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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  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.

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  zoom zoom for real great suv - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By steven Cavalli - January 20 - 4:26 am

  Shop around and ask to see dealer invoice ..if possible. Also use Edmonds .com/ true car / costco/ and AARP for quotes before you go to dealerships to price the car.

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  Exactly what I needed - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By skipfedorac - January 6 - 9:40 am

  I spent the better part of 5 months researching and test driving every 6 cylinder cross over SUV with a third row. I narrowed my search to CX-9, Acadia, Pilot and MDX. Having owned a 2003 Tahoe I really wanted a car-like driving experience without sacrificing too much size. Im 64" so I need the room. The verdict: The Acadia drove like my Tahoe, large and lumbering. It definitely has the size but the driving experience wasnt there. The Pilot drove nicely but its exterior styling and small 3rd row werent what I was looking for. The MDX was very nice both to drive and in features but the price for equal features was in BMW/Audi territory. The CX9 hit the mark both inside and out.

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  Loving this vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rtm76 - December 20 - 1:40 am

  I had an 03 Murano before this vehicle and I have to say that this is quite a better vehicle than the Murano. From the looks, to the performance, to the saftey features, this is one of the best SUVs out there. Roomy cabin makes it easy to deal with children in car seats. Plenty of room for large adults (vertically and horizontally!). Outstanding vehicle, outstanding value.

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  Best AWD Crossover - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By greenmtneer - December 17 - 1:30 pm

  After extensive research and test driving, we selected the CX-9. Based upon reviews, and experience with friends cars, we narrowed it down to the Highlander and the CX-9. Previously we had a Ford Explorer, and opted to not consider Ford due to the problems we had with that vehicle. GM and Honda were eliminated due to the price point (Toyota and Mazda clearly offer more value.) In the end, the Mazda won out due to its handling, and its interior space. We test drove the CX-9 and Highlander back to back, and the difference in handling curves was remarkable. We also checked out the Audi Q7. We felt that the Mazda compared favorably to the Audi in all aspects, and is priced $20k less.

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  Mazda CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By storyjbj - November 30 - 10:13 pm

  Car drives fast, smooth with a calm fun to it.

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  The best!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Jose Luis Carrasco - November 18 - 10:23 pm

  I tested Acura MDX, Veracruz, Pilot, Outlook and CX-9. The Zoom-Zoom is the best. Highly recommended.

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  Nice, but.... - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By tracknut - November 13 - 11:11 pm

  Had since new, 28k miles now. I tested everything at the time, traded an 08 Pathfinder. First impression was good; comfy, good power, nice interior. I almost passed for two reasons that now have me shopping again; FWD, and steering position. I prefer RWD or AWD but wanted best fuel econ. Although torque steer is not an issue, it IS a heavy steering feel and quick acceleration out of a tight/emergency spot just spins the wheels.#2, I just cant get comfortable with steering position. The wheel is slanted too far forward, making the reach at 10/2 a stretch (Im 58"). Not enough adj to make it right for me. No lighted window/door lock swtchs, boomy sound and no flat cargo area are other gripes