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:

• 

  My second CX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Homer.too - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2009 Touring and kept it 18 months. Decided to move up to a Grand Touring in 2010. Wife wanted the power tail gate and we both wanted the back up camera and in dash GPS. This baby is loaded, the only thing missing is the moon roof which we didnt want anyway. Got a smoking deal. Upgraded a year also went from Touring to Gran Touring loaded for $8,000 tax, license incl. One real disappointment. The GPS system is very weak. Will not pull up POIs close to my house. Major chain stores we all know and have been in business several years do not show up. Also took a short trip last weekend and twice was told "could not provide guidance". This was on state hwys. WEAK real weak.

• 

  Outstanding value. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By TJ Fischer - May 21 - 6:56 am

  We have a 2004 Mazda 6s (same platform) and though the CX-9 is larger, it still feels like youre driving a sports sedan. Traded in a Mazda Tribute for the CX-9 to gain some more space. The CX-9 is a very quiet ride and excellent for getting our toddler in and out of the back seat. This vehicle is clearly meeting our needs as a young family and we plan to keep this vehicle for a long time. During our comparison shopping, we strongly felt like there was a huge bang for the buck with Mazda. Weve had nothing but positive experiences driving all of our Mazdas, especially this vehicle.

• 

  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By CJ - May 20 - 6:03 am

  Just purchased, so its only been one week. So far we love it, extremely fun to drive and a head-turner in the neighborhood. I recommend everyone try this if you are in the market for a large crossover.

• 

  Excellent value and fun to drive!!! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By newtozoom - May 11 - 2:46 pm

  I looked at the Audi Q7, Subaru Tribeca, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, & CX9. The CX9 offered the most value and room compared to the others. My wife loved the look. I liked the Bluetooth phone features, navigation system, memory seats, keyless entry & start system, and the list goes on. This is my first Mazda. After doing my research, the CX9 offered an all around excellent package. It has the space for my family of 5 and is fun to drive; unlike my previous car (Toyota Sienna). If you want a roomy, fun to drive, and aggressively designed SUV the Mazda CX9 is worth a test drive.

• 

  Shame on Mazda - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Ruthann - April 28 - 11:51 am

  I drove my car for a long time and was quite pleased. It had its minor issues but nothing major. The one thing I kept having problems with was the brakes. I took it into the mechanic 4 different times and they couldnt stop the squeaking. The Mazda dealership later told us thats just Mazda brakes and they all do that! That is not normal! It was only when I backed up, but then started when I stopped at a stop sign. I spent a lot of money trying to fix this problem, and I have yet to fix it. The final problem was the transfer case. The mechanic said it is designed very poorly because there is no way to do maintenance to it. You just have to replace it once it wears out, and if you dont replace it in time then it is linked to the transmission and then you need a new transmission. That is what happened to us. You know there is a problem when the mechanic cant even get the part because they dont have enough parts because there are so many cars having this issue. The final cost was $5,200, and the car is only worth $9,000. It hasnt even hit 100,000. I thought we bought a quality vehicle, and I really loved certain things about the CX 9, but I will never recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Excellent overall - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By mazdacx9zoom - April 24 - 8:50 am

  I have been shopping for family car for a long time. I test drove many cars such as Honda Pilot, Odyessy, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, GMC Acadia, and Hyundai Veracruz. I was going to get Honda Odyessy since it is very affordable and looks good, but I did not like how it drove. However, after I drove Mazda CX9, it was love at first sight. I love how it drives. Exterior and interior looks great. They did great design overall. Ride is firm and roomy for 7 adults.

• 

  Mazda cx-9 Grand Touring awd - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By Donna G - March 24 - 3:45 am

  I love the vehicle and the mazda line of cars. The problem I am having is that I dont put a lot of miles on the suv and things are happening, things that I never heard of before in my life owning other vehicles, like; the heat shield bolts rusted off and Mazda had to put bolts back in to secure the heat shield $50.00 for 15 minutes. I think it should of been under warranty. I only had 30,000 miles on it. Then Sunday out and about my husband says something is wrong with the braks going to the floor. Today I take to service station and they tell me its the power booster unit. I call mazda and they say its under the extended warranty and it will be towed to the dealership from the garage. I only have 31,000 mile on it now. Then in the newspaper there is a recall on the suspension they can rust and come loose. when they had my car up on a rack they were showing me where my bolts rusted on the heat shield, they was a lot of rusted parts under my car!!! What else is going to go bad on my Mazda cx-9 Grand touring that I like a lot but might have to think about trading it in!!!

• 

  Perfect Choice! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Irene G. Miller - March 23 - 9:06 am

  This car is definitely fun to drive - dont even feel that it is an SUV. Smooth to drive and quiet motor.

• 

  nice CUV! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By michigan - March 5 - 8:30 am

  got a good deal on FWD SP. very quiet and convincing ride. sense of safety in a large car but still nimble to maneuver. I was looking between Honda Pilot and this car wins in every aspects. hopefully it turns out to be reliable as well.

• 

  Love my new Mazda! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By chris - March 3 - 2:16 pm

  We just purchased our first Mazda and we are so happy that we did. It is actually fun to drive. My children cant wait to get in it everyday. I think it helps that it has a DVD player. I could not believe everything we received in our new car for the money! Bose stereo, DVD, Navigation system, heated leather seats, satellite radio, bluetooth.......so much more. This car is truly a hidden gem and hopefully more people will discover it.