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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  Mazda CX9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rags - January 26 - 3:53 pm

  Considered Highlander, Q7, GX470, X5, Enclave, etc. and the CX9 was the only SUV that had all (most) of the options we wanted at a reasonable price. Styling and fun-to-drive factor made the others pale in comparison. Curious - the Mazda engineers/marketing people forgot (?) to include trip computer, 8 way pass seat, memory mirrors and auto-locking doors. Overall, very happy so far.

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  Still fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Road-runner - January 23 - 5:00 am

  After 2 years, I still feel excited with the possibility of driving it on open roads. Try it on 8 hour-long journeys like we do and you will love it. The face of some "muscle" car drivers when we just wave them "good- bye" is a poem! Bose sound is for pros.

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  Love my Mazda - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MASSBEAN - January 16 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first Mazda and we love it. Went to auto shows and read many reviews before deciding. Drove the Edge and several others but nothing beat the driving and handling. It is so fun to drive. I traded in a lg SUV and I love the difference - I feel like Im in a sports car. The room is great, love the dashboard display and the Bose/sunroof. My only 2 complaints are that it could be better on gas and there is no trip odometer. I traded a 5.4 Expedition and Im only getting 4-5 mpg better. Mazda could work on that, otherwise no complaints so far

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  Loved it....BUT..... - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Shadowsmom06 - January 13 - 4:48 am

  So after hours online searching for the pefect suv I found the new cx-9.... I went to my nearest Mazda dealer to test drive and fell in LOVE....but one missing must have...NO HEATED STEERING WHEEL.....very disappointed.....come to find out that the 2016 cx-9 in Canada HAS one....WHAT???? please mazda add for us Americans and Ill buy one.....thanks

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  Great Find! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By gr8sail - December 31 - 1:25 am

  I needed to consolidate cars. My 13 year old 4Runner died and while I absolutely loved my Infiniti M45 Sport, I decided 3 cars (99 MX5 Miata 10th Anniversary edition) was one too many. I wanted the cargo ccapacity of the 4Runner and the handling of the M45. I got both in the CX9 Grand Touring. This car is great! Terrific handling, good acceleration (its not the M45) and enough high end features and gadgets to keep me happy. Mazda understands the importance of good ergonomics. The dash and controls are laid out well. The leather seats are very comfortable. There is plenty of room, front and back, ingress and egress is easy. A perfect combination of performance and functionality

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  Fun Crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By vegasred - December 16 - 4:00 pm

  Just purchased CX-9 Touring with moonroof, bose sound system and power liftgate for around $32,000. Ive been test driving and looking at new cars for over a month. I work out of my car so I needed power plugs for my laptop and GPS. I also needed a car that I could be in for over 8 hours and drive over some gravel roads and rough terrain. The CX- 9 had everything I needed and it cost less then all the other cars I looked at. I really liked the Highlander, Acadia, MDX and Enclave but after doing all the research I kept going back to the CX- 9. Im really enjoying the Sirius radio. The bluetooth Im still learning but it seems to have difficulty locating my phone every time I try to use it.

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  Great Car, Skip the built in Nav - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By nbiz - December 16 - 2:26 am

  Wonderful car, we love how it drives. It doesnt look that big from outside, but feels huge and comfortable inside. However, I wish I could return the nav system. It gives us a proper route about 1 in 5 times, otherwise it suggests routes that are hundreds of miles off course. Luckily we usually know the basic directions, otherwise 1 hour drives would take 5. Also it grays out when going over 5mph, which all built-ins do and I thought I could deal with, but no. Please get this great car, just skip the nav.

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  The best 7 passenger SUV!! - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Ken - December 4 - 3:53 am

  If you do not want to drive Minivan and need 7 passenger car, 2016 CX-9 is one of the best.

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  Many strong features, a few minor irritants - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By howard44 - November 18 - 11:34 am

  Weve had our GT for two months and 2500 miles. Id give it 93 out of 100. Its a stylish combination of fun and functionality. Compared to other SUVs, the CX-9 is sporty in appearance and handling. Engine is strong and relatively quiet. Transmission is smooth. Interior quality and design are well done. Third row is both usable and accessible. I think it stacks up well against the Enclave or Acadia for less money. There does seem to be a problem with wind noise on the highway. Like some other reviewers, I paid $100 over invoice, with front window tint and pinstripe tossed in.

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  Best Buy SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jimev - November 9 - 11:26 am

  I love my CX-9. The best styling of any SUV out there PLUS it has a 3rd row! This is a lot of SUV for the at any price but especially for the money. I might trade this on in at 90K or maybe not. Not even a hint of any mechanical trouble so far. My son has been asking me to sell it to him when I finally get a new one. My main motivation to get a newer model would due to significant improvements in the HMI (GPS - Navigation, etc.) Maybe with Honda and Toyota having their issues Mazda will finally get the respect that they deserve.