Mazda CX-9 used buyer's guide: generations, engines, towing and mpg

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row midsize SUV sold in the U.S. from the 2007 through 2023 model years, when the CX-90 replaced it. The 2016–2023 second generation uses a 2.5L turbo four (250 hp on premium); the 2007–2015 first generation used a 3.5L, then 3.7L, V6. Towing tops out at 3,500 lbs.

Type
Three-row, seven-seat midsize crossover SUV
Powertrains
CX-9 2.5 Turbo (2023), CX-9 3.7L V6 (2015, AWD) · 250–273 hp
Towing
up to 3,500 lb (2023 CX-9 (Mazda spec deck). On the 2013 V6, 3,500 lbs required the Grand Touring Towing Prep Package; FWD models were rated 2,000 lbs.)[5]
Current generation
Second generation, 2016–2023

Mazda CX-9 engines, horsepower and mpg

The 2023 CX-9 ran $38,750–$48,460 before destination. The 2016 launch release quoted 310 lb-ft on either fuel grade; the 2023 release gives 320 lb-ft on premium.

Mazda CX-9 powertrains with Mazda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
CX-9 2.5 Turbo (2023)Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo four-cylinder (250 hp/320 lb-ft on 93 octane; 227 hp/310 lb-ft on 87)[1][2]2503206-speed automatici-Activ AWD (standard for 2023)20/26/232023 MY[2]
CX-9 3.7L V6 (2015, AWD)MZR 3.7L V6 (273 hp at 6,250 rpm, 270 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm, 2013 rating)[3][4]2732706-speed automaticAWD (FWD also offered)16/22/192015 MY[4]

Output is as rated by Mazda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

What replaced the CX-9?

Mazda discontinued the CX-9 in the U.S. after the 2023 model year and named the 2024 CX-90 as the next step. The CX-90 moves to a rear-biased large platform with an inline-six turbo and a plug-in hybrid, and raises maximum towing to 5,000 lbs.[9][10][11]

The CX-9 2.5T engine

Mazda developed the Skyactiv-G 2.5T for the 2016 CX-9. Its Dynamic Pressure Turbo changes how exhaust pulses reach the turbine at low rpm, and cooled EGR lets it run a 10.5:1 compression ratio on regular fuel. The EPA rates the 2021 AWD CX-9 and the 2023 model at 20/26/23 mpg.[7][4][2]

Mazda CX-9 generations by year

Every US Mazda CX-9 generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Second generation2016–2023Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (250 hp on 93 octane / 227 hp on 87; 310–320 lb-ft); 6-speed automatic; FWD or AWD until AWD became standardDebuted at the 2015 Los Angeles show as the last Mazda in North America to switch to Skyactiv technology, introducing the 2.5T with its Dynamic Pressure Turbo. It went on sale in June 2016 from $31,520. For 2023 i-Activ AWD was standard and prices ran $38,750–$48,460; Mazda then discontinued it.[6][7][8][1][9]
First generation2007–20153.5L V6 (2007); 3.7L V6 from 2008 (273 hp, 270 lb-ft); 6-speed automaticMazda's first three-row crossover, introduced in 2006, won 2007 North American Truck of the Year. EPA lists a 3.5L V6 for 2007 and a 3.7L from 2008; the 2013 refresh added Kodo design cues.[6][3][4]

Mazda CX-9 problems and recalls

The most serious documented Mazda CX-9 problem is the Takata passenger air bag inflator on 2007–2015 models; Mazda told owners of unrepaired vehicles not to drive them. First-generation CX-9s also have a front ball joint corrosion recall. The 2016–2023 second generation has fuel pump, wiring harness and second-row seat recalls. Mazda ended the CX-9 after 2023.

Documented Mazda CX-9 issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875)[12]2nd gen (2016–2023)2018–2019Recall 21V875
Wiring harness connectors can disable air bag, signals or starting (recall 19V403)[13]2nd gen (2016–2023)2018Recall 19V403
Second-row bench can slide forward in a crash (recall 21V750)[14]2nd gen (2016–2023)2020–2021 (60/40 bench)Recall 21V750
Takata passenger air bag inflators: do-not-drive advisory (recalls 17V429, 17V457, 18V018, 18V717)[15][16][17][18][19][20]1st gen (2007–2015)2007–2015Recall 17V429
Front ball joints can corrode from water intrusion (recall 15V451)[21]1st gen (2007–2015)2007–2014Recall 15V451
Power seat harness can short against a bracket (recall 09V066)[22]1st gen (2007–2015)2007–2009Recall 09V066

All 6 documented CX-9 issues and 6 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Mazda CX-9.

More CX-9 research

See how a CX-9 was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Mazda CX-9 made?

It was sold in the U.S. for the 2007 through 2023 model years.

Why was the CX-9 discontinued?

Mazda ended U.S. CX-9 sales after 2023 as it introduced the larger, more powerful CX-90.

How much can a Mazda CX-9 tow?

Mazda rates the 2023 CX-9 at 3,500 lbs. On the first generation, 3,500 lbs required the Towing Prep Package.

What engine is in the CX-9?

2016–2023 models use a 2.5L turbo four (250 hp on premium, 227 hp on regular). 2007–2015 models used a V6.

What mpg does a CX-9 get?

The EPA rates the 2023 CX-9 AWD at 20 mpg city, 26 highway and 23 combined.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Mazda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2023 Mazda CX-9 Pricing and Packaging (Aug 30, 2022) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  2. 2023 Mazda CX-9 fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. 2013 Mazda CX-9 press kit — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  4. Mazda CX-9 fuel economy, 2007–2023 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. 2023 Mazda CX-9 Specifications (spec deck) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  6. Mazda US History timeline — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  7. Mazda's All-New CX-9 to Feature New 2.5-liter Direct-Injection Turbocharged Gasoline Engine — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  8. 2016 Mazda CX-9 Priced from $31,520 MSRP (Mar 17, 2016) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  9. Mazda CX-9 Discontinuation (Jun 30, 2023) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  10. Mazda Debuts First-Ever 2024 Mazda CX-90 (Jan 31, 2023) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  11. 2027 Mazda CX-90: Pricing and Packaging (Oct 27, 2026) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
  12. NHTSA recall 21V875000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
  13. NHTSA recall 19V403000: Weak Retention Force of Wiring Harness Connectors — NHTSA
  14. NHTSA recall 21V750000: Seat May Slide Forward in a Crash/FMVSS 210 — NHTSA
  15. NHTSA recall 17V429000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  16. NHTSA recall 17V457000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  17. NHTSA recall 18V018000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  18. NHTSA recall 18V717000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  19. NHTSA recall 19V782000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  20. Mazda Issues DO NOT DRIVE Advisory for Remaining Open Takata Frontal Air Bag Recalls (Aug. 13, 2024) — Mazda USA News
  21. NHTSA recall 15V451000: Corrosion of Front Suspension Ball Joint — NHTSA
  22. NHTSA recall 09V066000: POWER ADJUSTABLE SEAT POSITION MEMORY FUNCTION — NHTSA

More Mazda tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.