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2021 Mazda CX-9

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Make
Mazda
Model
CX-9
Year
2021
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Used Car Price Range
$24,977 - $35,975
$24,977 $35,975
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 Sport 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility
most popular
Price:   -  From $34,160
2021 Touring 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $35,950
2021 Sport 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $36,060
2021 Touring 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $37,850
2021 Carbon Edition 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $41,280
2021 Grand Touring 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $42,140
2021 Carbon Edition 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $43,180
2021 Grand Touring 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $44,040
2021 Signature 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $46,805
Expert Rating
3.3

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

What's New

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 lineup gains a Carbon Edition model with sporty styling elements and a distinctive color scheme. The base Sport receives a 10.25-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, bringing it inline with the other trims.

The current CX-9 debuted in 2016 and received a refresh last year.

Choosing Your Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 now comes in five trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Carbon Edition, and Signature. Pricing starts at $35,060 including destination for the base Sport model and climbs to $47,705 for the Signature.

Engine Choices

Every CX-9 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. With regular gas, output drops to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission does the shifting.

All-wheel drive costs $1,900 on all trims except the Signature, where it's standard.

EPA estimates for front-wheel-drive models are 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 combined. With AWD, efficiency slips to 20/26/23 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The CX-9 is a midsize, three-row crossover with seating for seven, or six with the available second-row captain's chairs, which are standard on the Carbon Edition and Signature and available on the Touring and Grand Touring.

Cargo capacity is average for a vehicle of this size. There's 14.4 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and 38.2 cubic feet with it folded. With both back rows down, the CX-9 can handle up to 71.2 cubic feet of cargo.

Mazda CX-9

Safety Features

The CX-9 comes with a comprehensive suite of safety technology – all standard. Every example gets adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

Front and rear parking sensors are available on the Touring in the $2,060 Premium Package. They're standard on the Carbon Edition, along with rear automatic braking and driver alertness monitoring. The Grand Touring and Signature also carry a surround-view camera.

Connectivity

The standard infotainment system features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, six speakers, two front USB ports, HD radio, a wi-fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Touring picks up two USB ports for the second row. The available Premium Package brings a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless device charging, two third-row USB ports, and satellite radio. All of these features are standard starting with the Carbon Edition. Navigation is exclusive to the Grand Touring and Signature.

Mazda CX-9

Sport - From $35,060

The Sport comes fully equipped with popular features, including heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, push button start, rain-sensing wipers, rear privacy glass, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The exterior carries full LED lighting, a body-color rear spoiler, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Touring - From $36,850

The Touring adds leather upholstery, a six-way power passenger seat, a power liftgate, and an auto-dimming rearview mirrors with integrated garage door opener.

The Touring Premium Package ($2,060) includes a sunroof, LED fog lights, and second-row sunshades. Captain's chairs can be added to the package at no cost.

Carbon Edition - From $42,180

The new Carbon Edition comes standard with the equipment from the Touring Premium Package and captain's chairs, plus ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free power liftgate, a windshield wiper de-icer, paddle shifters, automatic power-folding side mirrors, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster.

The exterior receives Polymetal Gray paint, black trim, roof rails, 20-inch black wheels, and adaptive headlights. Inside are red leather seats, black trim, and LED accent lighting.

Grand Touring - From $43,040

The Grand Touring is equipped like the Carbon Edition, but without its unique design elements. The Grand Touring gets 20-inch silver-finish wheels, plus the navigation system and surround-view camera.

Signature - From $47,705

The all-wheel-drive only Signature offer a truly luxurious interior with quilted Nappa leather upholstery, patterned aluminum and rosewood trim, and heated buttons and cupholders on the second-row console. Exterior tweaks include bright-finish 20-inch wheels, enlarged tailpipe openings, and LED grille lighting.

Compare CX-9 Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The price difference between the Sport and Touring is small enough for us to recommend starting your build with the Touring. Value starts to drop off with the subsequent 2021 Mazda CX-9 trims, but they're certainly worth a look for buyers who might otherwise choose a luxury brand.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Plenty of power
  • Luxurious cabin in higher trims
  • Sporty and refined design
  • Large infotainment screen
Cons
  • Clunky infotainment system
  • Tight third row
  • High cargo floor limits room
  • A touch of turbo lag
Expert Rating
3.3

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

A three-row crossover that really isn’t. The crossover segment has logic to it. There are subcompacts and compacts for those looking for a small vehicle, and three-row models for those with larger families.

And we understand, the three-row 2021 Mazda CX-9 exists to fill that latter gap, but it’s really more of a 2.75-row crossover, as the rear seats are tiny. Plus, its design limits its cargo room. It’s tight third row and cargo area negate two key benefits of these larger crossovers.

That said, the CX-9 has a lot of good to offer.

Potent powertrain but noticeable turbo lag. The CX-9’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out just 227 horsepower, putting below virtually every competitor. However, its 310 pound-feet of torque gives it the low-end punch needed to hang with the 310-hp Chevrolet Traverse and 295-hp Toyota Highlander in acceleration.

This boosted four-cylinder also delivers a muscular growl at full throttle, adding to the dramatics that make it feel faster than it is and help hide its relatively noticeable turbo lag. Once the turbo spools up, though, the CX-9 feels plenty competent.

Where the CX-9 shines the brightest is its combination of comfort and handling. It not only absorbs bumps nicely, even with the 20-inch wheels on higher trims, but it also handles corners confidently.

Mazda CX-9

Stunning inside and out, but that infotainment system… As with most Mazda models, the CX-9 has a broad array of offerings, ranging from relatively simple to borderline luxury. Regardless of the trim level you pick, you’ll get the CX-9’s incredible outward design that stands out in a crowd.

Inside, the CX-9’s design looks great in all trims thanks to its thick-rimmed steering wheel, angular air vents, tasteful metallic trim, and sleek dash with a standard 10.3-inch infotainment screen perched atop it. The CX-9 is at its best in the Signature trim, which features quilted-leather seating, second-row captain’s chairs with a center console, a premium Bose audio system, and more.

While its now-standard 10.3-inch infotainment screen is a standout feature, and the system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this setup is otherwise awful. That fancy new screen isn’t a touchscreen, leaving you to control the entire system, including smartphone integration, with a frustrating cursor.

The Traverse, Highlander, Subaru Ascent, and Volvo XC90 all have smaller standard screens, ranging from 6.5 to 8 inches, but they’re all far less distracting touchscreens.

Roomy first and second row, but limited cargo room. The CX-9 has comfortable and roomy first-row seats, and the second-row seats offer plenty of room for adults and kids. While the second row’s 39.4 inches of leg room is ample and beats the Traverse (38.4 inches), Ascent (38.6 inches), and XC90 (37 inches), you may want to skip sitting three adults across the bench.

However, with just 29.7 inches of third-row leg room, squeezing anyone other than a small child into the back-back seat borders on cruel and unusual punishment. If you intend to use the third row regularly, you may prefer the extra leg room in the Traverse (33.5 inches), Ascent (31.7 inches), or XC90 (31.9 inches).

The CX-9 is plenty long enough to haul long cargo – we carried a rolled-up 9-foot rug with room to spare – but its raked glass and high cargo floor limit its overall cargo room to 11.2 cubic feet with all the seats up, 49.6 cubes with the third row folded, and 64.1 with all the rear seats folded. These measurements are minuscule compared to the Traverse (23 to 98.2 cubic), Ascent (17.8 to 86.5), and Highlander (16 to 84.3).

Final thoughts. For buyers seeking a unique crossover with stunning styling and a luxurious feel on a budget, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is a great pick. It boasts striking good looks and a cabin that feels like a luxury rig in its higher trims.

However, buyers who plan to use their three-row crossover as a people and cargo hauler have far roomier options, including the Traverse, Ascent, and Highlander.

Check prices for the 2021 Mazda CX-9 »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 227 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
22 / 28 / 25 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 227 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
22 / 28 / 25 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
19.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$73
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
71.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
135 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
199.4 "
Exterior Width
77.5 "
Exterior Height
67.6 "
Front Headroom
39.3 "
Rear Headroom
38.5 "
Front Legroom
41.0 "
Rear Legroom
39.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
58.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,236 Lbs.
Wheel Base
115 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Gray Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored / Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Metal-look
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
(6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Smart City Brake Support (scbs) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Monitoring (bsm) Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning System (ldws) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Smart Brake Support (sbs) W/pedestrian Detection Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Control (hbc) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2021 Mazda CX-9 for Sale

14 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Mazda
Grand Touring
Color: Black
Price

$24,977

Mileage

60,966 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group - Garden Grove (30 mi)

Phone: (855) 976-5827
Mazda
Sport
Color: Gray
Price

$27,488

Mileage

31,883 mi

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Toyota of Huntington Beach (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 594-5616
Mazda
Grand Touring
Color: Blue
Price

$27,509

Mileage

36,869 mi

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Anaheim Hyundai (31 mi)

Phone: (714) 956-1820
Mazda
Sport
Color: Blue
Price

$27,998

Mileage

22,860 mi

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Penske Chevrolet of Cerritos (18 mi)

Phone: (562) 924-1676
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