Mazda CX-9

Name: 2021 Mazda CX-9
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Mazda’s CX-9 is the driver’s choice among the three-row family mover crowd, standing out for its agile handling, comfortable ride, and quiet interior. Long, sleek, and rakish, the CX-9 has a presence that contrasts with some rivals that come across as boxy tall wagons. Although we have some quibbles over accommodations, controls, and feature content, the CX-9 is a compelling alternative to the more popular players.

2021 SUVs Reliability

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Mazda CX-9

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2021 Mazda CX-9

$16,725 - $23,600

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

AWD, Front

2.5-liter 4 turbo (227 hp)
2.5-liter 4 turbo (250 hp)

6-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2016-2023

2016 Redesign Year

Mazda's CX-9 is a stylish three-row SUV that is quite engaging to drive. Power comes from a responsive, free-revving 227-hp, 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a smooth six-speed automatic. This engine is rated at 250 hp if you use premium fuel, but there's no reason to do so; it puts out plenty of power on regular. We got an impressive 22 mpg overall. Mazda's flagship SUV has nimble handling that makes it feel like a smaller vehicle. The ride is very comfortable, and the cabin is commendably quiet. The interior is well-finished, particularly on high-end trims, and features comfortable seats, but the cockpit is snug and power-seat adjustments are limited. Mazda's dial-controlled infotainment system takes time to master. Updates for 2018 included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities were added to the infotainment system for 2019. Slight suspension tweaks and noise reduction measures were also new. For 2020, captain's chairs in the second row are optional on Touring and Grand Touring. Pedestrian detection is standard. Updates for 2021 included a new infotainment system, but we found it more difficult to use. All-wheel drive is standard for 2022. 2023 is the final year for the CX-9 replaced by the CX-90.

2007-2015

2007 Redesign Year

The car-based, three-row CX-9 looks like a longer version of the CX-7 but is much nicer. Overall, it is a bit of a hidden gem. Based on a stretched version of the platform of the Ford Edge, the Mazda is quieter, more agile, and has a nicer interior with attractive trim. The third-row seat is small but relatively easy to access. Handling is taut and agile, plus the ride is firm and steady, yet comfortable. Braking distances are a bit long though. The 60/40-split second-row seats slide fore and aft for greater second- or third-row legroom. The CX-9 initially used Ford's punchy, 3.5-liter V6 engine, but it got a smoother, more refined 3.7-liter V6 in 2008. Neither engine is particularly fuel-efficient. The optional blind-spot warning system works well, but the CX-9 performed poorly when tested in the IIHS small-overlap crash test. The CX-9 soldered on for many years without a redesign, making later model years feel comparatively dated next to the competition.