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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  Almost bought it - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Anton S - June 13 - 9:12 pm

  So I am looking to replace my small CRV second car to something bigger so my whole family can use it when we get tired of our Pilot. CX9 looked perfect on paper. After reviewing it online and seeing several on the roads I went to the dealership. I was ready to test drive it when I got behind the wheel and was very disappointing with the driver seat. It does not go low and far back enough. I am only 5 11 but the seat was way too high for me when doing elbow test. I also could not straighten my legs out all the way and was sitting with knee bend. I wanted to make this my commuter car but with that seat no way it might happen. May be my wife will be OK with it, but we switch a lot so it will be a no for me until its fixed. Update 8/7/2016 So I went back to the dealer and can confirm - the driver seat is not 8 way power seat. It is 6 way power seat with lumbar support. Lumbar usually does not count as a way power seat and goes on top of how many ways the seat is powered. The driver seat only goes up (whole seat) slides and back moves. It does not have front seat height adjustment. This is really disappointing since any 8 way power seat has front seat changing height with back remaining in same location.

• 

  Excellent minivan replacement - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By eml - June 11 - 1:53 am

  As a replacement for our minivan (Nissan Quest), the CX-9 is nearly as versatile, just as comfortable and much more fun to drive. The acceleration is excellent, the ride is smooth and the handling makes it feel much smaller than it actually is. Weve been on some 5 hour road trips with no complaints from our 2 teens in back. Weve also filled the 3rd row with teen-aged friends with no complaints on in-town trips. The front seating area could use some more storage space and the mpg is merely adequate but overall this is an excellent choice for those who need a versatile carrier.

• 

  good all around car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By NiceCar - June 8 - 1:20 pm

  I have 20" wheels on mine. It is not smooth as some people like. but it is so cool, it offset the bottom dis-comfort. fuel economy is not great but ok considering the size of the engine and the zoom you get when pushing down the paddle. 24 GPM on a 12 hour flat land highway trip at 75 MPH cruise control. GM and Buick (Encore & Traverse) are asking few thousand $ more for a compatibly equipped vehicle. Traverse and Arcadia interior is all cheap plastics. I though I will qualify for some bail out discount.not.Cant see a reason to 1st pay GM to build cars and 2nd buy cars with higher price. not all at lost, Mazda is a partner of Ford which is still an AMERICAN company. so I was told.

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  Incredible Value - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MCNC - May 23 - 8:43 am

  Traded in an 05 MDX, and after review & test drive of the new MDX and other "premium" CUVs, couldnt believe the value - I suppose maybe a few missing features? No compromise to the ride and handling, however, and great drivetrain with 6 spd manumatic. X5, ML, Audi, etc, have nothing on the CX-9 in terms of the way it drives. Also quiet and comfortable. Mileage is as advertised, not great, though on a recent trip got 18.5 mpg with car loaded down including rooftop luggage. Middle row seat is limousine-like. Only criticism is this is my 2nd Mazda (also a 2007 "3") with a vibrating LH mirror - Mazda cant fix them?? One unscheduled repair for a failed rear wheel bearing.

• 

  Average at best - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By kph1983 - May 14 - 2:03 am

  Just sold 2012 CX9 after three years (35,000 miles). Decent SUV for price. Pros: Appearance, good performance/handling, interior space. The CX9 looks sporty and handles/accelerates well for a large vehicle. Large interior space with decent room in the third row. Cons: Gas mileage, ride comfort, cabin noise, The CX9 does not get anywhere near the advertised gas mileage. 18.5 combined driving and 21.5 on strictly highway trips. Not a very comfortable ride if you are in the car for longer than 1 hour. Suspension felt stiffer than other large SUVs and could feel all bumps on road. Car had small annoying rattles on both interior/exterior.

• 

  Excellent Crossover - terrible Nav - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By PO - May 3 - 8:53 pm

  Got the CX-9 10 months ago and we are very happy with the car. Performance is great with more than enough power and fantastic handling for a vehicle this size. Incredibly smooth, sporty ride. It drives like a performance sedan. 20" wheels provide an athletic look in a relatively unique vehicle. Build Quality and fit/finish are solid. Interior styling is tasteful, and traditionally modern. AWD worked great in the 2 blizzards in DC this winter. Seats are comfortable on short trips and long hauls. I guess mileage is not great, but not a lot worse than the minivan it replaced - you have to pay for the driving performance somewhere. Its a great CUV. Kids like it too.

• 

  Not bad, but could be better - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By TedS - April 17 - 5:20 pm

  After 7 months of ownership Im pretty pleased with the vehicle. It has reasonable performance and exceptional handling for its size. The engine is quite refined and powerful for the displacement and the transmission shifts seamlessly between gears. It has good interior room and versatility allowing it to swallow a lot of stuff when it needs to. The one down side was that Ive already had to have the transfer case replaced because it wasnt sending any power to the rear wheels. Thats disappointing in a new vehicle. On the other hand, the dealer did a stellar job of handling the repairs and providing me with a loaner vehicle while it was in the shop.

• 

  Nice Ride - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By tooold - April 10 - 9:53 am

  Just fun to drive. Feels light and quick. The 20" wheels cause a rather harsh ride, but it doesnt bother me. Extremely quiet. The advanced keyless system is in the same class as my first TV remote, color TV, and AC equipped car. I doubt that I will even consider a car that doesnt have it in the future. I put mine on a little lanyard that goes around my neck and I just drop it inside my shirt. The rain sensing wipers are also a very nice touch. Im coming from a 2003 GMC Yukon XL Denali and Im impressed with everything except the mileage. Mostly highway at 4000 ft elevation @ 82 mph yields about 18 mpg. Much better than the 6 liter Denali, but I was hoping for 20. Buy one!

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  A drivers SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SwissDog - March 30 - 6:46 pm

  I have been driving a Mazda 3 5-door for the past 4 years. That vehicle drove great and had amazing feel in the wheel-just as good as my wifes 2002 325i. Getting behind the wheel of the CX9 was seamless... no difference in feel. There is definitely more mass but thats what you get for a big vehicle.

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  Ask questions! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Ian - March 29 - 3:03 pm

  Ive been a devoted MDX guy and thought Id try something different. The CX9 seems to be abouit 85% of what an MDX is. Thats ok given the price. And its fun to drive. BUT the options are so confusing that youve got to ask questions about what youre getting and not getting. With the MDX youve got about two choices and you get everything. Some models have the side warning thing, some dont; depends on when during the year it was built. If you want a sun roof you cant have the entertainment pckg. and so on. What most bugs me that there was no home link system to open the garage - something you dont even think to ask about these days. Lesson is go over EVERY detail several times!