Test Drive for Mazda CX-9 of 2017
The Test Drive for Mazda CX-9 of 2017
By Nate Parsons October 20, 2017
The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is the perfect 3-row crossover for drivers who want a little fun behind the wheel while also riding in upscale comfort. However, it doesn't have the most powerful engine in the class, and it has a bit less cargo room than some rivals.
Is the Mazda CX-9 a Good SUV?
The CX-9 is a solid choice for the vast majority of buyers. It combines interior comfort with room for up to seven passengers, along with athletic handling that's atypical for an SUV. Fuel economy is above average for the class, and the engine has sufficient power for city driving. The cabin in higher trims rivals those in luxury-badged SUVs, and there's a long list of high-tech features for you to choose from.
Should I Buy the Mazda CX-9?
You really can't go wrong with the CX-9. It has a luxurious cabin and excellent handling that's unmatched in most midsize SUVs. Unlike many 3-row rivals, there's actually enough room in the third row to fit a couple of adults comfortably. However, if you plan on hauling a lot of cargo or towing a heavy trailer, the CX-9 is not the right SUV for you. Many competitors have more overall cargo space and can tow heavier loads.
We Did the Research for You: 16 Pieces of Data Analyzed
We compiled and analyzed 16 data sets to write this review, including published professional reviews, predicted reliability ratings, and fuel economy estimates. Whether you want to know what features you get in the CX-9 Grand Touring or what gas mileage you can expect in the all-wheel-drive model, we've got it all here. We want to help you make the best decision when buying a new vehicle, so we've made it easy for you to find the data you need.
The Mazda CX-9 was redesigned for the 2016 model year and has seen no major changes since. As such, this overview includes applicable research and reviews from the 2016 through 2017 model years.
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How Much Does the Mazda CX-9 Cost?
With prices starting at $31,520, the CX-9 is one of the more expensive models in the midsize SUV class overall, though it's fairly close in price to its 3-row rivals. The Honda Pilot has a similar price, as does the Toyota Highlander. You can save several thousand dollars with a 2-row competitor like the Ford Edge, however. If you want a fully loaded CX-9, it will actually be cheaper than many comparably equipped competitors; the Pilot’s and Highlander's top trims cost a few thousand dollars more than the $44,015 CX-9 Signature.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Mazda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Mazda deals page.
Mazda CX-9 Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: Mazda CX-9 or Honda Pilot?
Unless you're considering the CX-9 for its sharp cornering ability, the Honda Pilot is the better model. It gets more grunt from its V6 engine and has a comfortable ride. The Pilot offers more features than the CX-9, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, ventilated front seats, and even heated second-row seats. There's more cargo space in the Pilot, and it has a higher towing capacity. The Pilot also has one more seat than the CX-9, so if you need, you can fit three kids in the third row instead of two.
Which Is Better: Mazda CX-9 or Ford Edge?
Even though the CX-9's engine should be adequate for most drivers, the Ford Edge is an appealing option if you’re the type that needs more power under the hood. It has a range of powerful engines to choose from. However, the Edge drives more like a comfortable sedan and can't match the CX-9's nimble handling. The Edge offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, neither of which comes in the CX-9. There are only two rows of seats in the Edge, but it does offer a bit more cargo room than the CX-9. Ultimately, both models are good choices in the class.
Which Is Better: Mazda CX-9 or Mazda CX-5?
The main difference between the CX-9 and its stablemate, the Mazda CX-5, is size. The CX-9 is a 3-rowmidsize SUV, while the CX-5 is a 2-row compact SUV. Both models are fun to drive, though their engines aren't the most powerful in the class. They have similar interiors and features lists, too. The CX-5 gets better gas mileage, but the CX-9 offers more cargo room. When choosing between the two, your choice should boil down to how much passenger and cargo space you need. If you'll regularly be hauling large objects or need room for seven passengers, go with the CX-9. Otherwise, the CX-5 might be a better choice for you.
Compare the CX-9, Pilot, and Edge »
CX-9 Interior
How Many People Does the CX-9 Seat?
The Mazda CX-9 can comfortably fit seven people in its three rows of seats. The driver and front passenger will have plenty of room to get comfortable thanks to the large center console, which creates ample space between the front seats. There's plenty of head- and legroom in the second row, and the seats can slide or recline for optimum comfort. The CX-9 has enough space in the third row for a couple of adults to ride for short trips, but even with the second-row seats slid far forward, it's not very easy to climb into the third row.
CX-9 and Car Seats
The CX-9’s LATCH system allows for two child safety seats to be installed in the second row. It can be hard to reach the lower anchors in the second row, but all the upper tethers are easy to find and access. You can slide and recline the second-row seats even with car seats installed.
CX-9 Interior Quality
Inside the CX-9, you may feel as though you're in a much more expensive luxury SUV. The interior styling looks high-end, and the materials match the appearance. Low-level trims have some plastics, but they are well-textured and soft to touch. The range-topping Signature trim is luxuriously finished, with upscale touches like real wood, metal, and leather.
CX-9 Cargo Space
Compared to other SUVs, the CX-9's 71.2 cubic feet of overall cargo capacity (both the second and third rows folded) is below average, especially in comparison to other 3-row midsize SUVs. There's 38.2 cubic feet with just the third row folded and 14.4 cubic feet with all rows in use. The Honda Pilot's cargo-carrying capability surpasses the CX-9’s, whether you have the second- and third-rows in use or folded. The Ford Edge only has two rows of seats, but it still has a bit more overall cargo room than the CX-9.
When you fold the seats down, you'll have a nearly level load floor to accommodate large items. However, unlike many rivals, you can't fold the second-row seats down from the back of the SUV. You'll have to go around to the side doors to lay them flat instead.
Every CX-9 trim but the base trim comes equipped with a power liftgate to make it easy to load your cargo. The Ford Edge is available with a hands-free power liftgate, however, so instead of tapping a button to open it, you simply wave your foot under the bumper and it opens right up.
CX-9 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
The CX-9 comes standard with the Mazda Connect infotainment system. It's easy to use compared to the systems in some rivals. Part of its simplicity is because it lacks the high-tech features offered by many competitors, however. For example, there's no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay smartphone integration like you can get in the Honda Pilot or Ford Edge. The CX-9 also has physical buttons and knobs for many settings, unlike the Pilot, which integrates most of its controls into the touch screen.
For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto? Then, see the Best Cars With Apple CarPlay and Best Cars With Android Auto.
Read more about interior »
CX-9 Performance
CX-9 Engine: Decent Power
Like many crossover SUVs, the CX-9 is powered by a four-cylinder engine, in this case a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-9's power plant isn't one of the most potent in the class, but it should be enough for the majority of drivers. The four-cylinder is at its best at low speeds, with quick acceleration suited to darting through city traffic. The engine feels a little overwhelmed when the SUV is loaded fully with passengers and cargo, however. You can't get a more powerful engine in the CX-9, as the four-cylinder is the only engine available. Some rivals like the Ford Edge have a range of engines to choose from.
CX-9 Gas Mileage: Better Than Most
The CX-9 is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the class. It can get up to 22 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway with the standard front-wheel-drive configuration. If you choose a CX-9 with all-wheel drive, expect to get 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. The Ford Edge earns similar fuel economy estimates with its base engine, while the Honda Pilot gets slightly lower estimates.
CX-9 Ride and Handling: Cornering Fun in a Crossover
Despite being the biggest, heaviest Mazda you can buy, the CX-9 still lives up to the driving enjoyment that's at the brand's heart. Sure, it's not as nimble as the MX-5 Miata, but the CX-9 can drive circles around the competition. It has precise steering and an athletically tuned suspension that let it take corners with ease, and there’s just a touch of body roll. The CX-9 delivers a cushioned ride for daily duties like the commute to work or running the kids to soccer practice.
CX-9 Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. That's on par with the Ford Edge's max towing capacity, but quite a bit less than what you can pull with the Honda Pilot. The Pilot can handle up to 5,000 pounds in some configurations.
Need to tow more? Check out the 12 SUVs With the Best Towing Capacity to find a model that fits the bill.
Read more about performance »
CX-9 Reliability
Is the Mazda CX-9 Reliable?
The CX-9 earns a score of 2.5 out of five in predicted reliability from J.D. Power and Associates. That score is below the Honda Pilot and the Ford Edge's reliability rating.
Mazda CX-9 Warranty
The 2017 Mazda CX-9 comes with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Competitors are covered by similar warranties.
Read more about reliability »
CX-9 Safety
CX-9 Crash Test Results
The Mazda CX-9 hasn’t been crash tested since its redesign for the 2016 model year.
CX-9 Safety Features
There are many active driver assistance features available in the CX-9, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, active lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The rearview camera is the only feature that’s standard.
You may find that the forward collision warning system is too sensitive – it may apply the brakes even if you’re not that close to the vehicle in front of you. You can decrease the sensitivity, however, so it may not be a deal breaker.
Read more about safety »
Which Mazda CX-9 Model Is Right for Me?
It’s worth stepping up to the Touring trim for its added features. You get leather upholstery and heated front seats along with a few advanced driver assistance features to help keep you safe.
All CX-9 models come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard in all but the Signature trim. All-wheel drive is standard with Signature models and optional with all other trims for about $1,800.
Mazda CX-9 Sport
The Sport trim starts at $31,520 and comes standard with cloth upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
Mazda CX-9 Touring
Priced at $35,970, the Touring model adds leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a power liftgate, an upgraded 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, push-button start, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring
The Grand Touring trim costs $40,470 and is equipped with a power moonroof, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, satellite radio, navigation, lane departure warning, active lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors.
Mazda CX-9 Signature
The CX-9 Signature tops out the line at $44,315. It gets you unique styling elements, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a head-up display, as well as standard all-wheel drive.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Mazda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Mazda deals page.
See 2017 Mazda CX-9 specs and trims »
The Final Call
Ultimately, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is worth a test drive when shopping for a new midsize SUV. It has top-notch interior materials that would be at home in a more expensive luxury model, along with loads of features. The cabin has three rows of seats that offer plenty of room for you, and there's a decent amount of cargo space, too.
The CX-9 really shines on twisty roads. Even though it's a fairly large 3-row SUV, it handles like a much sportier sedan. Corners are conquered with ease, and you can really enjoy yourself behind the wheel.
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.
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