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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  A lot of car for the money. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tony - April 22 - 9:36 am

  A lot of car for the money. Weve been very happy with the car.

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  Im in love - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By NH - April 20 - 9:46 am

  Test drove a Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Volvo XC90. Wife nixed the space-ship looking Nissan Murano on looks alone. I wanted a third row for times when we cart around our kids friends, and all the luxury amenities. But didnt want to drive a boat; spend more than $35K; or end up driving a boxy, boring SUV like everybody else. The second I saw the Mazda in-person I was sold. Exterior is honestly a work of art. Test drove both the Touring and Grand Touring. Bought the Grand Touring. Much better ride and so many little worthwhile enhancements. Zoom zoom.

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  Pretty good value & great handling - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By abarge527 - April 19 - 6:56 pm

  We bought the vehicle after exhaustively comparing it to the Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX. In the end, we bought the Mazda because (a) the only area the Highlander was better was fuel economy, and (b) the MDX, while a better car in terms of luxury, features, and style, was considerably more expensive and given a feature-by-feature comparison, the Mazda was a much better value. Overall we are happy with the CX-9 and dont regret the decision. After having it for 2+ years, we are in a position to offer a long-term review of plusses and minuses which we hope the manufacturer reads and makes use of.

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  Most reliable vehicle we have EVER owned. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By krustuhfar - April 9 - 1:04 pm

  We bought this car brand new in 2008. This has been the most reliable car we have EVER owned. It has not once left us stranded. Weve hauled some huge loads too. and it just keeps going and going. We took this car ALL THE WAY FROM LOUISIANA TO MAYNE. THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF MILES. In a period of 5 days. and not once did we think it was going to give up. We loved our cx9. Sadly, at a wopping 179,000 miles, we hydroplaned into a ditch and totaled it. Such a shame. We never had to do any major repairs on it. THe only bad thing is it was constantly having tire/wheel issues. it would need a brake job about every 16 months. And tire pressure was always low. Other than that. it was amazing.

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  Lots of potential - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Marky - March 15 - 6:40 pm

  We leased this vehicle as a replacement for our 2005 MPV. Power and styling were the big draws for us. After 4,0000 miles, its a fun vehicle to drive but its starting to show some shortcomings. Two defects had to be corrected during pickup from the dealership and a rattle has developed in the dashboard. A recent snow storm revealed, unlike most FWD vehicles, its terrible in the snow. The tires are the most likely suspect. Gas mileage is disappointing. The expert reviews and changes to the 2008 model indicate the vehicle my have been rushed into production.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Scott - March 13 - 4:30 pm

  Originally I was set on a CX-7, but after I sat in a CX-9 in the showroom, I fell in love. I was very impressed how much rear legroom it had and the 3-zone climate control. Then I drove it, and the first thing I noticed was how much quieter it was than the CX-7 and how smooth the enigine and transmission were. It also doesnt feel like youre driving a large SUV. My dogs fit in the back with room to spare. I went from a Celica to this, so cornering, parking and gas consumption are much different, but I knew that it would be.

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  Best in class - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jtwiss - March 13 - 2:06 pm

  I all most bought a GMC Acadia. The big difference from this crossover is the fit and finish and the bang for the buck. I noticed the attention to details like the leather padded doors to the LED backlighting on the doors. This list goes on. I also look at the Audi Q7 at $55k and for $20k less the Mazda is in the same class as the Audi. Why pay $20k grand more for the Audi? From the back and side they look very similar.

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  Very Surprised. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By rvc - March 4 - 2:16 am

  I was very surprised when I drove the CX-9. The interior is very quiet and rides smooth. I am not an SUV/minivan person at all but I am very happy with my purchase. I traded my 2006 Acura TL for it because I needed more room. The features it has for the money makes it a no-brainer for me. It is very comfortable, and the Bose 5.1 surround is outstanding. Even better than the Acuras ELS 5.1. I got the nav, rear entertainment etc. The A/V jack and 115v AC outlet is a good idea and will prove to be useful! My kids love it and we are looking forward to going on a road trip. I think anyone looking for an SUV or CUV should look very hard at the CX-9 as the value is hard to beat.

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  Nice for the Price - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Acroduster - February 9 - 10:13 am

  When compared with its rivals and their sticker prices, the CX-9 is in tough company. However, when you look at what youll actually pay for them, the CX-9 looks much better. It appears to be the value leader - very nicely appointed, sports-car zoom-zoom handling (which you wont find in the competitors), and feature laden. Even my skinny 7 year old can slide the center seats to access the rear (she couldnt do that in the Tahoe we had). Speaking of the Tahoe, when we compared them side-by-side, the CX-9 has more depth behind the rear seats, and has more depth when the rear seats are folded. I wouldnt have believed that if I hadnt seen it myself...

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  A total surprise! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Aaron - January 25 - 11:40 am

  I have been looking for the perfect large SUV to replace our 04 Chevy Venture that was totaled about three weeks ago, and found it in the CX-9. At first look it is sexy but seemingly too small for my family of 6. But I took one for a test drive to my wife, and we fell in love. It was a base sport model and I was still impressed. The interior design is a 10+, handling is great. I pushed the engine out to about 5000 or 6000 rpm before shifting in manual mode and the tranny was still silky smooth. I had to check the readout to be sure that I even shifted gears. All of my kids fit surprisingly well with two boosters and one car seat.