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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  First Mazda - Impressed so Far - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By jk96 - September 8 - 5:55 pm

  We have 3 children and were looking to downsize from a Ford Excursion to a mid-size SUV. Our requirements were seating for 7, leather interior, and easy access to the third row. We drove every mid-size SUV out there in the under 40k price range and found the CX-9 was our favorite with the new Dodge Durango a very close second. Ease of rear access on the Durango killed it for us. I needed something my 6 year olds could do themselves and the Mazda was a breeze. Doors opened wide, easy slide second row for rear access, and the fact that I could still fit 3 kids in the 2nd row and fold the rear seats for cargo space if needed was a huge plus. Great value lots of options for the money.

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  CX-9 Long Term Review - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By ThatGuyFromOhio - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  We have had our CX-9 GT AWD for nearly 3 years and it is a great people mover that is still fun to drive. It has maybe the best 3rd row access in the whole segment. The styling is great (with the 20" wheels). Looks better with the roof rack too. When I bought it had the Ford engine, and it has worked perfectly. The gearbox is smooth and the ride is still nice and tight. Only after two years have some little things (small plastic interior pieces) have come loose. But overall a great car that seats seven with a lot of flexibility. The mileage could always be better, but I cant complain, it is a big truck that has some go to it. My biggest issue now is do I get a newer one in 6 months

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  From 7 to 1 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By mrpladd - August 12 - 11:42 am

  Test drove 7 SUVs and all were nice and capable but the CX-9 was the only one that really excited me after the test drive. Pilot, Traverse, and Pathfinder were too cavernous. Explorer had too many bad reviews (here, CR) and I rented one for a weekend and it was falling apart at 1700 miles. Acadia was overpriced. Durango was a really nice ride and came in a very close second but was probably more SUV than I needed (I dont tow). The CX-9 website does not do justice to the looks of this SUV. It is very sharp looking and people have given me nice compliments. Got it last week and drove 2 hours to Boston this weekend. So comfortable. Didnt want the drive to end. Fit kids and luggage no prob

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  great wheels - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Jerry - August 11 - 7:03 pm

  Less than a month since purchase and we are very happy that we chose cx-9 over Highlander etc. Overall mileage 19-20, highway 22-23. Although I am tempted to zoom-zoom at times. As I have read there are better tires to be had, but I am in no rush. Still learning some of the bells and whistles. Love backup camera and xenon headlights. Plenty of space.

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  Best of class - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Billz1979 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Coming from an Acura Owner who did a lot of research and nearly bought a MDX, the CX-9 is without a doubt the best bang for the buck. Cargo room, ride, build quality, everything is top notch.

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  Crash worthy - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By veloguru - July 17 - 1:35 pm

  I had my 2010 CX-9 for a year and was involved in a very hard front end collision which rolled the other vehicle over. My two young kids and I were totally unscratched, and even though the front end was destroyed, all the doors were still aligned and working perfectly! Impressive. Im off to my dealer to order a brand new CX-9. ( white, not black this time, too lazy to keep the black clean!)

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  CX-9 GT AWD AWESOME!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Luv2nou2 - July 17 - 4:16 am

  Purchased this when it first came out, and was a bit hesitant as it was a new model for Mazda. Its now 3 years later and we have had NOT one problem mechanically or otherwise. This vehicle has truly been a dream to own, as vehicle headaches are exactly that...HEADACHES!! Every option from bluetooth to navigation to our awesome bose audio system works perfectly! Ride and response are excellent and I believe we will be purchasing another next summer, when our lease is up. If buying this used, I would recommend! turns heads even 3 years after release! People still ask us what we are driving!

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  The Best Three Row Crossover under $50K - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Clem - June 30 - 10:42 am

  Recently bought the CX9 Grand Touring after test driving the Honda Pilot Elite and the Toyota Highlander. The Pilot was nice but Honda does not do a good job of asorbing imperfections in the road. I traded in my 2013 Honda Accord sport and test drove the 2016 Honda CRV as well before pulling the trigger on the CX-9. The Hondas are really nice on smooth roads but fall significantly in my eyes on imperfect roads. The Highlander was smoother on imperfections but felt big and not as maneuverable as the CX9. Both the Pilot and Highlander appeared roomier inside, but one drive of the CX9 and it was no contest. Folks have made a lot of fuss over the 2.5L Turbo, but it is as smooth as butter. The more I drive this CX9, the more I love it. The drive is extremely quiet, smooth, comfortable and more than enough power to do anything I need a car to do. Some are concerned that the CX9 doesnt go 0-60 in 6 plus seconds....really, this is an three row SUV. It will do 0-60 in 7 plus seconds and that is faster than most family sedans. If you are one of those people who need to find something wrong with a vehicle i.e.. v-6 power, turbo, panoramic roof, cooled seats, Im sure you can find it. If you are truly in the market for an SUV, you have to go and test drive this CX9. We bought the CX9 and our kids are grown. We considered the Lexus RX350 (could not justify the price for us), Nissan Murano (very nice but i was disappointed in the ride quality...we owned the 2004 Murano and loved the way it drove. The 2015 Murano Platinum on 20"wheels did not soak up the bumps as well as i remember the 2004 doing and the V-6 was not as smooth). Have not driven the Durango, Explorer, Traverse, or Acadia so I cannot comment on them and I wish I had taken the opportunity to test drive them as Im reading good things on the Durango. In the end, Im extremely happy with my purchase as this is my first Mazda and if this holds up well, it will not be my last.

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  2018 Mazda CX 9 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Frank - June 20 - 12:19 am

  Seats are heated, but not air cooled! Getting out is kinda akward, but not too uncomfortable. Air conditioning controls could have been in a little more user friendly location. GPS would definitely been better had it had real time traffic conditions, and capability to zoom into current location.

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  Excellent Bang For The Buck! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Steve Richards - June 18 - 1:30 pm

  Just bought and so far, am VERY impressed with my CX-9. It replaced a 3 year old Volvo XC-90. Feels solid, drives great, looks great and I actually prefer it over the Volvo. Plenty of room inside to buy just about anything with the seats down. Rear seat heat and a/c is actually effective. Keyless everything is great. For the price, it cant be beat. I looked at much more expensive vehicles including Audi, Mercedes and Lexus and aside for the interior wood trim, softer leather and a little extra glitz in these high end crossovers, the Mazda is a winner and represents incredible value. It really has everything youd ever want.