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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  Love the car, not the dealer - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By buff099 - July 29 - 10:57 am

  The CX9 is a great crossover. I like the V6 pick up, I like the design, Im ok with the gas mileage (could be better), but overall this is a very good SUV. Im unhappy with my dealer...and that doesnt take away from the car. Do not deal with Mazda in Lodi New Jersey out on Route 46. Salesman told me it had satellite radio...little did I know it wasnt in it, just satellite ready. So after shelling out 30K now I have to buy a radio...not kosher. They did not care one bit. So the guy lies to me and thats OK. Get yourself this SUV, just not from Mazda in Lodi.

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  Best value SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By homer78749 - July 26 - 10:30 pm

  I went into the process with about six SUVs in mind (Q7, X5, Highlander, Enclave, FX35, and the CX-9). I was pretty smitten with the Q7. But Mazda makes it pretty tough because they are just such an exceptional value. I liked the Q7 better, but not $25K better. I test drove the X5 twice. I know its heresy, but I think the CX-9 is a better vehicle. I liked all of the cars I drove pretty well, but Mazda gives you a luxury SUV, top of the line model, outstanding performance and reliability at a great price point. Styling is a personal thing, but behind the Q7 I thought it was the best looking of the bunch.

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  Great, Fun, Zoom-Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By leftcoastfunk - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  The zoom-zoom really comes out in this beast. Coming from a Mazdaspeed 3, I had very low expectations from this monster, but the performance and handling are WAY better than any SUV Ive ever driven or ridden in. Gas mileage is about what can be expected and is actually quite good if you tone it down (only 1 zoom instead of zoom- zoom) and head down the freeway. Fuel tank is a good size for decent miles on the trip meter. Interior finish is super nice with all the amenities. Exterior look is cool, but doesnt stand out-which is probably good. People complain about the ride quality with the 20" wheels but really the suspension is more sport-tuned and the ride really isnt bad.

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  Love this car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Go Revs! - July 25 - 6:00 am

  Edmunds review is spot-on. I bought the GT AWD with Assistance Package (nav+), the rear entertainment system, and towing package. Interior storage up front and cup holders are a little lacking, the rear doors open wide (pro/con), and the wheels communicate a lot of road imperfections. That said, I love my cx-9. Fun to drive; interior feels very upscale; looks great inside and out. From the outside, youd never guess the interior space -- seats slide and layout is great. It is huge inside, other than height (though there is plenty of headroom). Got the towing package to use a cargo carrier for keeping trash barrels outside on trips to the dump (this vehicle replaces my pickup).

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  WOW, ALL THIS FOR 36K?? - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CX9 Lover - June 18 - 9:00 am

  Have had almost every SUV made in the last 30 years, and I can say without question, that this is the best value for the buck of any that I have owned.. Came from a H3 Hummer, which cost me almost 45k, to this, which is a fully loaded GTAWD for 36k; BLOWS AWAY the competition, and, even though I didnt need a 7 passenger SUV, the cost vs. value for this guy was impossible to resist...Compared to a Pilot, Santa Fe, Ford Edge, and a few others, there is NO COMPARISON! Just flat out fun to drive, and solid and stable as any car or SUV I have ever owned..and , even my wife LOVES it, and she hates most SUVs...

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  New CX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Keith - June 14 - 4:53 pm

  Purchased new CX9 AWD GT a couple weeks ago. Replaced 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer that was wrecked and totaled. Looked at Toyota Venza & Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX and Chevy Traverse. In comparing features, style, size, towing, performance and price, the CX9 was an easy choice. 0% for 60 mo. was the deal clincher. Leaps and bounds ahead of the TB. Wife drives it regularly and loves it - very important. Only disappointment is mileage, but expected this based on research done. Have owned Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Chevy, Toyota and Honda as daily drivers - so far very happy with the Mazda - hope it stays that way.

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  Fast and Fun with issues - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By bfad - June 5 - 11:56 pm

  2008 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD (JD Powers SUV of the Year). It is truly fun to drive. The power/handling in the SUV will blow you away. You feel like your driving a sports car. The interior design is above average and the third row seating is actually usable by adults. This SUV has many wonderful selling points. But my CX-9 has had some durability/quality issues. At 12,000 miles I needed new wheel bearings installed on front right side. At 22,500 I needed four new tires installed ($875.00) and yes I rotated them every 6000 miles. It didn’t help! This SUV eats up tires like you can’t believe. Now at 24,000 miles I need new wheel bearings on the driver side and the rear climate control is acting

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  Poor Interior Design - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Barbara - June 5 - 7:30 am

  This is the 1st Mazda Ive owned and after having a Honda Odyssey it will be the last Mazda I buy until they upgrade some of the features. It rides and handles well, however I do notice a big blind spot on the passenger side. The ALL red lights on the dash are cool at first but when you want to check time, temp, radio station and even looking at the speedometer all the numbers seem to blend in together and thats annoying. I cant believe that some different colors werent used. I hope this review helps someone before you actually purchase this vehicle and are then disappointed.

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  Best Minivan Ever - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By sranger - June 2 - 4:16 am

  I got the AWD Grand Touring model and love the way it rides, drives and stops. I must have driven every other SUV/CUV on the market and this was my winner hands down. The Lincoln MKX was my second pick, but too expensive and it had poor braking ability. The interior is nicer than most 50K+ vehicles. The Bose sound system is excellent. Heating/cooling works great. Love the sun roof. Towing package seems to work well.

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  How do they do it? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SLIVer93 - May 10 - 4:06 am

  After driving 9 other 7 passenger SUV/CUVs to replace our jeep after the birth of our twins, the CX9 easily came out on top. It is remarkable how they make a vehicle of this size drive as small as it does. Mazda really thought this one through before putting it out there, unlike most others that put the third row in as an after-thought.