2021 Mazda CX-9 review
Mazda CX-9 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Top-level Signature trim feels especially high-end
- Sporty handling and quick acceleration
- Quiet and comfortable cabin
- Lots of features, even in the base trim
Cons
- Not as much cargo space as you might expect
- Third-row seats are really only suitable for children
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 26 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Upscale and spacious, with a practical edge.
The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize SUV that got a sparkling refresh for the 2021 model year. While SUVs are typically characterized by utility and practicality, they can also be a stylish choice for your daily drive—which is particularly true of the 2021 Mazda CX-9. The CX-9's turbocharged 2.5L engine is designed to be a match for any road, while its upscale, feature-filled cabin feels hushed and tranquil. While we currently do not have many 2021 Mazda CX-9s on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Mazda CX-9 with similar features.
All Mazda CX-9 years
What is new for the 2021 Mazda CX-9?
- The CX-9 is available in a new trim called the Carbon Edition.
- The Touring trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.
2021 Mazda CX-9 trims
Sport:
- 227-hp, 310-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Smart Key
- Power Seats
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Side Airbags
- View our Mazda CX-9 Sport inventory
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Sport
- Leather Seats
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Apple CarPlay
- Navigation System
- View our Mazda CX-9 Touring inventory
Grand Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Touring
- Memory Seats
- Head Up Display
- Rear Sunshade
- Sunroofs
- Rear Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
- View our Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring inventory
Signature:
- Includes all features available on the Grand Touring
- No significant upgrades found on the Signature
- View our Mazda CX-9 Signature inventory
Carbon Edition:
- Includes all features available on the Signature
- No significant upgrades found on the Carbon Edition
- View our Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition inventory
Mazda CX-9 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Mazda CX-9
1. Lots of standard driver-assistance features
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 boasts plenty of driver-assistance features across its five trims, designed to make your driving days feel effortless. For family drivers, all trims feature second-row LATCH anchors and side-impact door beams. Town and country roads become light work thanks to the hill launch assist feature, which is designed to provide additional acceleration from sloping stops. With the three top trims fitted with front and rear parking sensors, parking can be a breeze, too.
2. The eye-catching carbon edition
A fantastic lineup of four trims becomes five for the 2021 Mazda CX-9, with the addition of the mid-level Carbon Edition. Designed to get you noticed, the exterior's privacy glass, 20-inch wheels, polymetal gray paint, and dark finish grille make for a sleek presence on the road. Inside, you'll find a premium Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, red leather seats, a seven-inch digital driver display, and heated second-row captain's seats. Get ready to wow the neighbors with this stylish SUV.
3. Tons of creature comforts
Happy passengers make your life easier, and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 has plenty to keep your whole crew ensconced in comfort and fully entertained. Got a road trip planned? Everyone will appreciate the Bluetooth® audio streaming, smartphone integration, HD radio, and generous infotainment screen. Each Mazda CX-9 has storage solutions across all three rows, including front and rear door bottle holders, storage bins, and front-row seatback pockets that fit magazines, books, or tablets.
4. Plenty of adaptable space
Need a vehicle that can adapt to your needs? The 2021 Mazda CX-9 delivers. The remote keyless entry feature means having an armful of groceries won't be a problem. And with the fixed cargo area boasting storage boxes and underfloor space, you've got plenty of room for your passengers and their stuff. Want to haul even more? No problem—you can increase your floor space with the third row's 50/50 split fold-down feature. Seven-seater models with second-row bench seats have a 60/40 split fold-down, and easy-tilt access to the third-row space.
5. Stylish exterior
The Mazda CX-9 delivers all the practical elements needed for a seven-seater, without sacrificing elegance and style. The 2021 CX-9 features exterior touches such as a body-colored rear roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and rear privacy glass. The redesigned, wider front fascia grille takes on a bright or deep black finish (trim dependent), matching with a black or chrome lower body finishing.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Mazda CX-9, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is well-suited for zipping the family around town, on long trips out of the city, or taking the grandkids to the campsite. A powerful 3.3L V6 has all the grunt for fun weekends away as well as more practical errands. In addition, an available AWD system improves grip by intelligently putting power to the wheel with the most grip. In corners, it gently applies the brakes to the inside wheels, improving turning performance.
Standard equipment in a 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe include:
A five-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera
YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats
LED running lights and taillights
The Kia Telluride was launched for the 2020 model year. With a fresh design and a massive amount of standard features, there is a lot to like about this Kia midsize SUV. Seating up to eight passengers is just one item from that long list, as is the standard 291-hp 3.8L V6. Look for standard features on the base 2020 Kia Telluride LX like:
Leatherette upholstery
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite radio
18-inch wheels
Adaptive cruise control
Integrated parking sensors
The 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade is a family-friendly three-row crossover SUV with a robust 3.8L V6 engine that can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs., when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade SE include:
LED headlights
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Eight-inch touchscreen display
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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
Sport 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Apple CarPlay
- Full Roof Rack
- Parking Sensors
- 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
P255/60HR18
Rear tires
P255/60HR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Mazda CX-9 FAQ
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Sport: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Touring: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Grand Touring: 22 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Signature: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Carbon Edition: 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 2021 Mazda CX-9 has received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Mazda CX-9, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Mazda CX-9 Reviews.
The 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-9:
- Carbon Edition
- Navigation System
- Sunroof(s)
- Lane Departure Warning
- Smart Key
More about the 2021 Mazda CX-9
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Crystal Blue Mica (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring)
Jet Black Mica (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Signature)
Machine Gray Metallic (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Signature)
Polymetal Gray Metallic (Carbon Edition)
Snowflake White Pearl Mica (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Signature)
Sonic Silver Metallic (Touring, Grand Touring)
Soul Red Crystal Metallic (Touring, Grand Touring, Signature)
Interior details
Second-row center armrest with integrated cup holders
Maximum cargo volume of 71.2 cu ft
Two 12-volt power outlets
50/50 split fold-down third-row seats
Three-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.