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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  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.

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  Mazda review - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By mazda review - November 6 - 4:23 am

  Keys sometime loses strength and you can spend a while pressing on door to open the door.

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  But a Toyota or Honda - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Matthew medley - November 6 - 3:37 am

  Poorly manufactured transmission and engineering. If you get to 100k, you will most definitely replace some very costly parts. There is zero support from Mazda. Your basically buying a tricked out Ford. I would not recommend this vehicle to my worst enemy

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  Sporty Performance in a Roomy Package - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By KBW - October 26 - 8:40 am

  If your tired of the minivan life but cant figure out how to get that sporty ride youve been longing for without giving up the room of your van then take a look at the CX-9. For sure it compromises in some aspects like overall storage but much less than most in this category. Compared to my wifes previous Grand Voyager the level of comfort, styling and performance of the CX-9 more than make up for this. The ride is sure footed meaning its not going to float down the road but its not so tight as to be uncomfortable. Gas mileage seems to live up to what Mazda reports. My wife has averaged 19 mpg with mostly in town driving. Overall, its a great sporty value for the buck.

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  Brake Booster - Your car wont stop - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By Cookie - October 20 - 7:26 am

  Mazda is having an issue with brake boosters in the CX-9. Mine failed today at 52K miles. I couldnt stop the car pulling out of the garage and rolled it into my side yard. I took it into the Mazda dealership, and they know theres an issue. Theres a service bulletin, and they replace the brake booster for free. I cant believe they havent recalled the car - this could cause a serious accident. There is an issue with the diaphragm in the brake booster failing in hot climates. I live in Ohio. It can get hot here, but give me a "brake" - literally. The dealership cannot tell me if the new brake booster has the same issue. Im assuming it does since Ive read about these failures happening in the CX-9 since this design was released. The car is at the dealership every 5K miles for maintenance - they didnt catch it there either. Youd think they would check since its a recurring issue. Im beyond disappointed Mazda allows the car to be on the road with this type of failure possible. I wouldnt buy this car again.

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  Best of the Third Row Seat SUV Bunch - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By TimC - October 18 - 8:13 am

  After considering the Highlander, MDX, Pilot, and Enclave, my wife and I settled on the CX-9. While not quite perfect for our needs, it was clearly the best overall SUV, and came out on top for functionality, ergonomics, and as a bonus, it didnt look like the box that a more attractive vehicle came in. We had only looked at the Mazda as an afterthought, figuring wed end up with the Highlander, but were very surprised at the overall quality and attention to detail in the CX-9. While the Highlander had arguably better performance and interior storage space, it lacked many things the CX-9 offered, such as a split-row third seat and ample room in all three rows, among others. A very good buy.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By JonD - October 14 - 1:33 am

  Have owned our CX-9 for 4 months. Previously had a Honda Pilot which we liked. The CX-9 is just fun to drive. Great handling. Lots of room, great features. First Mazda we have owned and we really like it.

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  My favorite car so far - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Mr T - September 27 - 3:33 pm

  We are expecting our second child and our Mazda tribute is now too small when carrying people around (we had to drive two cars). So we started looking for a 7 passenger vehicle, the choices were between the Pilot, Highlander, Traverse and the CX-9. The Pilot and the Traverse had finishing touches that seemed cheap, the Highlander exterior design seems as it did not know if it wanted to be a truck or a car so it chose something in between. At the end we got the CX-9 because we qualified for the 0% APR and no money down. Hey why pay cash when the bank is giving you money for free! So far no buying remorse.

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  rmoore - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rmoore - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i own a 2008 mazda cx9. it now has 22,000 miles on it and also a few issues. one being the relays for the fans. i had the front relay sticking and not shutting the fan off . the dealer replaced it and now a few months later the rear fan relay is doing the same. i also have a problem with my sunroof leaking which is strange cause i never use it. im thinking maybe the exessive heat this summer possibly. and my rear window switches have to be reset all the time which maybe related to the sunroof leak. i also had a problem with my rotors which instead of replacing the dealer cut them, and my clock is always running 10 minutes behind.