2018 Mazda CX-9 review
Mazda CX-9 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Premium styling
- Sporty handling
- Comfortable and quiet interior
Cons
- Tight third row
- Limited cargo capacity
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 26 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2018 Mazda CX-9 is a premium, fun-to-drive three-row crossover SUV
Its exterior appearance hasn't changed, but Mazda gives its flagship CX-9 several updates for the 2018 model year. Every CX-9 is equipped with Smart City Brake Support, which can automatically apply brakes in an emergency at speeds below 19 mph. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are now standard. The CX-9 comes standard with front-wheel drive, and all trims are available with Mazda's i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system. Four trim levels are offered for the CX-9, ranging from the entry-level Sport to the fully loaded Signature. The CX-9 stands out from the competition with its premium interior and enjoyable driving characteristics. The cabin is roomy, with comfortable seating up front and in the second row. Adults, though, may find the third row somewhat cramped. One of the more attractive three-row crossover SUVs on the market, the CX-9 holds its own in this competitive class that includes the Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, and Volkswagen Atlas.
All Mazda CX-9 years
What is new for the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
- CX-9 trims have been upgraded with Vinyl Seats, Fold-Away Middle Row, Heated Steering Wheel, and Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment this year.
- The Signature trim now comes with Cruise Control as standard equipment.
- The Sport trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
- The Touring trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
2018 Mazda CX-9 trims
Sport:
- 227-hp, 310-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- View our Mazda CX-9 Sport inventory
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Sport
- Vinyl Seats
- Automated Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- View our Mazda CX-9 Touring inventory
Grand Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Touring
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Memory Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Sunroofs
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- View our Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring inventory
Signature:
- Includes all features available on the Grand Touring
- Fold-Away Middle Row
- View our Mazda CX-9 Signature inventory
Mazda CX-9 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Mazda CX-9
What We Like
Driving: With excellent driving dynamics, the Mazda CX-9 drives like a much smaller vehicle. Handling is excellent, with good steering feedback and strong brakes that provide smooth stopping power. With its powerful turbocharged engine, the CX-9 accelerates quickly for a three-row crossover, allowing you to effortlessly pass slower vehicles and quickly reach highway speeds. Overall, the ride is smooth and comfortable.
Technology: The audio and navigation display is easy to read and works well, and a dial-based interface is simple to navigate with a clear menu structure. Smartphones pair easily, and there are multiple USB ports throughout the cabin to keep everyone's devices charged. Driver-assist features like forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and blind-spot warning operate well with few false alarms.
Interior: The CX-9 features a well-thought-out cabin with controls in easy reach of the driver and a display that is easy to read. Front seats are comfortable with ample support, and the multiple adjustments make it possible for just about anyone to find a comfortable driving position. Overall, the cabin feels roomy and spacious, with good space for the front and second-row passengers. The third row sits low, providing adequate headroom, but adults will wish for more legroom.
What Needs Improvement
Utility: The CX-9's cabin is roomy, but that spaciousness does not carry into the cargo area. Space behind the third row of seats is on the small side, measuring just 14.4 cubic feet. Space increases dramatically when the second row is folded flat, but it remains smaller than the CX-9's competition. The towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (when properly equipped) is reasonable but not as much as other models in this category.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.9 out of 5
9 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 8 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 1 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Mazda CX-9 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mazda CX-9 4th out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Mazda CX-9Mazda CX-9 features and specs
Grand Touring 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Full Roof Rack
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
227
Torque (ft-lbs)
310
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19
Wheelbase
115.3"
Overall length
199.4"
Width
77.5"
Height
67.6"
Leg room
F 41"/M 39.4"/R 29.7"
Head room
F 39.3"/M 38.5"/R 35.4"
Front tires
P255/50VR20
Rear tires
P255/50VR20
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Mazda CX-9 FAQ
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Grand Touring : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Signature : 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Sport : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Touring : 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Mazda CX-9 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Mazda CX-9 as 3 out of 16 among Fullsize SUV
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has received an average 4.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Mazda CX-9, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Mazda CX-9 Reviews.
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Mazda CX-9:
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Vinyl Seats
- Fold-Away Middle Row
- Blind Spot Monitor
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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