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Used 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV Review

More about the 2017 CX-9
More about the 2017 CX-9

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV.

5(75%)
4(25%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
4.8
4 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews

Outstanding vehicle for the price
L. Griffin,11/21/2017
Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
This SUV beats the competitors hands down when it comes to performance, technology and safety features. It is not that Mazda's competitors don't have those features, its just that they add many more dollars to the final cost. Mazda doesn't play that game. It is true that the Mazda has 4 different trims available but Mazda is very generous even at the base level. I have owned 1 Mercedes, 1 Audi, and 3 Infinities and after driving this SUV I no longer see the point in paying extra for those name plates. They were all wonderful cars but they were expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. This SUV is quiet and comfortable. It has great acceleration especially when you consider how big it is. It is going to be cheaper to maintain than my previous cars and not just a little cheaper but a lot cheaper. I did opt to get the extended warranty because this SUV comes with a lot of Tech and I plan on keeping it for a long time. I like the styling but I understand the look is not for everyone, but I have already received complements in parking lots.
So close to perfection.
Dave,05/14/2018
Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
So I had two great cars. A 2017 Mazda 3,2.5 manual that was my daily driver, and a 2014 Audi A7 which was my travel car. My wife has a 2016 Audi Q5 so we had a little of everything. We are moving to a new home on a gravel road and I knew I needed something with a little more height than either of my cars. I really have never liked SUV's, I went and drove the Porsche Macan but it did not float my boat for the cost. I looked at the Volvo's as well as the new Chevy Transverse. All were nice but I really did not get excited about any. I actually really liked my wife's Q5, but wanted something just a bit larger, but not a Q7. So I popped into the Mazda dealership and had a look at the CX-9. After a long drive I started to think this might be a good option. I drove a few other brands including the new VW, and finally decided I wanted the Mazda. I have had the vehicle for about 4 months and think I can now give a fair review. OK I am kinda of a car guy I've owned a lot of different brands, but very few Japanese. I just always thought they felt a little cheap. Not horrible but I just preferred German. I have to say the Mazda feels very high quality. The material for the most part are on par with the Q5, the leather is very nice. Doors shut with a very nice sound. Ride and comfort are great, probably a little smoother than the Q5, not a A7, but at about 45% the cost, a darn nice car. I like the looks, and I like the size. It handles very well to be off the ground. I just drove it on a 900 mile trip and just for fun used premium fuel going up and regular coming home. MPG was within 1 mile, 27.5 with premium 26.5 regular. Really no drivers fatigue at all. What I find amazing is it had more safety features and gizmo's than my 2014 A7, and they all worked well. I like the auto dimming headlights and active cruise control. So whats not to like.....In a word the infotainment system. It is really bad, the voice recognition is horrible, much worse than my 2017 3, the navigation is a PIA. Mazda just announced it was adding Apple Car Play and I can tell you it is really needed. I have a 2016 Chevy Work Truck with Car Play and it is hands down much better than what Mazda is using. I only hope I am able to upgrade to this system as Mazda says it will be available. Also the other area that is not so great is the automatic climate control, so far when it is hot, it just blows the air conditioner on high continuously. I'll mention this when I take the car in for it's first service, it may be just a simple adjustment. Would I buy again, short answer yes, long answer only if I was guaranteed I could get Car Play, its really needed that badly IMO.
Just what the SUV market needs
George Cupo,01/07/2018
Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I canvassed luxury and regular SUVs and the cx-9 was a top choice. Besides the Audi Q7 there are few SUVs that give you a very attractive exterior, high quality interior, advanced technology, and most importantly reliability. The interior is roomy and fits 2 large car seats with no problems. The safety technology and heads up display is fantastic and it will be hard to buy another car without it. I purchased the GT model and would highly recommend it. It’s not cheap and creeps into lower luxury price range but you get much more with it. The value is there for sure.
2017 CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
Shannon Dubisz,06/09/2017
Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Love it! Only reason I checked OK/NA is because I haven't had to resell or think about reselling yet so I don't know that answer.
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Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV

Pros & Cons

  • Sharp modern style inside and out, the CX-9 feels richer than its cost
  • Sporty handling makes it fun to drive
  • Comfortable interior remains quiet on the highway
  • Top-level Signature trim is on par with some luxury-brand competitors
  • Cargo capacity isn't as generous as competitors
  • Third-row seats aren't especially accommodating

Which CX-9 does Edmunds recommend?

We like the Grand Touring so much that we bought one. With 20-inch wheels and aluminum interior trim, it looks great, and it comes with several driver/safety aids such as collision warning and mitigation and lane departure intervention. But we chose the Grand Touring so we could report on multiple different features. We actually think a CX-9 Touring model with the optional Touring Premium package would satisfy most buyers. This configuration adds several of the Grand Touring's features — navigation, premium Bose audio, sunroof — and still costs less.

Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Mazda CX-9 SUV

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

Attractive inside and out, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is more than just a pretty face. Its three rows of seating and loaded feature list will satisfy a growing family's needs, but it's also a genuine pleasure to drive. It's one of the best three-row crossover SUVs out there.

The CX-9 delivers what most SUV owners really want: a high level of comfort and refinement, a lot of room and modern connected conveniences. In its top Signature trim level, the CX-9 even flirts with a look and feel that you'd expect of an Audi or Volvo. It's the most luxurious example in its class. That the CX-9 actually drives pretty well, that it's quick and alert when you bend it into a turn, is icing on the cake.

Taste being subjective, the CX-9 strikes one of the best poses among family SUVs. No safe, middle-of-the-road body design here. This is clean and windswept, with sharp edges and just-right proportions. It won't suit every buyer, but it's a standout look. Inside and around that striking shape is plenty of safety and connected tech (dial-controlled navigation/entertainment system, rearview camera, automatic emergency braking) and an interior highlighted by leather, aluminum and rosewood accents, depending on trim level.

The CX-9 also returns impressive fuel economy for its size, at 25 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, 23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. We actually achieved a little better — 24.4 mpg — in our mixed-driving evaluation loop.

The CX-9 makes some compromises, however. At around 72 cubic feet with second- and third-row seats folded, cargo capacity isn't as cavernous as others in the class and its third row isn't especially accommodating either, at least not compared to a competitor like the Honda Pilot. These are the trade-offs for the impeccable style we lauded earlier. But overall, the CX-9 delivers an all-around package that makes it one of the best three-row SUVs around.

Notably, we picked the Mazda CX-9 as one of Edmunds' Best Used SUVs for 2017.

What's it like to live with?

To learn more about the Mazda CX-9 of this generation, read about our editors' experiences from a full year and 20,000 miles of driving a 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. We found the CX-9 to be one of the most fun and best-looking SUVs around, but its cargo space might not be enough for some shoppers.

2017 Mazda CX-9 models

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that seats seven passengers, available in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature trim levels. The Sport covers the basics and a bit more (Bluetooth, rearview camera, three-zone climate control), while the Touring tacks on leather seating and driver aids such as blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Grand Touring models add more driver/safety aids, adaptive cruise control and classier touches inside and out. With upgraded leather and rosewood trim, the Signature model borders on luxury status.

Like all CX-9 trims, the Sport comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 310 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Standard features on the Sport include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a six-way manually adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding second-row seats, 50/50-split folding third-row seats, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Mazda's Connect infotainment system with 7-inch display, and a six-speaker sound system.

The Touring adds heated mirrors, a power liftgate with adjustable height stops, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, low-speed emergency braking (Smart City Brake Support), heated front seats, leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (four-way front passenger seat), an 8-inch infotainment display and two USB ports in the second-row center armrest.

The Grand Touring trim further dresses things up with 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED foglights, automatic wipers, roof rails, a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors, upgraded frontal collision warning and mitigation systems, a head-up display, driver-seat memory functions, retractable sunshades for the middle-row seats, aluminum interior trim, additional interior lighting, a navigation system, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and satellite radio.

At the top of the range is the Signature trim that adds exterior LED accent lighting, premium leather upholstery and rosewood interior trim. All-wheel drive is standard on the Signature.

Some of the features on higher trims are available on supporting models as options.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of a 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature (turbo 2.5L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

Driving

4.5
The Mazda CX-9 is one of those vehicles that earns the "it drives like a smaller car" description. It feels more athletic than competitors on a winding road and is more maneuverable in trickier confines. The turbocharged engine has enough power to satisfy most drivers.

Acceleration

4.0
Plentiful power and sharp response off the line. The CX-9 has no trouble passing slower traffic, and it easily accelerates up to speed when merging onto a highway. Power tapers off as the engine nears redline, so our 0-60 mph run took 7.3 seconds — about average for this class.

Braking

4.5
The brakes feel firm, dependable and easy to modulate in everyday driving. And the CX-9 proved to be quite controllable in our simulated-panic stop test, during which it needed just 115 feet to stop from 60 mph — an admirably short stop for a three-row crossover SUV.

Steering

5.0
The CX-9 has good straight-ahead stability on the highway and delivers crisp response when turning. Maintains a good sense of connection with the driver, and steering effort builds nicely as it bends into corners. Excellent among SUVs and better than some sedans.

Handling

4.0
Feels eager and nimble on mountain roads. You might notice a bit of body roll in long corners because of the CX-9's high-ish SUV driving position, but it builds gradually and the chassis remains secure and settled throughout. The overall feel is one of confidence.

Drivability

5.0
The CX-9 moves out quickly when you press on the accelerator, yet the pedal is smooth and easy to regulate. Smart-shifting transmission executes smooth shifts that are made quickly when they need to be.

Comfort

4.0
Whether you're just commuting or taking a long road trip, the CX-9 delivers an impressive degree of comfort thanks to a smooth ride, quiet cabin and well-sculpted seats. Our test car's air-conditioning was mediocre, but we're not yet certain if this early test sample is representative.

Seat comfort

4.0
We found the front seats to be well-shaped and supportive over many hours of touring. The sliding and reclining second-row seats proved just as accommodating. But the third row's low cushion and tight headroom limit its appeal.

Ride comfort

4.0
Past Mazda SUVs have generally been tuned for stiff sportiness, but the CX-9 is more focused on comfort and luxury. It smooths out road imperfections exceptionally well, but we did encounter some residual rebounds after rolling over moderate-sized lumps and bumps.

Noise & vibration

5.0
This is one quiet highway cruiser. Wind and road noise is silenced to levels we're accustomed to (not) hearing in luxury vehicles. The level of quietness might have made a few minor creaks from the center console seem louder than they were. (Note: Our test car was a preproduction sample.)

Climate control

2.5
On hot days our CX-9's automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin as cool as we liked. The lack of available ventilated seats was a particular problem because the leather didn't seem to breathe as much as we're used to.

Interior

5.0
Pretty much everything about the CX-9's interior feels right and thoughtfully designed. This is a new benchmark for non-luxury SUVs, and other manufacturers should take notes on how Mazda makes the most of available space and how quality components all contribute to a favorable impression.

Ease of use

5.0
Most major controls are logically placed and easy to use. The infotainment system's main control knob is easily one of the best we've encountered. It is placed where your hand normally rests, the screen is right in your sightline, response is quick and the menus are intuitive.

Getting in/getting out

4.0
Access to the front and middle-row seats is easy thanks to tall openings and no obstructions. In tight spots, the relatively short doors allow them to open wide so you don't have to squeeze in. Third-row access does require a short but inelegant crawl.

Driving position

5.0
Enough space and seat adjustments ensure that just about anyone can find a comfortable driving position. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel has enough travel to please taller drivers, and armrests are right where they should be to provide appropriate support.

Roominess

4.0
The CX-9 feels larger inside than its exterior suggests, and its front and middle rows easily accommodate larger passengers. The third row has enough space to avoid causing claustrophobia, but a low cushion and tight headroom make it best suited for kids and smaller adults.

Visibility

3.5
Generous forward and side visibility, but thickish front roof pillars can obstruct the view somewhat through tight turns. The rear view is compromised by broad rear pillars and a small rear window, but it's no worse than in a typical SUV in its class.

Quality

5.0
The Signature trim makes use of interior materials that are usually reserved for premium luxury vehicles. Every surface has a solid, quality feel, the gaps are uniform and tight, and the paint looks fantastic. This is as nice an SUV as you'll get in the class.

Utility

3.5
The CX-9 doesn't hold as much cargo as competing SUVs. But thoughtful design makes it easy to live with, and growing families should find adequate space for their stuff. Few people tow with SUVs in this class, so the fact that the CX-9 doesn't lead in this area might not be of concern.

Small-item storage

4.0
You'll find numerous interior storage cubbies for your personal items. The door pockets are good-sized and have indents that hold large water bottles.

Cargo space

3.0
We found the CX-9's cargo capacity to be sufficient at 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row and 71.2 cubic feet with all the seats folded, but others in the class offer more. On the plus side, it has a flat cargo floor that makes it easy to load bulky items.

Towing

3.0
Towing capacity maxes out at 3,500 pounds, which is on the low side of average among competing three-row SUVs. The Class II hitch and wiring harness are sold together as an after-purchase accessory.

Technology

5.0
Mazda took a page from the German luxury playbook by incorporating a dial-based infotainment interface, and it's one of the better systems at any price. Likewise, the active-safety driver aids it offers seem to be well-tuned to avoid an abundance of false alarms.

Audio & navigation

5.0
The Bose stereo (standard on Grand Touring trim and above) delivers clear and powerful audio. And the audio and navigation interface is one of the best in the industry thanks to its sharp and well-placed screen, thoughtful menu structure, and a controller that's easy to learn and use.

Smartphone integration

4.0
Smartphones are easy to pair and quick to be recognized on startup. There are also plenty of USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged. Unfortunately Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.

Driver aids

5.0
Advanced safety features such as forward collision warning and lane keeping assist are well-tuned to areas with heavy traffic. False alarms are rare, and the systems function as expected when needed.

Voice control

4.0
Voice recognition is accurate, and on-screen prompts simplify use. Using voice commands to enter an address is as easy as with any other system.

Edmunds Insurance Estimator

The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Mazda CX-9 in Virginia is:

$63.50 per month*
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