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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  Traded Pilot for CX-9 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By DC - June 30 - 6:54 am

  I was looking for a replacement for my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring since it did not have blind spot monitoring, the adaptive cruise control was abrupt, lane departure intervention too aggressive, and I hated the AutoStop feature. I looked into and test drove the Acadia Denali, Toyota Highlander Platinum, Nissan Pathfinder Platinum, Volvo XC60, Lexus RX350, and the 2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. The CX-9 was the clear winner with better pricing, great standard features, comfortable wrap around seats, great power, smooth and quiet ride, and most importantly, the most fun to drive. The CX-9 heads up display is better than the Lexus or Volvo because the CX-9 displays the blind spot monitoring info on the screen as well as the speed, adaptive cruise speed, and navigation directions. And, the heads up display is STANDARD on the Grand Touring trim and up. I love the heated steering wheel and heated seats, and my passengers love the heated seats too. The sound system is great, and the infotainment system is the most ergonomic and easy to use system out there. I never though too much about the zoom zoom commercials till I drove the Mazda CX-9, but now that I have one, I totally understand.

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  Expensive car to own - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Javier Garcia - June 30 - 1:49 am

  I bought this car used in 2008 one year after manufacturing. The performance of this car was poor. It was extremely expensive to own since most repairs were extreme and expensive. This will be my last MAZDA. I will not buy another MAZDA as long as FORD is part owner. I have own other Japanese cars and had not problems. I love to keep my cars for at least 10 years. I had hondas, BMW, Mercedes benz, and Isuzzo Trooper and never had as many problems as I had with the MAZDA. I invested about about 50% of the original speaker price in the 7 years I have own the car. I am trying to make it last another 3 years. But I do not think MAZDA can not last.

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  Better than any Minivan! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ejhc11 - June 10 - 5:00 am

  I just got this about two weeks ago, still w/ only 560 fun miles on it. I compared to an Audi Q7 3.2 which was out of my budget. The Mazda was better in rear passenger room and ergonomics for 2nd and 3rd row passengers. Power was also better because the Mazda was lighter, mine was a FWD CX-9. A lot of technical features for the money. Nice sporty alternative for a 7 passenger vehicle than buying a minivan.

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  Best SUV On the Road - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By RJMTZIV - June 3 - 8:33 am

  I have been shopping for a new vehicle for over a year and every time I found a vehicle that sparked my interest, I was let down when I saw the vehicle in person. When I came across the cx9 I loved the styling and after the test drive it was a done deal. The cx9 all the room I was looking for and was a blast to drive. The cx9 is a perfect combination of SUV and sports car.

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  2009 Mazda CX-9 - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Dave - May 30 - 6:06 am

  After 5500 miles the CX-9 is proving to be an excellent family vehicle. Even the third row seats are suitable for short trips. For a 7 passenger SUV the acceleration and handling are outstanding. The interior design is up to that Acura and Audi standard. I test drove the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander. All of them are nice but the combination of price, design, size and performance made the Mazda a clear choice for my family of 5. Bottom line, I enjoy driving it and my wife appreciates the design and space for shuttling children.

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  Real seats for adults in the 3rd row - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By kona - May 28 - 10:53 pm

  I needed a true 7 seater & CX-9 has a 3rd row seat that can actually seat full grown adults like myself (Im 511") with leg room. Since the second row of seating can be adjusted fore and aft, 3rd row riders can get enough leg room without compromising legroom for the 2nd row of passengers. For those more inclined to enthusiast type of performance, no other SUV in its class comes close. The CX-9 never feels heavy or ungainly.

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  Mazda CX-9 2010 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Kiki - May 27 - 4:30 am

  Truly a zoom-zoom crossover. Has tons of convenience features. Sleek outer appearance. Good gas mileage. Nice two-tone leather seats. Does not lock automatically when in Drive. I miss this feature. GPS is great but, you need to know your basic route or it will take you on a wild ride, hundreds of miles out of your way. Told me to go through San Antonio to get from Corpus Christi to Houston.

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  New but have a good feelin about it... - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By researched4months - May 26 - 4:03 pm

  We are still under 1k miles so I havent let loose on it however, I can tell it is going to be fun once I do. 30-70 mph acceleration is fantastic. We shopped for months for the perfect car and we feel we got it with the CX-9. Did we need the back up cam and navigation system? Not really, but we really wanted the Blue and it was the only one available. There is plenty of room for us and our new baby. The only downside for me is that the seats are a bit narrow in the front, however, I am 64" 290 lbs. This is the first vehicle I dont have to put the seat ALL the way back!

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  2008 Mazda CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By kam 0203 - May 24 - 7:00 pm

  Even though Im not a professional reviewer, I see the CX-9 as a step closer to versatility in a vehicle. Love to drive it and is in the top 4 most powerful engines in or around its class.

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  Problem with seat heaters - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Rich Wood - May 19 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my CX9 to replace a 2008 Saturn Outlook. So far the car has impressed me except for the electric seat heaters,While driving my wifes seat became very hot and wouldnt shut off,I had to pull the fuse,I brought the car to the dealer which rpt the underneath of the seat was scorched and they took pictures to send to Mazda and Mazda rpts they have no fix for the problem.So now I have a new car without the electric seats I ordered until Mazda fixs the problem.It could have been worse,I guess the seats could have caught on fire and someone could have been hurt. So maybe you might want to wait on buying one until Mazda addresss the problem.