Attractive inside and out, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is more than just a pretty face — it's a generously sized, feature-laden SUV that actually elevates the typical three-row family shuttle with a quick and sporty driving character. Make no mistake: This is not a "sport" SUV like you might find from Infiniti, BMW or Audi, but instead a large car with Mazda's traditional emphasis on sporty driving baked in.
The 2017 CX-9 is offered in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature trim levels. The Sport covers the basics and then some, starting with the same robust turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission found on all CX-9 models, plus a 7-inch infotainment display screen, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and a rearview camera. An optional Sport package adds a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats and heated door mirrors. The Sport is a fine deal if you just want big family transportation with minimal frills.
It's a big price jump up to the Touring model, but you do get more features for the money, including leather upholstery, a power liftgate, an 8-inch infotainment display and several advanced driver safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and low-speed automatic braking. A Touring Premium package adds a navigation system, a premium audio system, and rear parking sensors, among other items.
There's another healthy price jump to the Grand Touring model, which adds the optional Touring equipment along with adaptive ("bending") headlights, a sunroof, roof rails, upgraded interior trim and more driver safety features. If you like the peace of mind from the additional driver safety features or just want a touch more luxury (retractable sunshades for middle row passengers, anyone?), the Grand Touring is the way to go.
But if you want to go all-in on the luxury touches, the Signature is the only choice. It's the priciest of the bunch and rivals some European models for overall look and feel, for many thousands less than even those Euro base models. The Signature is where you'll find premium leather, rosewood interior trim, LED accent lighting inside and out, and standard all-wheel drive. You'll need to sit and test-drive one to decide if it's worth that much more than the Grand Touring, but if you typically like to max out on the details, the Signature is the way to go.
Compared to other three-row SUVs, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 sits in the middle to upper-middle area of the price range, but you do get a lot of bang for your buck and impressive fit and finish that really approaches the level of more expensive SUVs. When you're ready to take a closer look, let Edmunds help guide you to your perfect choice.
Is the 2017 Mazda CX-9 a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 CX-9 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2017 Mazda CX-9?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 CX-9 4.9 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 CX-9.
Vehicle
Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Review
I used to have a Volvo XC90 (for 10 years) but when it came time to replace, I needed to expand my horizons due to cost. A friend owns and loves the Mazda CX-9, so I took a test drive. My SO fell in love immediately. It took a little longer for me to come around, but for a turbo engine the car really moves. It has great styling (everyone around my office has complimented me) and the interior is beautifully crafted. The drivers seat is a little smaller than my previous SUV, and the actual cargo room is practically nil (without folding down the third row) but I love that the second row reclines and shifts in 2 pieces, making it very adaptable for my family. Gas mileage to date appears to be in range, although lower than I originally projected/anticipated. Overall I'm pleased with my purchase.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Mazda CX-9
How can Edmunds help?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
What options are available on the 2017 Mazda CX-9?
Available Mazda CX-9 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: Grand Touring, Touring, Sport, Signature
Exterior Colors: Jet Black Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Brilliant Black Clearcoat, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Liquid Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Meteor Gray Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Stormy Blue Mica, Dolphin Gray Mica, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Blue Reflex Mica, Soul Red Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Copper Red Mica, Meteor Gray, Sparkling Black Mica, Zeal Red Mica, Liquid Platinum Metallic, Black Cherry Mica, Galaxy Gray Mica, Zeal Red Mica (Late Availability)
Interior Colors: Black leather, Sand leather, Black cloth, Auburn premium leather, Sand cloth
Popular Features: Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Third-row seating, Tire Pressure Warning, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Inputs, Power Driver Seat, Heated seats, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Trip Computer, AWD/4WD, Leather Seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Back-up camera, Power Liftgate/Trunk, USB Inputs, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Navigation, Parking sensors, Post-collision safety system, Keyless Entry/Start, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-collision safety system, Upgraded Stereo, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Heads up display, Alarm, Rear Entertainment System, Towing Hitch, Remote Start, Upgraded Engine
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
