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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  After 18 months, still a good car. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Mick - October 2 - 2:56 am

  Have had mine for 18 months now, 17,000 miles. Still love the ride, handling and versatility. Getting about 22 mpg on regular fuel with about a 60%/40% city/hwy mix. Love the extra row of seats... actually fit 7 adults without a problem this summer. The nav system is OK but some of the newer portable systems are better. I have towed my boat (towing pkg) a few times without any problems. Great in winter weather as far as driving, but this winter I have started to get a belt squeaking during cold mornings (below 35F). Overall still very impressed with this large SUV that drives like a much smaller vehicle.

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  Drives like a sports car..ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Harry - September 4 - 12:10 am

  Ive owned this SUV for a little over 3 months and 2800 miles and am extremely satisfied. Acceleration is more than adequate, interior space is aplenty. Suspension is a little stiff but bearable. Handling is outstanding, you would never know this car is a large crossover. City fuel economy is poor averaging approx 13 mpg, but highway is excellent averaging almost 23 mpg at approx 70 mph (close to EPA 15/21 mpg estimates). Havent snowed in NYC yet so cant comment on the AWD system. Plastics around the steering wheel and dash is rough and cheap making it hard to wipe (use lint free cloths). Center console storage is small. Bose system is disappointing. Seats 6 adults comfortably.

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  A FLop Instead of a Pop on Trim/Color Options - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By NanNan - August 31 - 10:24 am

  Have looked at every brand for a replacement second vehicle and are looking for comfort and ease of driving. Mazda has entered the higher end price market with the CX-9. In most repsects, it competes head-to-head with its comparably priced SUV rivals, some with 3rd row seating and others without it. The climate and infotainment controls and functions are the best/easiest we tested, and access to the 3rd row is excellent for its size. Handling and performance also get an "A". There are only a few things that keep it from being best of breed, all of which led to our not buying the vehicle. First, the interior color choices are limited across the exterior color pallate. Only black interior is offered for most exterior colors on the Grand Touring trim, including silver that is popular in this region. The Signature model (top of the line) is offered in very nice leather, but only in one, somewhat tackey, if not ugly, two-tone, color pallette. This makes the interior look cheap though the materials are not. The height and tilt range for the drivers power seat on the GT and Signature should be enlarged ( either in the existing 8-way or as a new 10 way), and the 4-way passenger power seat should be at least 8-way, like its Volvo, BMW, and America competitors. Heated/Cooled front seats would hit it out of the park. Last, there is no front parking assist. Front beepers would be ok, and a surround camera would be a plus and bring the CX-9 in line with its Asian competitors. With the Signature model selling for over $45K, Mazda has placed itself in a higher class with this SUV. The targeted market for this class of vehicle can afford, and should be given more interior/exterior color combinations at the Grand Touring and Signature levels and certainly more power seat positioning options. We hope Mozda will make some changes in this SUV so folks like us can buy one.

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  Perfect Combo of Style, Size & Performance - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Johnny Mac - August 24 - 10:53 pm

  When you have to move up from smaller car (Subaru Outback) due to a growing family, this car has the perfect combo of size, versatility, styling, power and coolness! Very well designed, powerful, beautiful lines. Only drawback so far is fuel economy - in town only about 14-15 MPG, but 22 or so on our highway trips.

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  2007 Mazda CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By zrtmanz - August 20 - 5:13 pm

  After driving almost every crossover out there at the moment including the Edge, Murano, MDX, X-5 and Lincoln, this beats them all hands down. For the price, you cannot beat it for quietness, handling, power and styling. Zoom Zoom is the sleeper and they are coming on strong.

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  Best SUV/CUV out there - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By newmazda - August 18 - 11:50 am

  After driving every car in this segment and comparing prices, the CX9 GT fully loaded with NAV and DVD is the best deal out there. There are other very nice 7 seaters out there, but this is the best overall package because of the interior design.

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  Transfer case go BOOM!!! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By sleepyspeed3 - August 8 - 5:53 pm

  My wife took her our cx9 on a road trip with our 2 girls. On the way home she heard a clunk trying to back up. Then at low speeds she heard a grinding noise, pulled over and had it towed to a dealership. They said it had mice nesting near the bell housing. Today I was suppose to go get it back and the mechanic called and said he tried to back it up and CLUNK. Cracked transfer case. It will be another 2 - 3 weeks before its fixed. It looks like many other owners have had this problem. Ours only had 17k miles on it. Mazda should recall their cx9.

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  Excellent 7 seat SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By gman_mi - August 8 - 10:01 am

  After a lot of research we decided to get the 2014 CX-9 Touring AWD with the Tech Package to replace our aging minivan. Some of the other vehicles we test drove were the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot. The CX-9 had the best combination of interior space, looks, features, car-like driving experience and value for money. After a month of driving around we have been really satisfied with the vehicle. The vehicle is easy to drive and park which is unusual considering its large size. The Touring w/tech package offers a lot of near luxury features(Navigation, Moonroof, heated seats, leather, Bose speaker) but still keeps the sticker price reasonable for a large SUV.

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  Mazda CX-9 GT AWD 2009 is Incredible - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By The Hawk - August 6 - 3:46 am

  We have owned a Lexus LX470 and Toyota Products for years and were quite impressed with quality and character of new Mazdas. Mazda has made the CX-9 both comfortable and fun to drive. The only flaw I see is the lack of AWD all the time and using a sport tire (ie will last at most 30k miles if lucky) vs a more all weather tire with a longer life.

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  Great alternative to the minivan... - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By RCKS - July 17 - 11:10 am

  We have an 11 month old baby and another one on the way so decided to trade in the Saab 9-3 sportwagon and look for something larger. Minivans were out of the question so we looked at the crossover segment and settled on the CX-9 GT AWD. We chose it primarily for its space, handling and exterior style. So far we have not been disappointed. Its comfortable, easily stores the family and our gear and is actually fun to drive. Its also a stylish looking vehicle and way more interesting than a minivan.