2009 Mazda CX-9
- 2008 Mazda CX-9
- Used Mazda CX-9
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Based on analysis of 41 CX-9 reviews and test drives.
Mazda CX-9 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Mazda CX-9 ranks 2 out of 10 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 41 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda CX-9, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The CX-9 is doing things differently for a full-size SUV, but it's also doing things right.
With seating for seven and a smidge of zoom-zoom, the 2009 Mazda CX-9 is an anomaly in the large SUV class. The only car-based crossover in the class, it's also the only one to have a V6 engine. Sometimes standing out is a good thing: the highly-similar 2008 CX-9 was voted North American Truck of the Year. The CX-9 was also Motor trend's 2008 Sport Utility of the Year.
The CX-9 is doing things differently, but it's also doing things right. Reviewers love its attractive exterior, nimble performance and safety features. Still, many traditional large SUV buyers may be put off with its limited towing capacity and a ride that some reviewers call stiff. If the CX-9 isn't brawny enough to handle your needs, check out the more-capable Chevrolet Tahoe. If you like the CX-9, compare it to other large crossovers like the GMC Acadia and Ford Flex.
Little is new on the 2009 CX-9, which comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims.
- "CX-9 is a stylish, refined entry that adeptly balances solid driving dynamics with generous passenger and cargo room. The ride is a bit stiff, and the navigation system isn't the easiest to use. Still, this crossover merits our Best Buy approval because it does many things well." -- Consumer Guide
- "For those who find themselves being dragged kicking and screaming out of their sporty sedan toward a family hauler, there's quite simply no better choice than the 2009 Mazda CX-9." -- Edmunds
- "Among the newest crop of family-size crossovers, the Mazda CX-9 stands out as one of the best, even though it's not a vehicle that gets a lot of publicity and ends up on a large number of consumers' shopping lists." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- "Mazda's showing some chutzpah in calling the CX-9 the Zoom-Zoom with Extra Room, but is it a terrific new crossover? Yes-yes," -- Motor Trend.
- "A superb crossover and one of the most fun-to-drive examples in its class. The quiet and comfortable cabin is a nice place to be, and its exterior styling is pleasing to the eye." -- AutoWeek
CX-9 Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
Even though the ride is a little stiff, the 2009 Mazda CX-9 offers performance that's the sportiest in the large SUV class. "The all-new CX-9 really does carry on the 'zoom-zoom' nature of Mazda's product offerings with pleasant steering, chassis and brake feel that work in harmony with one another," says Road and Track. continue
CX-9 Exterior - 8.9 (Very Good)
In a class dominated by SUVs that looks like squared-off trucks, the curvaceous CX-9 stands out. Kelley Blue Book says "The goal is to offer a sporty, urban vibe, and none pulls this off better than the 2009 Mazda CX-9." continue
CX-9 Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Reviewers see the CX-9's roomy yet car-like interior as a plus. The Kansas City Star says "The CX-9's interior is as nice as a luxury sedan's. Carefully executed styling details are evident throughout the vehicle." continue
CX-9 Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)
While others in the class offer the latest safety features only as extra-cost options, New Car Test Drive says "Mazda gets credit equipping even the least-expensive model with important safety equipment," a statement backed by the CX-9's excellent crash test scores continue
CX-9 Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Mazda CX-9 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The CX-9 comes with Mazda's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
