereo, a real joy. Makes my wifes Camry XLE seem awfully loud and rough riding in comparison. Only drawbacks... avg about 16-17 mpg in town, and 18-20 on highway. With a 20 gal tank range is nothing more than 350 miles. Only needs reg gas though so some savings here. But no trip computer. Overall, I would buy again... a real joy to drive. Not a single issue in the 4 months and 5k miles, just an oil change. Enjoy the drive.

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  Glare on Steering Column due to Mazda insignia - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By kingbee0602 - February 23 - 4:01 am

  Love the new CX-9, except with the large windshield, I keep getting glare bouncing from the almost mirror-like center plastic/chrome implanted insignia in the middle of the steering wheel. It is very disconcerting and can be very distracting. Guess I will have to cover it with electrical tape or something to eliminate the glare from the sun.

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  A surprise in the SUV/Crossover market - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mazzzzda - February 18 - 8:36 pm

  The Mazda Cx9 is a great SUV with plenty of room in the cabin, the large amount of leg room in the middle row amazed my family. The ride is smooth and quiet but like a German car it keeps you in full control with the awareness on what kind of terrain you are in. It seems as Mazda copied other car companies (in a good way) The Navigation is like Acura, the seats like Lexus, the controls like GM, and the overall ride like a BMW. The SUV is simple to use with good controls that even an older generation can get used to. The down side is that the lights in the third and second row are single ones in the middle, it would have been nice to been personal ones. Other than that its a great buy.

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  Definitely a Drivers Car - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By drivingLover - February 14 - 7:04 am

  I bought CX-9 a week ago and more than satisfied with it. Searched every model in 7 passenger category including minivan and came down to new Pilot, Sorrento, Q7, X5 and CX-9. As multiple reviewers mention CX-9s third rows not big enough for adults but all of the crossover SUVs in the 7/8 passenger category have same issue. If you want adults in third row, go for minivan or full size SUVs. Also, reviewers mention that CX9 has least cargo capacity but hey how many times one drive with third row up and fully loaded cargo. I picked CX-9 among all cars that I was searched for because its Value for money. I was considering touring model with tech package priced around $40k but got sport trim with heated/powered front seats as it has all features that important to me around $33k (dealership gave me $1900 off MSRP which is remarkable for vehicle this NEW). Some important features Id really liked are brisk acceleration, quietness, LED head/tail lights, three zone climate control and ride quality. There are plenty soft touch material in the cabin where you rest your hand. Headlights are automatic and detect low light situation via a sensor on the windshield and turned ON by itself. Ive a 6 month old and she is more than happy while riding in the CX9. Fuel mileage I got at 25.4 in combine driving so far but one of the highway trip showed 29 in the trip computer. HD radio is good and if you adjust Bass/Treble, sound system works great as CX9 is too quite. Definitely a Drivers car and recommended over other 7 passenger CUVs. "

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  Made for the business driver! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By ZoomZoom - February 8 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! I live in my car for work with a typical drive of over 10 hours a week and this car is made for me. The radio features allow easy reception anywhere, the seat is very comfortable and the Bluetooth will end up saving my life. And so very, very fun to drive. Researched to death and came down to this or the Highlander. One look and I was in love.

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  More fun than Pilot, just as safe - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Tripl3threat - February 3 - 3:06 am

  I purchased an 09 Honda Pilot EX-L and an 09 CX-9 GT this month, and while I think they are the 2 best SUV/X-Overs on the market (under $40K), I do like the CX-9 over the Pilot. The Pilot drives like a truck - not that different from my Ford Explorer. The CX-9 drives like a performance tuned car. Easy to get in and out for all seating positions, tight handling, good acceleration and smooth and quiet braking. The Pilot looks like it should be driving through the Texas ranch-lands, while the CX-9 is right at home next to the Cayennes and Q7s in the Costco parking lot. All up, the CX-9 is about $5k less than the Pilot. Most of all, the CX-9 feels safest for kid hauling, and is a lot of FTD.

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  Very Happy with Our Choice - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By andrewtx - February 1 - 12:43 pm

  We traded in a 2003 Ford Expedition in which we were very disappointed for a 2007 CX-9. We immediately took it on a 1,600 mile trip. We averaged about 23 mpg on the highway (best individual fill up was 26.3 mpg). The performance of this vehicle is very impressive. It has the smoothest shifting automatic transmission Ive ever seen. Pickup is impressive. The level of comfort was amazing. Im 61" and usually suffer through long drives. However, a 12 hour (800 mile) drive in this vehicle was very comfortable. Lots of room for all our beach "stuff" with the 3rd seat folded down (umbrellas, cooler, beach chairs, etc). Even with all this stuff, we could still see out the rear window.

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  Great Car, Great Price! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By John - January 28 - 9:00 pm

  As with others, my wife and I drove all the 6 + passenger CUVs. We wanted a car, not a van, which would carry at least 6 people comfortably and the CX-9 was the answer. We almost bought the MDX, but after one last visit and sitting in the 3rd row, our minds were made up. The CX-9 has everything, comfort, performance, looks and all the bells and whistles. We also wanted a car which would meet all of our needs, bluetooth a must, nav system, mp3 player, link to my iPod, separate temperature controls for front as well as back. Room in the back for 4 sets of golf clubs. The ride is superb and fun to drive. Just love this car. Test drive and you will be sold.