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:

• 

  Own 4 months and plan to trade for other - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tbonesteak - February 28 - 11:16 am

  I got this car on Oct. 07 and now I am looking for another brand to trade. Gas mileage is main reason that disappointed me. I got only 15/mpg. Monthly gas payment is same as car payment. Also ride is bumpy, very bumpy.

• 

  Hands down the most amazing crossover out there - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By meathead212121 - February 21 - 1:07 pm

  bought this thing about a month and a half ago and have since put almost 5,000 miles on it. We researched EVERY 3rd row SUV out there and came through edmunds to get reviews on all. In the end it was this or a nissan armada and we opted for the gas mileage and man has it paid off!!! compared to the Durago that we owned prior to this it goes twice as far on a tank of gas and it still has all the comfort of it. Weve put a 20" flip down in it for a cross country trip were taking tonight actually and the trip doesnt worry me with the possibility of breaking down do to how well this vehicle is built. I HIGHLY reccomend this car!!

• 

  My 2nd CX-9 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By brantw - February 19 - 5:39 pm

  I previously had a 2009 model I put 92,000 miles on and was happy. This new model (2013) not so much. The sheet metal seems thinner as the car easily picks up dings and dents. The front brakes are pulsating and I do not drive the car hard. The transmission constantly downshifts as soon as I tap the brakes and this is irritating. The car sometimes clunks into gear when shifting from park to drive. Finally, the central locking system is not intuitive. I park in the garage and leave the keys in the vehicle. On several occasions the car has mysteriously locked itself. Thankfully I have a spare key in the house. Still a decent car but would not buy again.

• 

  Wow - this is FUN - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By JerryO - February 18 - 5:36 pm

  Ive had my new CX-9 for just 2 weeks but first impression is holy cow - how did they make a big SUV feel so much like my BMW 330 convertible?? Incredible, truly a drivers car. The ride is quiet, taut and responsive but I would not characterize it as harsh, as some others have felt. Just really sporty. Goes where you point it with almost no body roll or lean. I bought this to replace my excellent 04 Sienna XLE Ltd AWD, which was perfect for my radio control airplane hobby, requiring as it does, at least 9 of room for one of my big planes. The CX-9 easily handles this with the seats in the right configuration but drives and looks a million times better.

• 

  CX-9 AWD rocks the rockies - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By hoodoo - February 13 - 5:06 am

  Been driving this car for 2 months now. Has done many things well; like carry 6 adults, grocery shopping, drive on snow/ice, skiing, highway, city, big mountains. First Mazda we have owned and it is so nice to drive and handles well in the mtns, where we live. Great as family wagon AWD, commuter, weekender, SUV replacement, power driver seat, steering wheel adjustments, good view out the windows, big outside mirrors (heated as well), power outlets, storage in far rear compartment, kids really like the car overall, build quality seems very solid.

• 

  Amazing vehicle! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By drblptq - February 11 - 8:14 pm

  I owned this incredible suv for almost two and a half years of trouble free driving, and would highly recommend it to anyone needing space for 7, ample cargo capacity, and fairly reasonable mileage. This is easily one of the best handling suvs I have ever owned. 60,000 miles and not one single issue, how many people can say that about a vehicle. I traded it for a 2011 Hyundai Elantra as I drive 25,000 plus miles per year, and 35 mpg combined is so nice. The Elantra actually has more front seat legroom that the much larger CX-9! What more could a family of four or five ask for, looks, performance, stability, handling, all in a durable and trouble free package.

• 

  Nice CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Jim - January 31 - 4:10 am

  Just bought the white CX-9 sport fwd and drove to Florida and back to Ohio with two adults, two 16 yoa and a 17 yoa. Vehicle ran great and surpassing the speed limit was no chore. Ride is so nice you dont realize how fast you are traveling. We sold our Tahoe and traded in our 2006 mazda6 for the CX-9.

• 

  Not as good as my 2009 CX 9 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By stopresisting - January 28 - 12:07 pm

  I came from a 2009 Mazda CX 9 Sport AWD which I absolutely loved. Not a single problem with the 09. I knew that the 13 was almost identical to the previous model year 9s but with more technological safety features. I had to have a rear view back up camera. The Blind Side Monitoring system is wonderful. Although the New Grand Touring (GT) came with 20 inch wheels, I didnt really feel a big difference in ride quality. The wheels are stylish but not chrome. As another reviewer stated, the sheetmetal is not as it was in previous years and easily prone to dings. The newer models glove box has no locking mechanism and the coin storage drawer is gone.

• 

  A vehicle you will not regret buying - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By jenon - January 17 - 6:46 pm

  This is an awesome vehicle traded in my ML320 for it and never regretted. Best of all it uses regular gasoline. The handling is top notch. Test drove Acura MDX before I decided to buy the CX-9. The CX-9 handles just as well and costs way less loaded.

• 

  Mazda CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Faye Whiddon - January 10 - 2:36 pm

  I drove 11 competitors. I went back for a second and third trial drive to make sure I was not just dazzled by the nifty style and, for sure, the performance was top notch. I purchased the Touring version. Safety features were a factor. I consider the blue tooth a safety as well as a convenience factor. The third row seating is the most comfortable of all i tested. Grandchildren love the DVD and Bose system. Best auto purchase I ever made.