Used 2016 Mazda CX-9 SUV Consumer Reviews
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Solid Near Luxury Contender
Byeh, 08/08/2016
updated 08/13/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
118 of 119 people found this review helpful
8/12/18 UPDATE: 50k miles on Battle Star Galactica now, the only quality concerns we noted are: 1) Navigation hiccups are gone now and system is stable. When are we getting Android Auto again? 3) Tailgate continues it's failure to open about 5% of the time (car beeps 3 times). Annoying but barely 4) Subtle vibration of driver's sideview mirror at speeds above 70 mph in windy conditions. Other than those minor gripes, the car still does everything it originally did exceedingly well. I would still purchase this car again today. ORIGINAL REVIEW: We recently picked up a 2016 signature and this car is nearly perfect for our needs. We already own a 2014 Mazda3 and bought this to replace a 2009 RX350. We cross shopped this car with the 2016 RX350. While the fit and finish on the new RX is undeniably excellent, the major problems with it are 1) the infotainment system requires extraordinary precision/attention and thus is extremely distracting/dangerous to use while driving and 2) the rear cargo area has a higher load floor and less cargo space than the 2nd or 3rd gen RXs. MSRP on the signature model I got is $45,215 and I paid $43,800 excluding taxes, fees, and registration. A comparably equipped RX350 would retail for $10K more easy. I'll be the first to say that the CX-9 loses out if you're looking for the most utilitarian vehicle with maximum cargo capacity. It's smaller interior volume (mostly due to height) mean it doesn't have the biggest cargo capacity (some 30 cubes less than the Pilot). That said, the super long wheel base and overall length provide solid leg room in all three rows and the interior is more than comfortable for adults. It just won't be as airy as some when it comes to headroom. But what it lacks in utilitarianism it makes up for in spades through superior driving dynamics, solid execution of tech, and premium design. I find this Signature trim far more luxurious than the top trims of any of its direct competitors and even more attractive than MDX or QX60. To me the ideal buyer of the Signature trim of this vehicle is someone that wants a 3 row near luxury SUV but doesn't want to pay luxury prices or, as was my case, simply found the alternatives unappealing. Onto the pros and cons: Cons: Front side air vents point too far out and don't direct airflow towards front passengers effectively. Very narrow 2nd row middle seat (outboard seatbelt buckles are almost blocked by a rear facing Britax convertible car seat) No ventilated front seats (would have been nice given hot CA summers) No panoramic moon roof No live traffic integration in the nav app. Live traffic is viewed in a separate view and is only shown on a macro map. No Android Auto or Apple Car Play Pros: Power out of the turbo 4 is very competent. Anyone who balks at the 227 hp rating on regular octane clearly hasn't test driven it or experienced the 310 lb ft of torque that comes on at 2000 rpm. Nappa leather seats are super comfortable Deep cargo loading area with 3rd row folded Heads up display very crisp and bright with a ton of info (lane departure, lane keep, radar cruise, nav with lane guidance, tach, speed, gear, blind spot monitoring). Radar cruise maintains distance and accounts for lane changes and merging traffic decently well. It can be heavy on the brakes when coming up on slowing traffic. That said, the system anticipates cars moving faster than you that merge close to you and won't brake in those situations. Lane departure and keep assist only intervene when necessary and only correct enough to guide you back. Smart City Braking not overly aggressive as some reviewers have indicated (braking earlier avoids unexpected intervention and also conserves brake life). I've never had it activate on me. Blind spot actually beeps when a car is detected and you have your signal on (most competitors only have side mirror indicator lights) Styling is the most attractive/luxurious in segment Infotainment system and controls are very intuitive with low learning curve Suspension absorbs road imperfections well yet offers minimal body roll in corners Very quiet ride on par with RX350 and MDX Fully independent rear HVAC zone works very well and even includes upper and lower air ducts/flow control and auto setting Ambient lighting (flood up front, front door pulls, all door pockets, center console) adds a luxurious ambiance. LED headlights are bright and have a very even distribution and clean cutoff. Auto high beams are also incredibly precise, turning off automatically even when there's only one car way off in the distance on either side of a split freeway.
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Chose Mazda Over Infiniti?
Chris, 11/08/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
49 of 50 people found this review helpful
I've had an Infiniti FX35 for the last 5 years and loved it. It has been a great family vehicle, the quality was nice and the reliability was top notch. My only wish was sometimes that it had a little more trunk space. I was prepared to buy another one last week, now a QX70. However, before I pulled the trigger I had to do due diligence and cross shopped the Acura MDX (slightly bigger than the Infiniti with 3 rows) and yes, the Mazda CX9. The Acura drove pretty nice, but for the price I didn't like it as much as the Infiniti and it looks more like a mini van to me than an SUV, which is counter productive to buying an suv. Seeing the new bodystyle of the CX-9 made me immediately think of it as being similar to my FX-35 body style I'd come to love, only stretched out slightly for the 3rd row giving more room. I decided to check them out and I'm so glad I did. Mazda has always been nice, but not luxury vehicle nice. I tested out both the Grand Touring and Signature level trims, noting the main differences being subtle: the real wood and dark brown interior in the Signature model with led lighting in the grill vs the Grand Touring with either black or beige interior and black accents vs the wood, both have 20" wheels and nav so the Grand Touring is a great buy if you don't mind black or beige seats only. About a $3k difference. What sold me on the Signature was the dark brown interior I loved; looked a lot more luxurious and reminded me of my 2002 SE Miata I once had with a similar interior. Paired with the pearl white exterior my wife had to have, this was a great compromise; She the got color she wanted, I got the interior I wanted. Had I not read that it had a 2.5 turbo I would have believed it had at least a 3.5L V6 under the hood. Side note: Though the exhaust note is 4cly, the power band and torque definitely are not! It would be easy for mazda to transplant this powertrain to a 3 & the 6 to make mazdaspeed versions and I hope they do! Love the tech safety features that though they are becoming common on a lot of modern vehicles, the way they are implemented here makes them feel like luxury exclusive items. The interior though is what really sold me on this vehicle, its really nice. I do not feel like I stepped own from an Infiniti to a Mazda, but rather that I upgraded. From the NAPA leather, to the aluminum and real wood accents throughout, a plethora of tech and safety features, smooth and very quite ride! There's some youtube videos comparing the new CX-9 to the Audi Q7 and initially I thought that was apples to oranges, but but after testing it out and now owning it, they have very similar quality. Now that Mazda has separated themselves from FORD, they have the independent ability to re-brand themselves into an even classier company and they are doing it with the CX-9. If you haven't driven a MAZDA lately, you owe it to yourself to do so before buying anything else!
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2016 Mazda CX-9 for sale near you
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Drivers 3-row CUV more upscale than before
jcpharm, 08/04/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
29 of 30 people found this review helpful
Wrote this on kbb already so just adding my 2 cents here as well. Quick take: Pros(+) nice exterior/interior (albeit subjective) considerable low-end torque gives more than adequate acceleration with no discernable turbo lag great handling for the class (drives much smaller than its size) MUCH quieter than other Mazdas Heads Up Display (HUD) is pretty cool and safer since you don't have to look around as much at the dashboard or nav-display - even blindspot warnings appear in the HUD) safety package (for GT trim) includes blindspot monitoring, lane-departure warning/assist, adaptive headlights, auto-highbeam, automatic brake support, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control) Fuel-efficient for the class (21/27 - 23 combined EPA) CONS(-) Cargo area is probably amongst worst in class (71 cubic ft vs. Honda Pilot 100 cubic ft) AC does not seem as strong as before no ventilated seats, no heated rear seats, no panoramic roof, no handsfree auto liftgate Not a lot of extra power after 2-3k rpm (but honestly i haven't had to push the engine in those ranges) 6-way power drivers seat adjustment vs. 8-way (height) adjustment in competitors 3rd-row seats are probably only usable for small kids Towing rating is 3500# which is below competitors overall, the cons don't mean that much to me since i only have 2 kids, don't tow, and don't need a ton of cargo but for those who need those things, those might be deal-breakers. personally the steering/handling and interior quality and quiet but comfortable ride are what did me in. so overall i really like the car and think you get a lot of value for the money.
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As fun to drive as the old one, just better
Cedric, 09/21/2016
updated 04/10/2023
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
Our 2010 CX-9 Grand Touring was still in great shape and we have enjoyed every 60,000 miles we drove in it but wanted to get a new car with all the modern bells and whistle and upgraded safety (the recent test report of the small overlap crash test of the old CX9 were not exactly making us happy). I loved the new model since I saw the first pictures and was very intrigued about the Signature trim level and the new 2.5 turbo engine. I had the new Jaguar F-Pace (look, performance, chassis, V6 supercharged engine and handling) and the Volvo XC90 (that interior!!!!). I daily drive a fun RWD coupe with a manual gearbox during the week and I want our family car to be fun to drive as it is the only car I drive during the week-end with the family and cargo (2 young kids). Living in Colorado, we take a lot of trips in the mountains and I want a car that is fun to drive on these roads and that allow me control. The 2010 CX9 was fantastic in the fun to drive department and I did not want to replace it by anything less engaging. I was wondering how the new engine would handle and I was absolutely not disappointed, the low end torque is immediately available and the car always feels more powerful than it really is. EVERYTHING is nicer in it compared to the old model, the materials and quality is impressive for its class and price. The Jaguar is nice but you need to add a lot of extra to get it to that level ($60k), still more powerful and truly plays in the luxury segment though. Handling, brakes, transmission, technology, everything works seamlessly. Update after one year: still love it, only one nagging detail: why can't I unlock all the doors when I unlock the lift gate??? UPDATE: We bought our 2016 CX9 Signature during its first model year. This is the only car I ever purchased with an extended warranty because I was concerned about potential issues with the then brand-new and unproven 2.5 SkyActiv Turbo. I only wasted 2 grand because, knock on wood, the CX9 has been as rock solid as our previous 3.7 V6 2010 CX-9 that we had before. I only regret that I did not wait one or 2 model years because Mazda added a few features to the CX9 over the years: auto hold, Apple CarPlay, Mazda Vectoring Contol, and ventilated seats. We still love long road trips with our CX9, the turbo 4 has always been surprisingly potent and efficient for such a large vehicle. After 50k miles, the beautiful interior still looks new, with no creakings or wear. I wish my 2019 Genesis G70 were as well built in that department. The ONLY detail we HATE about this car is that when it rains, and you open the tailgate, all the water drips on the top of the tail lights and splashes everything and everyone near it. This is a really good car, but I would advise picking up a later model year to get all the goodies that weren't available in 2016.
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Driving matters - Mazda stays true to this!
Olaf Roepke, 09/06/2016
updated 03/07/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
Very happy with my CX-9 GT. Have put 1,500 miles on it and love it. Great ride, high quality materials, torquey engine (although hp a bit on the weak side with regular gas). Love the active safety features, Lane Assist works really well, blind spot monitoring is a big plus. Gas mileage is at least in the low 20s in mixed driving. Only complaint I have the tank shows DTE = zero when there are still 2.5 gallons in the tank! Update at 8,000 mls: All the above is still true, there a few minor things that are a bit annoying: Outside mirrors don't adjust with power seat preset, Nav system starts up a bit slow, A/C a bit weak on 90+ days. None of this is bad enough to make me regret my purchase though! Update at 22,000 mls: Still love the car, great MPG, handles really well, still my only downside is the Infotainment system that randomly crashes once in a while and AC/heating were better in my previous non-Mazda vehicle.
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Definitely a Driver's Car
drivingLover, 08/07/2016
updated 02/26/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
Update after a year & half- No major issues, still love the new CX9. Great acceleration thanks to turbo engine. The best mpg I've got was 30.6. I bought CX-9 a week ago and more than satisfied with it. Searched every model in 7 passenger category including minivan and came down to new Pilot, Sorrento, Q7, X5 and CX-9. As multiple reviewers mention CX-9's third rows not big enough for adults but all of the crossover SUVs in the 7/8 passenger category have same issue. If you want adults in third row, go for minivan or full size SUVs. Also, reviewers mention that CX9 has least cargo capacity but hey how many times one drive with third row up and fully loaded cargo. I picked CX-9 among all cars that I was searched for because its Value for money. I was considering touring model with tech package priced around $40k but got sport trim with heated/powered front seats as it has all features that important to me around $33k (dealership gave me $1900 off MSRP which is remarkable for vehicle this NEW). Some important features I'd really liked are brisk acceleration, quietness, LED head/tail lights, three zone climate control and ride quality. There are plenty soft touch material in the cabin where you rest your hand. Headlights are automatic and detect low light situation via a sensor on the windshield and turned ON by itself. I've a 6 month old and she is more than happy while riding in the CX9. Fuel mileage I got at 25.4 in combine driving so far but one of the highway trip showed 29 in the trip computer. HD radio is good and if you adjust Bass/Treble, sound system works great as CX9 is too quite. Definitely a Drivers car and recommended over other 7 passenger CUVs. "
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Great value but could be so much more!!
scottworks4u@hotmail.com, 10/10/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful
Now that I have been driving this car for a month here's what I have learned. First, I love the car and definitely made the right choice. The ride is so much smoother than the pilot or highlander which we test drove. The interior finishes rival that of lexus, acura, etc.. That being said there are some things you should be aware of. The rear lift gate, does not go all the way up. I'm 6'2 so the first time nearly gave myself a concussion. now i'm more aware of it. If you are short than this will not be an issue for you. The navigation & entertainment system are poorly designed. It's quite difficult to scroll through stations while driving. For navigation, you can't enter any address while driving, this means the passenger also. No android or apple play system. Finally, the front seats are quite narrow. I'm 6'2 212 pounds and I feel restricted in the seats. If you are a bigger person or just like more space you will probably not feel comfortable. The cargo space is ample. If you need a lot more cargo space than recommend the Honda pilot but the CX-9 works perfectly for our family.
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Mazda Targeting Luxury SUV Buyers.
Mazda Convert, 12/09/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
Mission Accomplished. Mazda is going after luxury SUV Buyers with a compelling price point. I moved over from a fully loaded Volvo XC 60 T6 R-design, due to reliability issues. MSRP for the Volvo: $55K MSRP for the Mazda $ 42K. This car has almost everything the Volvo had. When Cross shopping with other brands with three rows of seating (Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Acura MDX), for the same level of equipment for a brand new vehicle, you'd need at least and additional $15K to $25K, depending on the make. The interior and exterior fit and finish will stand proudly next to any of the competition. The Drive and handling are excellent, and I am pleasantly surprised at the responsiveness of the engine. I have put new snow tires on, and have driven through a couple of snow storms with confidence. The low end torque definitely makes a difference. This vehicle is rated at 250 HP for premium and 227 HP for regular gas, and there is definitely a difference you can feel, especially for passing vehicles at highway speeds. I few things on my wish list: Front parking sensors, heated rear seats, driver's seat adjustment capabilities....but I'll gladly take the $15-25K discount for not having these. Just a couple of gripes: Driver's cockpit feels narrow for tall people and navigation system seems to reboot often. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the purchase, and will gladly recommend to friends.
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Audi, Cayenne, or Mazda(really!)??
Icarus, 02/01/2017
updated 02/01/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
1 year update: 16k on the clock and the CX9 is as good as new/ tinted windows to keep heat out and had 3M self healing clear protection on front, mirrors, door cups. No rattles, kids like the back seat, all good. I am still impressed with this car... also interesting to see the Lexus concept SUV looks to have borrowed the design of the CX9 with the long hood/angled front and even rear of vehicle. Ok, so I am a car guy - I've owned Lexus, Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Honda, Porsche SUVs, Sedans, Vans, and Sports cars. So my last car, eg. the one I needed to get rid of was a 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS Manual, I loved it - unfortunately it was a manual and too much vehicle for my wife to drive (it was a beast)... so I needed to get practical on the next car. I narrowed it down to a Cayenne, Macan, and Audi Q7 - Prices, however - were $60-80k for good ones... OUCH. I also looked a few CPOs that brought the price down a bit. Oddly, I ventured into the Mazda dealer as I liked the look of the new CX-9 and wanted to check it out. I told them what I was looking at and drove currently - they then showed me a new Machine Grey Signature... it was beautiful. Fit and finish was great, close to if not equal to what I was looking at, the technology was great (a major deficiency in the Porsche), and the price was Super Simple - e.g... "this one only comes in different colors, other than that - it has everything Mazda offers." PERFECT. I was so sick of looking at cars with endless options, packages, etc. The interior color, design, wood touches, heads up display Nappa leather in burnt umber is very classy and my first impression was - ummm... this is a Mazda? Much better than Infinity who competes in luxury space. Rear seats were great with a cool sliding function that can move the seat forward with car seat in it. 3rd row is... mehh, not to bad for an adult for a short trip and fine for kids... not a Mercedes 3rd row, but not a Toyota Highlander or Suburban either... somewhere in between. Exterior Impressions: Excellent front-end design and LED lighting headlights, grill, and tail lights. Paint quality, chrome, and wheels are top notch. Driving Impressions: Compared to my Honda Odyssey - it is great, sits up high and handles well, road-feel is good, and steering feedback is good. Compared to my GTS, not so good... but I did think it was on par with the newer Cayenne in terms of ride quality (believe it or not!). So all in all, it is great for a 3 row SUV at that price point without all the extra fancy suspension add-ons (which break). The engine is efficient and provides enough power without seeming to struggle or wind up too much (odd for a 4cyl turbo). Brakes are good and body dive is minimal. So, all in all - I will miss the GTS on the curvy roads and the gas station & shop will miss me, but my wife will be much happier that she has a nice option from the minivan. This will eventually replace the Odyssey in a couple years when kids are a bit older... and that will turn into a nice Boxster... Until then, I will be happy with the Mazda, they have done a fine job!
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BMW Of Japan....ultimate Zoom Zoom machine!
Slas, 06/27/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
I have always been a Mazda fan, have had Mazda 929 and MX-6 while in college and the new CX-9 exceeds exceptions in every way. The car truly feel the interiors and ride is at par with any premium brands. I had been contemplating to buy a Honda Pilot or a CX-9 since last year, but wanted to wait for this years model. And it has been all worth the wait. Pilot felt bulky, unstable and plasticy. CX-9 on the other hand is top class luxury. Being an owner of BMW, I can definitely say for the the handling of a SUV, this is the best of its class for the money. Mazda has hit a home run with the new CX-9. Sporty and luxurious. Best compliment the car received was when a co worker thought it was a Lexus...(of course he had no knowledge of the logo's). Engine is punchy in the right RPM however I would have preferred an option for a bigger engine. You cannot tell you are driving a 2.5 turbo unless you hit the lag at lower RPM, which you would notice only once in a while. Passing and lane changing is a breeze and its a pleasure to drive. I would recommend this SUV as a perfect family hauler.
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moving up in style
Scott, 08/02/2016
updated 08/14/2023
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Just traded my 2010 cx9 for a new signature this car is amazing much better then the old one a lot quicker the turbo is great no lag at all. taking it on vacation next week I will check the mileage only issue is that the drivers power seat doesn't have enough adjustment also miss doesn't tell you what gear you are in. only in manual mode. this is the best 7 passenger suv under 45k for driving, style, comfort you could buy. I could drive this car all day long its is so nice.
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LOVE IT!
R. Russell, 09/27/2016
updated 04/06/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
25 of 27 people found this review helpful
This is another update. I am still pleased with my cx9. I havent had any major repairs and i shouldn't, being as though its a new car. Infotainment system needs work, it goes black a few times a week. I restart the car and it comes back on. Its Kind of annoying especially if I'm using the navigation system. The usbports in the front console do not charge my galaxy S8 or the four iphones that use the port. I am updating my review, on my 2016 CX9. After 5 months, Mazda was able to fix the defective part on my car. For our troubles and the 8 plus visits to the delearship, over the course of 5 months, we were offered compensation, which we accepted. Today I am pleased with how my CX9 in operating and noise Free! I purchased the CX 9 on June 23, 2016. I was in love & I had no complaints. I have driven Mazdas before they handle well and are fun to drive. However with this model, I am experiencing a squeaky sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, starting the end of July 2016. I took the car to dealer they fixed the car... stating it was the rear suspension and they tightened everything up. The following day the noise came back. On August 12, 2016 I have an appointment to come in, this time its the chassis bolt(whatever that is) After fixing the car, my husband and I drove with the mechanic who worked on my vehicle the noise was gone. I felt relieved. I drive home...only to pull in my driveway to hear the noise AGAIN! This time I immediately phone the dealership they tell me they are not gong to have me come back in because they have no idea what it can be and they are going to get in touch with Mazda to see how they want them to handle this. I continue to drive my cx 9 while I wait to hear back from the dealership. I receive a phone call stating that Mazda knows what the problem is, its a defective part (I believe the bushings) and that the noise appears after the car reaches 500 miles the defective part wears out and that they have to develop a part and test it out. I was told my options are to wait(they assured the vehicle is safe to drive and no further damage is being done) or come in to get the part replaced with the original defective part. I chose to wait, being as though, the part was to be developed in three weeks (ha!) well three weeks come and go & the noise got LOUDER! I mean left turn, right turn, reverse and bumpy roads the noise was louder than the music. So I decide since the part still isn't ready... to have the original defective part replaced because at least I wouldn't hear the noise for the next 500 miles. WELL that part was replaced on September 26, 2016 and the noise is BAAAACCCCKKK! Not as loud as it got while driving the car but its just as loud and annoying as I originally reported. This has me feeling that mazda has not a clue as to what the problem is. I sent a certified letter to dealer & mazda this morning and will wait for the outcome. I think I have a LEMON! I have been flagging other CX9 drivers down and no one but I seems to be having this problem.
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1 year update... Researched for 6 months
Mazda Newbie, 07/11/2016
updated 07/11/2017
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
31 of 34 people found this review helpful
UPDATE after 1 year of ownership - I've driven the vehicle 14,500 miles and little has happened to change my initial review. This vehicle remains a joy to drive. We've had a some family members move about 300 miles from home and we make the trip monthly. The Mazda Radar Cruise Control works well in city traffic as well as construction zones. It's a bit over responsive if someone is exiting an interstate at a greatly reduced speed - but if you notice that happen you can accelerate to maintain your speed. The driving dynamics have not diminished in the least in the past year. The Bluetooth connection issues that I was having were not a fault of the Mazda Infotainment system but they were a bug in my Google Pixel device. Now that that has corrected itself I am pleased with the Bluetooth as well. The navigation system remains a bit clunky for destination entry. It is rumored that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be a part of Mazda's future and available retroactively on the SkyActiv technology vehicles but I am not holding my breath for that. The bottom line - I have zero remorse for purchasing this vehicle. Happy customer here! UPDATE after 6 months of ownership - I've been the proud owner of this vehicle for over 6 months now. I have only discovered one negative in the car that is infrequent but still happens. The Infotainment system is a bit buggy at times - my new Google Pixel will sometimes not connect as a Bluetooth device. The navigation system is sometimes challenging to program and that can't be done while the vehicle is in motion. My suggestion would be that Mazda focus on Android Auto or Apple Car Play and bypass their own attempt at navigation system development. That being said... The driving experience from behind the wheel continues to amaze me. I'm so impressed by the handling and feel of this 3 row SUV that feels like you are driving something quite a bit smaller. The passive safety features are above grade. We've had a decent ice storm with incredibly slippery untreated roads and the CX-9 handled ice really well - I wouldn't have wanted to be in any other car. I never notice the transition to 4WD from FWD when driving but I know it is working. That transition is seamless. Mazda Radar Cruise Control works well as I've used it and the auto bright/dim headlight feature is really good for rural night driving. I am impressed by the responsiveness of the 4-cyl turbo - even when I 'need' to pass at highway speed. The motor produces more power than I should ever need. I've seen criticism of the horsepower number but I've never not had enough. 2/3rds of my driving is in an urban setting, so I'm ok with my fuel mileage number also. Would I purchase this vehicle again? Absolutely!! I have zero remorse! ------------------------------------------ I had been looking for a 3 row SUV for hauling my grandchildren along with their trinkets whenever they came to visit. I studied all of the U.S. manufacturers and drove the offerings from Ford and General Motors. I also drove the comparable vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and even a late model Infiniti. All were acceptable but nothing had the 'wow' factor. I was encouraged twice within an hour time frame from 'car guys' to drive a Mazda CX-9. I knew nothing about Mazda but was willing to try anything as I had not yet found the perfect match. I'm glad that I did. I drove the CX-9 and I'm glad that I did. This vehicle had the 'wow' factor I was looking for. The exterior styling looks like a European luxury car. It's really a big vehicle - almost 200 hundred inches long - but it really doesn't look big unless it's next to another vehicle. More importantly, it certainly doesn't drive like a 3 row SUV. I cracked up when I discovered the CX-9 classifies as a 'station wagon' on my vehicle registration. It isn't my father's station wagon - for sure!!! It handles like a dream with many safety features including lane assist, radar cruise control and smart brake assist. The instrumentation for navigation is intuitive after learning the basic features of the 'joystick' that explores the infotainment system. The factory sound generated by the Bose speakers is really good. I enjoy the 'heads up display' now that I have it tuned properly for my height (6'4"). It lightens significantly when wearing polarized sunglasses but it is still visible. The 4 cylinder turbo gets off the line much more quickly than I need it to and there is plenty of power for passing. Shifts are noticeable but not overly dramatic. I was also pleased with the price point of the Mazda. The price point was also best in class compared to similarly equipped vehicles - and none of the other vehicles I drove had the 'heads up display' or the 'wow' factor. I haven't owned it long enough to provide an accurate reliability score but I'm impressed overall in the first month of ownership. I'm looking forward to a long relationship with this one!
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Luxury for a non-luxury price
VC021993, 07/30/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have been shopping for a third row SUV for a few months now and have been looking at the Q7, MDX, Q60 and the Pilot. The CX-9 by far has the best look of them all and the technology you get out of it for the money is amazing. Ride is very comfortable, quiet, and sporty. Literally stands behind what is said as being a driver's SUV. It gives you the feeling of wanting to take it out for a spin for fun. Now the power of 250hp is a bit less than the competition but not by much. The torque is at 310lb-ft which engages at 1700 RPM so instant power for your everyday driving. The CX-9 is definitely built for your regular everyday driver which is why this is a BIG score for Mazda. On top of it all none others get the gas mileage this one gets either. 21city/27hwy. Give it a shot, compare it yourself and you will be impressed.
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First Mazda
Dan Smith, 12/31/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
My last few vehicles were a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and an Acura MDX. I was ready to purchase another relatively compact 3-row SUV and sort of stumbled on the Mazda after seeing pictures of the new model. I wound up purchasing a Signature model several weeks ago. Most of the positives about the vehicle have been covered in Edmunds' professional or consumer reviews; things such as the moving headlights (bend when you turn; pretty cool), great interior and exterior design, terrific safety aids such as lane warning/adjustment, etc. Here are the items you may want to consider before purchasing. 1) Between the lane adjustment feature and the vehicle being easily blown around in cross winds, this thing moves more than I'm used to. The lane adjustment feature (automatically nudges you back towards the center of the lane if you get within a foot or so of the lane marker) is constantly nudging you back to the center. That's great, until you're in moderate to heavy cross winds, which seem to move this vehicle more than most I've driven. Suddenly it feels you need to pay awfully close attention to keep the vehicle centered. I know, you should do that anyway, but trust me, it's more hands-on and white knuckle than is typical. 2) Inability to adjust the front seats to tilt up or down; previously noted by many of the consumer reviews. Let me tell you, this might be my biggest gripe with the vehicle. This thing cost ~$50k, and Mazda can't install a feature that tilts the driver's seat? Every time I slide into the driver's seat I'm constantly reminded of their inability to add this one little feature - a glaring miss on their part. 3) The screen that contains all the electronic "stuff" (navigation, audio, etc.) takes a while to fire up. My Acura fired up in 5-10 seconds; the Mazda sometimes takes minutes - frustrating when you need to enter an address and you're ready to go. 4) Inability to enter an address in the Navigation system while driving. Yes, I know this is a good safety feature - so I just use my Google GPS instead, which isn't any safer. 5) Small trailer hitch. Even though the vehicle only tows 3,500#, I don't understand why they can't place a "regular" size hitch on the back; and don't even get me started on their placement of the trailer hitch wiring harness. Get ready to wear knee pads to get down on the ground and look UNDER the vehicle in order to try and find it. 6) The A-pillars are gargantuan. Many vehicles now have very large A-pillars, so Mazda is probably in good company in that regard, but they're so large that they are truly a driving hazard. In my first few days of driving the CX9 I easily missed seeing two cars and one pedestrian. I am now particularly careful before moving from a stopped position, usually looking each way 2-3 times. 7) The heat coming out of the vents doesn't seem strong. The fan blows strong, no issues there, but the actual heat temperature is weak. I see someone else mentioned the A/C in summer is weak, which has me somewhat worried about how cool the vehicle will get this summer. If it doesn't cool off, I definitely plan on talking with Mazda corporate and either expecting them to make it right, or start talking about a different vehicle. Overall I really like the CX9, and that's after test driving the new MDX, Highlander, Explorer, Pilot and being a passenger in an X5. I would probably buy the CX9 again, as it's inevitable that there are things we don't like about any vehicle we purchase. I'm sharing this less for other consumers, and more for Mazda to see what they need to work on in their next version.
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Love my 2016 CX-9
BP, 10/04/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
If you like performance test drive this car after others you may be looking at. There is no comparison to the CX-9 drive in this class. This baby moves. Love the interior. Super quiet and roomy. And it looks awesome! I could use some better gas mileage though but still getting used to the cars algorithms. Weirdly Mazda thinks that you need 4 full gallons as reserve in the tank. Still working through that. But overall love the upgrade from my 2010 CX-9.
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Love this car, hate the drivers seat,
3rd Time CX-9 Owner, 09/14/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
First off, the new CX-9 is easily the best looking SUV on the market for the price. I would definitely consider it a class above in regards to looks, interior quality and design. However it is missing some major things that set it back. In my opinion Mazda dropped the ball in regards to some features the CX-9 lacks compared to its competitors. The sunroof is too small (every other car in the segment has a dual or panoramic sunroof option), cooled seats and heated steering wheel (again, available in all competitor cars), passengers seat adjustment is limited to forward and back only. Oh, and then comes my biggest complaint about the car, the drivers seat. The drivers seat was down graded from an 8-way adjustable in the previous gen to a 6-way for the new CX-9. They dropped the adjustment of the tilt of the seat bottom, or thigh support adjustment. The seat feels like its tilted forward, I'm always sliding forward out of the seat when braking. I would give anything to be able to tilt the front part of the seat upwards so i feel like I'm securely and comfortably positioned in the seat. I have never driven a vehicle where it was so hard to find a comfortable driving position. All my complaining aside, the interior is ultra quiet and super plush. It definitely gives the feel of a luxury car ride. The materials are of top quality and the design is very ascetically pleasing to look at while riding in the vehicle. The functionality of all the controls are well executed and much so satisfactory. One of my favorite parts about the vehicle is the driving experience. The vehicle has the ability to shove you back in your seat under acceleration and passes on the highway with ease. The handling is unbeatable by far, with the ride not compromising to much from the stiffer suspension setup. Back seat space is not to complain about and cargo room is ample. All in all Mazda outdid themselves with the design of the new CX-9 and it's an SUV i would highly recommend, that is if you can find a comfortable driving position is that darn drivers seat!
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2016 Signature Trim Review
Chris G., 01/27/2017
updated 02/26/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
14 months in and all of the below which I wrote in my initial review holds true. This SUV is amazing - - - Ok, so we have been a Honda family for the past 14 years. I drove a 2002 Honda Accord and our family car is a 2010 Odyssey. After 14 1/2 years and 204, 542 miles on the Accord, it was time to look for something else. For the past year I have been reading up on the big 3 - Pilot, Highlander and CX9. Everything kept coming back to the CX9. On January 2, 2016 we all went and took the CX9 for a test drive. We have 11 year old twins and a 7 year old boy. We all fit in it perfectly. Third row for kids works great. I would say adults could go back there in a pinch, but it does the job for the kids. Two days later, I went to Hamilton Mazda in NJ and picked up the Signature Trim. It is amazing. The fit and finish makes you think you pulled a fast one on Mazda and should have paid $15-$20K more for this car. It easily competes with BMW, Audi, etc. The drive is smooth, quiet and fast. I am a tall guy 6' 4", in good shape and I fit perfectly in the driver's seat, passenger seat and back seat. Everything can be adjusted to work for you. The seats are very comfortable and feel great. It never feels like you are driving a three-row SUV! It feels like you are in a 5 series BMW. It's that nice and the ride is that great. We have had this for about a month now and I could not be more thrilled. Definitely put this on your short list.
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Germany has been crushed Mercedes, Audi take notes
OrthoLee, 06/28/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
Love this magnificent piece of art and ironman clad engineering.You want to hear the turbo go zoom it doesn't get better it sounds better than my mustang gt.More torque then you will ever use.Red light champion.Looks can kill and mazda got that right.Technology that will help you stay safe smart city brake system just one word "wow"it stops automatically in case your not paying attention.You got real wood,nappa leather,led lights,active lane keep assist,4 stage one of a kind grey metal 3D color,adaptive cruise,too many and i mean too many features to list. Tesla doesnt even has this stuff and your spending twice as much.Forget toyota,honda ,lexus,acura.This beats audi,bmw,mercedes anyday and no will spend half as much and save on thousands after that from going to there nice service centers.Best reliability and warranty in business.I am in love.Everyone is shocked when i tell them its a mazda .Thank you Mazda.zoom zoom into future.one thing i will like to see in future is more entertainment options like ipad holders and DVD etc.
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So I pulled the trigger
Paul Labas, 06/09/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
51 of 63 people found this review helpful
I ended up with a Grand Touring, not Touring. After 2 weeks of driving, I brought the rating down to 4 stars. - The driving dynamic with 2.5T engine takes getting used to. Although powerful in 2-4K RPM range, the engine gets to 3-4K RPM relatively quickly and then the power tempers off. I wish the engine was more powerful overall. The driving and handling are still a lot of fun and it's hard to believe one is driving a 3-row SUV. - The braking assist system is overly sensitive. The first two days of driving in suburban NJ it went off on me four times! When it does, the experience is both unpleasant and potentially dangerous, as the car brakes hard and I feel I can get slammed by someone else by from behind. The system can be turned off, but it comes back on every time you restart the engine. What I realize now is that the system is forcing me to drive more carefully and break sooner than I am used to! This might not be such a bad thing. - I turned off the lane keep assist since it's more annoying than helpful. - The driver's seat is uncomfortable - it is hard and the raised sides, although providing great support, add to the discomfort. I am not a "wide" guy in any way, so I wonder how uncomfortable the seat can be for someone big. - infotainment system is fine. Once you get used to it, it's not bad to operate at all. - the looks are impressive still, inside and out. The car is often confused with Infinity (what an insult!). The Bose sound is great. The hunt: When CX-9 appeared at local dealerships only a couple of weeks ago, I test-drove it twice before going on the actual "shopping expedition". That day I drove Honda Pilot, CX-9, Toyota Highlighter and Acura MDX. I dismissed Highlighter right away as it seems to offer and do everything that Pilot does, only a little worse in every aspect. The Pilot is the ultimate family SUV and I see why there are so many of them on the roads already. Coming from my Odyssey, I can say it is a blend of SUV and Mini-van. The engine is strong enough. The car is roomy and full of tech. The problem to me was that it is a good and solid choice, but unexceptional in every way, from the looks to the engine to the driving/handling dynamic. Acura MDX drove very nicely, but I didn't like the central console layout and its third row space was the smallest of the bunch. Just like with Honda, I see why there are so many of them on the roads. MDX didn’t excite me and for the $10K more than CX-9 (although MDX would offer more bells-and-whistles), I better feel excited. CX-9 felt like the perfect blend of sportiness, luxury, and practicality. I was so impressed that I decided not to wait another year or so to gather feedback from actual drivers and let the company buffer out the little issues that normally plague new technologies. I had to have it! I ended up with Touring with the Package as it seems to offer the best value for the buck, and found it at about 3K below the MSRP. I ordered it in the Machine Metallica Gray (that’s the color in all the ads) with black interior. The dealer will need to find or order one for me. Style The looks are subjective, of course, but I love the sleek exterior styling. To me, this is the only non-luxury 3-row sitter that doesn’t look like the designer started with a minivan and tried to smooth it out. The cabin feels like BMX X5 and the higher central divider creates a feeling of a closer space, similar to a racecar cockpit. The info-tainment screen is not intrusive since I look over it and it does not obscure any of the windshield window. Inside material quality is excellent. Space I am 6’ even. I adjusted the driver’s seat and the seat behind the driver for my height, and then could relatively painlessly fit in the third row behind that. The car is definitely not as spacious as my mini-van, but I can see how the third row can accommodate a couple of adults for 1-2 hours if needed, and kids or even teenagers may find it to be even more tolerable, if not comfortable. The second row is definitely comfortable for two adults and spacious enough for three. When I read the numbers, I knew CX-9 was supposed to be less spacious than the competition, but it did not feel this way in real life. Perhaps, the 1-2” difference is simply not noticeable in real life. Nevertheless, I am sure I’ll miss all the space I am now enjoying in the minivan. Driving I was truly impressed by the driving power and dynamic. Driving three turbo cars in the past, I can say that this CX-9 has very little turbo lag. The engine feels like a typical V6, only more powerful at the initial pickup. The car handles very well and feels much smaller and lighter in turns. One quickly forgets that this is a 3-row SUV. Driving dynamic is where the car really shines. Road noise This is one of very few gripes I have with my wife’s CX-5, however, Mazda handled it well with CX-9. The roads noise is low and car feels luxurious.
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We chose it over the Q7 and XC90
JCS, 07/30/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
43 of 53 people found this review helpful
Now that we have had the CX-9 for about a month I feel I am qualified to provide a detailed review. We have a 2016 in the Signature trim. We also have a 2015 BMW 328i X and we traded in a 2011 Honda Odyssey. Believe it or not, I was looking at the new Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 and chose the CX-9 over both of them (and not just because the Mazda is $20k less). In short, we love the Mazda and I feel it is the best car we have ever owned (I have owned about 7 cars). We needed the utility of an SUV/Van that fits 7, but wanted better driving dynamics than the Odyssey. While we lost some of the utility of the van, the Mazda is almost as fun to drive as our BMW. For $45k, the overall level of refinement and luxury is amazing. The car is by far the quietest car I have ever had and almost everything has been well thought and executed. With every car I have owned I frequently thought to myself, why did they do it that way – did they ever drive the car after they designed it? With the Mazda I thought yes, that makes perfect sense (with very few exceptions). Both the interior and exterior styling are great and the car feels so much lighter and smaller than it actually is. The 4 cylinder engine provides more than enough power and I have never felt I needed more. So far we are averaging about 23MPG in mixed driving. All seats are comfortable and the access to the third row and space in the third row is fine for our needs – occasional car pooling for short rides with pre-teen kids (we have two kids). The ride is a great combination of compliant and sporty. It is far more forgiving over broken pavement than either my BMW or the Odyssey, but it is still fairly fun to throw into a curve. I think Mazda has a real winner here and they could compete directly with Audi and Volvo if they just added the option for a few more features: front parking sensors, heated steering wheel, birds eye overhead view, real time traffic on the nav, vented seats, Apple Car Play, and a 10 way driver’s seat. For the $20k difference in price, I was willing to go without these, but if they could make them an option for $5-$10k, that would the decision a no brainer. The Audi and Volvo have a few more available features, but they were not important to me. Further, I just don’t like the styling of the Q7. While it is a great to drive and loaded with tech, who wants a homely car? To me it looks like a bloated station wagon. The Volvo looks nice, but does not ride well. It has that typical truck/SUV bouncy ride. The Audi and Mazda drive more like a car. Further, the Volvo appears to have big quality problems in this, its first model year. I read the owner’s forums whenever I am considering a new car and there are many, many owners complaining about problems they have with the Volvo. Both the Audi and Mazda don’t have nearly the number of complaints. In summary, highly recommended.
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The Best Three Row Crossover under $50K
Clem, 08/15/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 24 people found this review helpful
Recently bought the CX9 Grand Touring after test driving the Honda Pilot Elite and the Toyota Highlander. The Pilot was nice but Honda does not do a good job of asorbing imperfections in the road. I traded in my 2013 Honda Accord sport and test drove the 2016 Honda CRV as well before pulling the trigger on the CX-9. The Honda's are really nice on smooth roads but fall significantly in my eyes on imperfect roads. The Highlander was smoother on imperfections but felt big and not as maneuverable as the CX9. Both the Pilot and Highlander appeared roomier inside, but one drive of the CX9 and it was no contest. Folks have made a lot of fuss over the 2.5L Turbo, but it is as smooth as butter. The more I drive this CX9, the more I love it. The drive is extremely quiet, smooth, comfortable and more than enough power to do anything I need a car to do. Some are concerned that the CX9 does'nt go 0-60 in 6 plus seconds....really, this is an three row SUV. It will do 0-60 in 7 plus seconds and that is faster than most family sedans. If you are one of those people who need to find something wrong with a vehicle i.e.. v-6 power, turbo, panoramic roof, cooled seats, I'm sure you can find it. If you are truly in the market for an SUV, you have to go and test drive this CX9. We bought the CX9 and our kids are grown. We considered the Lexus RX350 (could not justify the price for us), Nissan Murano (very nice but i was disappointed in the ride quality...we owned the 2004 Murano and loved the way it drove. The 2015 Murano Platinum on 20"wheels did not soak up the bumps as well as i remember the 2004 doing and the V-6 was not as smooth). Have not driven the Durango, Explorer, Traverse, or Acadia so I cannot comment on them and I wish I had taken the opportunity to test drive them as I'm reading good things on the Durango. In the end, I'm extremely happy with my purchase as this is my first Mazda and if this holds up well, it will not be my last.
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Better than expected CX-9
DRAC, 06/16/2017
2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Build quility is very good but as with any manufacturer, nagging issues are present but not a deal breaker. We were in the market for a replacment vehicle of our 2010 Toyota Highlander which was a total loss due during a flood event. After narrowing our decision down to two possible vehicles (Honda Pilot) and (Toyota Highlander), we decided to compare the two based on cost and driving experience. To keep this review short, neither vehicle (Pilot, Highlander) overwhemed us thus the decision to add a 3rd vehicle to our list. While out and about on day, I decided to drop into our local Mazda Dealer to see and test drive the new CX-9 . Right off the bat, the looks were and still is an instant winner. Needless to say, the test drive was convincing enough that It lead to our decision to purchase. Compared to our previous vehicle, the CX-9 is night and day. The new Pilot was larger and faster than the CX-9, but it drove like it has wobbly knees compared to the CX-9. The Highlander was in the hunt, but the CX-9 offered more bang for the buck in comparison. We recently took the CX-9 on a 5000 mile road trip from the Gulf Coast to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. If anyone has any concerns about the preceived lack of power coming from a 4 cly turbo motor. I can attest that this trip easily laid these concerns to rest. The drivetrain performed without a hitch and in short. my wife had to keep telling me to slow down. 80 mph + is a breeze for this drivetrain. (Lol) Overall we averaged 24 MPG on this trip and if this dosen't sound too overly empressive then consider this. We spent nearly a third of the time on the road with a head wind of 10 to 20 mph. Combined that with several mountain ranges etc, traffic jams and accidents, and all things considered, I believed the mileage achieved was better than average under these conditions. The vehicle was comfortable and quiet with minimal wind and road noise.
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Problems from the get-go
Don't buy Mazda, 09/05/2017
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Ugh, how I want to love this car. I've owned it for one year & not only has it been in the shop now five times for the same problems that are still unresolved, it showed problems before even driving it off the lot. It started with the display not coming on. Black screen. This happened right after I wrote a $40,000+ check before even driving it. The solution... restart the engine. I mean, really? It happens about every three weeks & they just keep updating it. Which is nice but hasn't worked. Before I hit 300 miles the car started making knocking sounds when turning left or driving on uneven terrain. When I say uneven I'm not back-reading. I mean pulling into my driveway or over a speed bump at 5mph. They've replaced the control arms & bushings with no success. I just returned from a fifth service appointment where the mechanic said it's not uncommon & that he's worked on the exact problems in these cars before, but didn't even check my car for these things because he didn't hear it for himself after a 5 mike drive. I heard it twice on my 30 minute drive home after they had it for a week and a half. To top it off, the car already rattles inside too. I bought this car new to avoid service issues. However, I have never had issues with a vehicle - especially new - like I have with this. Wish I could turn back time & purchase something reliable. I honestly feel like a beta tester of a car that wasn't ready to be released.
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Really Amazing Overall
VO, 06/03/2016
updated 06/19/2017
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
If you like a great responsive sporty SUV this is your car. Yes as other review said third row can be a little more roomier but if you don't use it very often the cargo space is great. It is very well designed inside and out, very quick to accelerate and handles as a sport sedan. Entertainment system can be improved as it has software glitches. Also IOS CarPlay should be standard but it is still not available. The advertised MPG is not true. It is impossible to get over 24 MPG driving only on highway without A/C. Your normal combined MPG is around 20 when driving in the city and highway. But overall it is one of the best cars of this class on the road. Fun to drive
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Sudden Unintentional Acceleration Of CX 9
Disappointed, 01/05/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
24 of 31 people found this review helpful
I bought the signature CX-9 in August 2016 after falling in love with it at first sight. The gunmetal grey version with the beautiful interior featured in all the Mazda ads. Drove it over 24k miles in 18 months with what I would describe as only minor yet commonly reported issues like the AC was not very cool and the infotainment system would intermittently not work correctly. However, this car then did what I now know several other Mazda’s have done: it suddenly unintentionally accelerated in it’s own. I was slowly pulling into a parking spot via a sharp right turn and suddenly the car throttled and accelerated at a very fast rate forward and did not respond to my panicked attempt to slam the brakes. It became lodged into a planter in front of me. It was the most surreal, shocking and scary thing. I didn’t even know this was possible until it happened to me. I am grateful I did not hurt anyone in this incident. Mazda will not acknowledge it and my dealer, after having it towed directly there returned it to me two days later saying it was safe to drive. It is not safe and I refuse to put my family’s fate in Mazda’s self-serving hands. I am getting the bodywork completed and immediately getting rid of this car. I’m posting my experience so that others out there who have experienced this will know you are not alone.
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Fun Car. Fuel Economy no so fun.
Scott, 10/12/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
You can't go wrong with this car. It is fun to drive, looks good, and has a great interior. However, the fuel economy is not anywhere near advertised. To come even close to the stated highway fuel rating you need level ground, clear highway, and lock the cruise at 65mph. As soon as the turbo starts having to work the car drinks gas.
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Great SUV
Brian, 07/07/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
We compared this vehicle to the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. We eliminated the Highlander after one test drive, and then test drove the Pilot and CX-9. We ended up buying the Mazda, however there were a couple of things that we liked about the Pilot - the inside storage compartments are way bigger (there is a place between the driver and front passenger seat that is huge and can store almost anything) than on the Mazda, and the right side blind-spot monitoring was pretty cool. However, the inside materials of the Pilot seemed cheap, and the drive was not as smooth. So we ended up buying the Mazda, and overall we are happy, though we do wish the interior storage was bigger.
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Best Vehicle I've Ever Had
Steve C, 02/22/2017
updated 04/17/2025
2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Everything has been great. Love the solid handling. No body roll in turns, precise steering, and unbelievable acceleration for a 4 cylinder engine. Quality throughout from the exterior fit and finish to the interior materials used. Great design both in and out. Very quiet ride. UPDATE: As of April 2021 I'm still satisfied with my CX-9. Runs like a dream with no problems. UPDATE: As of October 2022 Still satisfied, no problems. So glad I bought a Mazda. UPDATE: April 2023, still no problems. Best quality vehicle I’ve ever had. UPDATE: October 2023, Still no problems. Runs like new and no signs of wear. UPDATE: April 2024, Still no problems. Very solid vehicle. UPDATE: October 2024 - No issues. Still going strong. UPDATE: April 2025 - Still no problems.
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One of the best amongs the crowd
Jay, 01/31/2017
updated 08/04/2021
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I was drooling on this car for quite a while and I am glad I listen to my heart and bought it. It was matter of just one test drive and i make up my mind to choose it over Highlander. I Never considered the Pilot after reading horrible consumer reviews on Edmund.The CX-9 looks stunning from every angle and gets so many compliments on its looks. The ride and handling is superb. My second car feels like a burden to drive. I got the Signature trim with auburn color interior and it just took the interior to the whole new level. Material quality, fit and finish is top notch. I liked the infotainment systems a lot. Very easy to use with knob and does not demand a lot of your attention to operate. Screen display is crisp and fast once it is up. Engine on performance side is great. It does not feel under powered at all. I am getting 20 mile right now in mixed driving and would like to see it improve after first service. Plenty of room in second row and third row is also very accommodating for short trips. The second row operation to provide access to third row could have been better. Overall a great car. Here i am providing update after 4 year of ownership. What to say, it's been all fun and smiles. Other than schedule maintenance, i do not have to take it out to dealer. It's still drive like new or i say even better. I still not considering replacing it for another car, and that say a lot about the ownership of having this car.
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Love at first drive.
Mike LaRusso, 06/15/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Best handling SUV I've ever been in. Feels like I'm driving my 6 GT! Beautiful in and out.
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Hot Car
ES, 11/12/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
21 of 29 people found this review helpful
My wife and I traded a 2014 CX-5 for a 2016 CX-9. The vehicle is outstanding in all respects except for one glaring and unforgivable fault. The air conditioning system is woefully inadequate. The car has been to the dealer twice and I have been told that there is no fix possible. It is an engineering fault. That said, Mazda Corp tells me that it is within specs. This cannot be true as the air temp won't blow any colder than 54 degrees. According to my research air conditioning should blow between 40-45 degrees. In the hot humid summers of central Kentucky the cab is stiffling and is barely adequate on even 75 degree fall days. I don't care about all the other wonderful attributes of the vehicle. If it's not comfortable in the cab, then to me it is worthless. Since experiencing this problem, I have found one review that gives the CX-9 rave reviews but found themselves "roasting" on a 80 deg day. They hoped that this was not a problem with other vehicles. I sincerely regret buying this vehicle and am in the process of trying to get a buy-back. Heed my warning. Mazda Corp has not been cooperative.
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Great family car with sporty flair and sexy look!
Nancy Sayles, 07/01/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
We just traded in our 2007 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring for this new master piece! The wait was absolutely worth it! If you are not sure - test drive the car... We never had any problems with our 2007 and expect nothing less from the new one! The 2016 CX9 Grand Touring comes with all the bells and wistles you need...
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In love with car at 1st but now I don't want drive
Jonathan Techaira, 08/07/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
Was in love with car at 1st design, looks interior exterior, the power, sports car handling. Right after 4k everything started to go down hill, I've had so many check engine lights come on and it cut all engine power on the highway making me pull off the road these lights such as; "Vehicle system malfunction, smart city brake failure, front sensor failures, smart brake failure, " 3 times, AC unit gone out 2 times, dealership each and every time assures me that they have fixed the issue and it just keeps happening again. I no longer wish to have this car and I am actually working with Mazda corporate office to hopefully repurchase the car. I advise any one looking into getting this car please stay away its beautiful but if you love your family and don't want them in harms way please look into something else. It is not reliable and not worth your hard earned money. I will come back and update this review IF Mazda corp resolves my issue.
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New 2016 cx9 signature
Ike walton, 10/03/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Fantastic SUV. Don't let the 4cyl turbo dissuade you. More torque than competitors and uses Regular unleaded. Needs 3rd row climate control in Desert climate. Bose is spectacular. All safety features great except the City braking feature to sensitive at times. Ingress and egress to third row good , however 3rd row is not for adults . Power band on the low to mid range . Once more the 5k rpm power tapers off significantly. Outside styling is spectacular. 20 in wheels ride comfort is above average. Interior color scheme nice. Materials are soft and comfortable. Mpg initially 16 avg. but has improved to 20 combined. Hwy 26 is almost as rated. Overall the drivers choice for an SUV for sheer driving dynamics. Transmission is smooth as silk. Only the highlander and pilot come in around a 7/10 and 8/10 respectively. Mazda is 10/10. Mazda hit this out of the park. Extremely capable family hauler with style and pizzaz. It's obvious that at Mazda, driving matters!!
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Sporty family hauler
aswath80, 12/15/2017
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
CX-9 (2016 Grand-Touring AWD) is a nice family SUV that is very practical and fun to drive. I have driven 12k miles already and enjoy owing this SUV. Looks: This is definitely a great looking SUV and since I have started owning it, I have noticed it grabbing the attention of quite a few drivers on road. Space: We are a family of four with adults slightly less than 6ft. Front seating feels luxurious. I can position seats in all rows so that passengers in all 3 rows can have good leg room and are very comfortable. Some reviews talk about leg room in 3rd row being small but it is quite sufficient for kids and even for adults less than 6ft for long drives. Trunk space is large when 3rd row seats folded but with 3rd rows seats up, only small items can be carried in trunk. Interior Noise Levels: Mazda has done a great job in insulating the cabin very well from outside noise. Interior is noticeably quieter. Mazda could have done a slightly better job at insulating the interior from its own engine noise that is slightly more noticeable at lower gears when engine revs past 2000rpm. But once the engine settles at a cruising speed, the engine sound is hardly noticeable. Driving and Handling: This is one of the most loveable aspect of this SUV. It never felt like driving a big SUV either on city or on freeways, feels like driving a sporty sedan. Few reviews mentioned about the Mazda's hard steering and I used to think that soft to turn steering is good but later when driving cars of both type of steering I now appreciate why the steering that hardens with increasing speed is better. It gives much more confidence of vehicle stability in freeways where keeping your vehicle in lane feels much more easy and natural. The vehicle has no body roll whatsoever. When existing freeways with 360 degree turns, I can overtake a sedan in a 360 turn with the vehicle absolutely in control. Power and Acceleration: Lot of reviews talk about the initial acceleration when moving from stops. May be those were reviews by people who expect to see a turbo lag typically associated with the turbos. The initial pick is nothing special and of course the vehicle moves from stop as brisk as non-turbo sedans. What excites more about the acceleration is when the vehicle is past 35-40mph, especially on freeways, the way it pulls so linearly and cleanly without revving high. It is absolute pleasure to rev from 40mph all the way up to 75mph on freeways. I have overtaken any car that I wanted to, on the highway in this speed range. Fuel efficiency: This is bit of a disappointment based on what was advertised. I drive this car a lot in busy LA traffic and mpg gets as worse as 16mpg in city driving. The best I get is on freeways (Again, LA freeways are not really freeways anymore) where I have witnessed 24-26mpg. In a mixed driving conditions the best I get is anywhere between 19-21mpg. Safety and other features: Adaptive Cruise Control: Mazda has achieved near perfection in this. The radar based adaptive cruise control is very reliable and I use it all possible times. My previous sedan, when on cruise control and on a slope, would rev till red line pumping up my adrenaline and forcing me to cancel the cruise control and take control. But CX-9 scores best here where the acceleration and braking is so natural like the way an actual driver would drive. The cruise control is tuned so nicely that I get the best mpg when on adaptive cruise control. Automatic Braking: It has both city and highway automatic breaking. I have witnessed it working appropriately. The only concern here is that the automatic braking is an abrupt slam on the brakes, scaring passengers. Wish the braking is much more gently quick like the adaptive cruise control braking. Can definitely save you from a frontal collision. Sensitivity can be adjusted. Overhead display on front glass: Thought this is just a fancy feature but I am now so used to this display for speed limit checks and navigation. Very useful. Lane keep assist: Recognized lanes well as long as lane markings are visible and it does gently warn lane departures and it does bring back car on driving lane without overshooting and going on the otherwise. Nice job. When on freeways, turn on adaptive cruise control and adjust lane keep assist sensitivity, you may avoid an accident. Infotainment System: This is the bummer from Mazda. The initial software was too buggy and the system used to reboot every 5 miles. Even after 3 upgrades, the software is very slow. It does not crash anymore (hopefully) but it is still very slow and sometimes it plays audio without any display, not even the rear camera view. I stop and start the car to get the display back. Mazda should think about outsourcing this to someone who is good at writing software and they should focus on making good cars. Some complain about the placement of controls but I find it convenient and easy to use.
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Great New Model
Phillip Sherwood, 06/26/2016
updated 06/27/2017
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
More than satisfied with the makeover of the CX-9. Fun to drive. Handling is great. Just a quiet smooth ride. Very happy with this purchase. Still very happy with this vehicle (06-29-17).
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A FLop Instead of a Pop on Trim/Color Options
NanNan, 07/26/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
11 of 17 people found this review helpful
Have looked at every brand for a replacement second vehicle and are looking for comfort and ease of driving. Mazda has entered the higher end price market with the CX-9. In most repsects, it competes head-to-head with its comparably priced SUV rivals, some with 3rd row seating and others without it. The climate and infotainment controls and functions are the best/easiest we tested, and access to the 3rd row is excellent for its size. Handling and performance also get an "A". There are only a few things that keep it from being best of breed, all of which led to our not buying the vehicle. First, the interior color choices are limited across the exterior color pallate. Only black interior is offered for most exterior colors on the Grand Touring trim, including silver that is popular in this region. The Signature model (top of the line) is offered in very nice leather, but only in one, somewhat tackey, if not ugly, two-tone, color pallette. This makes the interior look cheap though the materials are not. The height and tilt range for the driver's power seat on the GT and Signature should be enlarged ( either in the existing 8-way or as a new 10 way), and the 4-way passenger power seat should be at least 8-way, like its Volvo, BMW, and America competitors. Heated/Cooled front seats would hit it out of the park. Last, there is no front parking assist. Front beepers would be ok, and a surround camera would be a plus and bring the CX-9 in line with its Asian competitors. With the Signature model selling for over $45K, Mazda has placed itself in a higher class with this SUV. The targeted market for this class of vehicle can afford, and should be given more interior/exterior color combinations at the Grand Touring and Signature levels and certainly more power seat positioning options. We hope Mozda will make some changes in this SUV so folks like us can buy one.
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Almost bought it
Anton S, 08/04/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 33 people found this review helpful
So I am looking to replace my small CRV second car to something bigger so my whole family can use it when we get tired of our Pilot. CX9 looked perfect on paper. After reviewing it online and seeing several on the roads I went to the dealership. I was ready to test drive it when I got behind the wheel and was very disappointing with the driver seat. It does not go low and far back enough. I am only 5 11 but the seat was way too high for me when doing elbow test. I also could not straighten my legs out all the way and was sitting with knee bend. I wanted to make this my commuter car but with that seat no way it might happen. May be my wife will be OK with it, but we switch a lot so it will be a no for me until its fixed. Update 8/7/2016 So I went back to the dealer and can confirm - the driver seat is not 8 way power seat. It is 6 way power seat with lumbar support. Lumbar usually does not count as a way power seat and goes on top of how many ways the seat is powered. The driver seat only goes up (whole seat) slides and back moves. It does not have front seat height adjustment. This is really disappointing since any 8 way power seat has front seat changing height with back remaining in same location.
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3rd Awesome CX-9
LAMissesMe, 09/30/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
new model - redesign is awesome, safety tech additions put it up with BWM, Audi, and Mercedes
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Best SUV ever
Fred Daniel, 01/23/2017
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought our CX9 Signature after looking at Toyota (Dated) and several others. I was impressed at the 4 cylinder 2.5 Turbo engine. It has more power and gets great gas mileage. This SUV is the best of both worlds. My wife loves to drive it and has plenty of room yet it is the right size for her. I on the other hand think it handles like a BMW 328i in steering and the way it drive son the road. Quick and responsive. I had a Toyota Tundra that my wife flat refused to drive. This CX9 is quiet inside and great looking on the outside as well as inside.
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Excellent quality at a reasonable cost
Stefano, 09/29/2016
updated 04/10/2023
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
High quality material comparable to luxury cars that will cost 20K more. Instrumentation is simple and useful for comfortable and safe driving. Smooth and fast acceleration.
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What a great drive!
Patrick H, 01/18/2017
updated 01/21/2020
2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Outstanding driving characteristics, especially for such a large (4,300-ish lb) vehicle. Snow/ice performance was just ok for all wheel drive, possibly a trade-off for handling due to wider tires. Strong performance in heavy rain at highway speeds. Note a creaking or groaning sound on the right rear suspension started around 9k miles--disconcerting enough that we've taken it off road trip duty pending resolution. I'll update after a trip to the dealer later today. Speaking of road trip, the CX-9 went on a 4,200 mile trip to Yellowstone and performed well on all fronts. Performance, comfort, mileage, and the turbo was a huge plus at altitude. Would likely buy again, pending a fix of the suspension noise. Update... suspension noise happily fixed, here is the timeline: the dealer was perfectly polite but didn't have a fix for the right rear suspension noise. They indicated the noise was already a known issue and were awaiting further direction from corporate. After a few more calls over a month, still no known repair. I called Mazda's customer experience center--first time I've contacted a manufacturer in 40 years of driving--and we made quick progress. The dealer called me within a week, had the cx-9 in for a new... strut?...a few days after that, and the issue resolved--6k miles now. You will have the initial 15+ minutes of phone hold time, but the call was what got momentum started. Very much appreciated. CX-9 continues to be an outstanding drive. If you are not the type who, deep inside, really just wants a computer to do all the driving, this is the car for you in its category. Update January 2020--zero repair $$ spent. The check engine started coming on at 35,000 miles with a couple of codes returned.... a software update stopped that, no charge at those miles. Would buy again if I could do over.
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Love our new cx9
Emily, 07/21/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
We are loving the new cx9. It's super comfortable, quiet, and has great handling. With two kids I wasn't sure whether we needed the third row, but we've used it many times already in the past month. It has lots of space but doesn't feel huge when you are driving. As a somewhat short person, the only downside is the front seat makes me slouch a tad. Otherwise really happy with the car
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Top-notch crafted car & pure driving athleticism
Auto Enthusiast, 04/09/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Thank you to all the consumer updates at edmunds.com, I've previously purchased my 2010 Mazda Cx-9 GT reading same site and then I've purchased again after reviewing 2016 bit used Mazda CX-9 and even tho it's now 1.5 yr old car when I purchased it's an amazing car. Lot better built then previous versions, almost felt like BMW level quality (I've another car is BMW), Love the all functions and advanced technology , did test drove other SUV's in its class like other folks I came back to Cx-9GT, kids love it so much that they will try keep it clean this car :-) .. Love it all along, Getting decent gas mileage for such huge 7pessanger car .. and on highway 75-80 you don't feel a thing.. Overall happy and recommend to folks..
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Need More Features for a $45K SUV
Mink70, 07/29/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 18 people found this review helpful
Considered this car for my wife and as a second car for trips. Agree with another reviewer that Mazda has produced a very good midsize SUV but has failed to add features that make the top trim models worth the $45K+ price. With a few changes, Mazda could hit it out of the park with the CX-9. The seat bottoms and back could could be a bit wider by falattening the side bolsters without widening the compartment. Can't understand why passenger seat is only 4-way on a SUV of this price. Need to have power 10--way driver and 8-way passenger adjustments. Heated and cooler front seats would be a selling point. There also is no heated steering wheel. Interior and exterior color combinations are limited in Grand Touring (no silver with light interior) and there's only one interior color for the Signature, whose leather is of high quality but a tacky color compared to its European competition. No front park assist (beeper) or surround camera like Japanese and Korean mfgs. On the other hand, access to 3rd seat is better than most in its class, the AC is excellent, the infotainment system is the best of breed, and overall handling and comfort is superior. Mazda may have limited its trim because the 2016 CX-9 is the first generation of this new model. Hopefully, the company will produce enough upgrades to actully justify its being considered an upscale midsize SUV.
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Zoom Zoom into luxury
Jason, 06/13/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
luxury,luxury,luxury super quiet cabin amazing technology great performance and mpg love this suv ...
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Lemon from day 1.
Jim, 04/14/2017
updated 04/16/2018
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
We purchased the CX9 Signature because of enhanced safety features, improved looks, and appealing level of creature comforts compared to our 2014 CX9 Grand Touring. WE OUR HAVING MAJOR REGRETS! Within less than 200 miles a large fluid leak from the rear axle area. Upon manufacturing they forgot to tighten rear differential plug...NICE! Still no assurances from dealer or manufacturer of no long term damage to rear end. Since about 3000 miles a very bad rattle in front drivers area, loose airbag mount! Most recently around 12000 miles, drive shaft has had to be replaced due to bad seal which was also leaking. Now, with just over 14000 miles, terrible wear and cupping on tires. All this with regular scheduled maintenance being performed as suggested by dealer and Mazda. Oh by the way, Mazda finally responds with ......"Sorry for your troubles here's $200 gift certificate." Look for another SUV option!! DUMPED THE VEHICLE AND TRADED FOR ANOTHER!!!
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Better than Pilot
Steve, 09/19/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great for 3rd row access with 2 car seats in 2nd row. Honda did not think of this for the pilot
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Watch out for narrow driving position
Harry, 12/11/2016
2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 22 people found this review helpful
I test drove the cx9 several times. I really wanted to like this car. The front of the car is just beautiful. The major reason why I did not purchase the car is the narrow driving position. The gas pedal is just too close to the wall. I hope the Mazda engineers can move it an inch to the left. The 4 cylinder engine is just OK. Highlander has the same MPG but with 6 cylinder engine. Hope Mazda can work a few things out to make this a great car! It is also too early to tell how reliable this engine is going to be for the long term. When I buy cars, I'd like to keep them for 10 years.
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