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2012 Mazda CX-9

Rating8.1

Ranked #4 in Midsize Suv

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Starting MSRP 

$29,725 - $35,125

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Key Spec of 2012 Mazda CX-9
fuel economy

17/20/24

fuel type

regular unleaded

horsepower

273 hp @ 6250 rpm

basic warranty

3 yr./ 36000 mi.

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2012 Mazda CX-9 Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures

Updated on: December 28, 2021

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor

The Mazda CX-9 is a known name in the mid-size crossover market. It was launched in 2006 and was given styling updates in the year 2010. For the 2012 model, the Mazda CX-9 retains its nimble road manners with a spacious interior for seven passengers. It also gets several advanced technologies and convenience features. It also received a 2011 Editor’s Choice Award for being a well-balanced package. 

2012 Mazda CX-9 Latest Updates

  • May' 5, 2022 : The Top 10 Fastest Mazda Cars Ever Made Read More »
  • Apr' 7, 2022 : The Best Gas Mileage 3 Row SUVs In 2022 Read More »
  • Apr' 6, 2022 : Mazda Hikes Prices Of Five Models By $300-$350 From April 2022 Read More »
See detailed review
ProsConsWhat's New

Good performance

Larger 20-inch alloy wheels give a stiff ride 

No major changes

Stylish cabin 

Lower cargo space

Well-built 

Lower efficiency as compared to rivals

Over All Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Pricing and Features6.00
Pricing and Feature9.00
Features8.00
Engine and Performance8.40
Fuel Economy8.40
Interior7.90
Exterior8.00
Safety8.80
Competition7.00
Notable Rankings

#4 in Midsize Suv

#5 in Suv

Pictures & Videos

Exterior [6]Interior [5]
2012 Mazda CX-9 exterior
2012 Mazda CX-9 exterior
2012 Mazda CX-9 exterior
2012 Mazda CX-9 exterior
2012 Mazda CX-9 exterior
2012 Mazda CX-9 exterior

Trims

Sport$29,725 onwards

  • 18-inch silver aluminum Wheels
  • 50-50 split-bench Third row seats
  • ABS and driveline Traction control
  • Cloth Seat trim
  • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
  • Rear air conditioning with controls
  • Remote keyless entry
Build Car

Touring$31,645 onwards

  • Driver Lumbar support
  • Front passengers heated-cushion
  • Heated mirrors
  • Leather Seat trim
Build Car

Grand Touring$33,735 onwards

  • 20-inch silver aluminum Wheels
  • Front Fog/driving lights
  • Rain sensing windsheild wiper
Build Car

Colors and Styles

2012 Mazda CX-9 in Crystal White color
Crystal White

Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

The price for the Sport trim starts at $29,725 and goes up to $33,735 for the top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim. All the trims offer luxury grade interiors and agile performance that the Mazdas are known for. It faces competition from the likes of Dodge Durango, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Honda Pilot. 

Features
8.0/10

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is available in three trims namely the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. All the trims are equipped with the same V-6 engine and it offers decent fuel economy. The trims are available in FWD configuration as standard and AWD is available as an optional feature. The CX-9 is a three-row SUV and is known for well-built interiors and practicality. 

Trims 

Sport 

Touring 

Grand Touring 

MSRP (FWD)

$29,725

$31,645

$33,735

MSRP (AWD)

$31,115

$33,035

$35,125

Key Features 

3.7L V-6 engine 

Adds to or upgrades to the Sport trim

Adds to or upgrades to the Touring trim
 

Remote keyless entry

Heated mirrors

Xenon headlights and foglights 
 

Full power accessories

Automatic headlamps

Wooden interior accents 
 

Leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Heated front seats with power adjustment 

Rain-sensing windshield wipers 
 

Three-zone automatic climate control

Leather-trimmed upholstery 

Keyless ignition and entry 
 

18-inch alloy wheels

  

Wooden interior accents 

Which trim should you buy?

We would suggest the Touring trim, as it gets most of the features of the Grand Touring trim and also costs about $ 2,100 less than it. It comes with many features like automatic headlights, heated front seats with power adjustments, heated seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery.

Engine and Performance
8.4/10

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 3.7L V-6 engine producing about 273 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that is refined and comes with FWD as standard. The performance of the engine is good, especially when considering its size. It does a 0-60 mph sprint in about 7.7 seconds. It can also be had in AWD configuration by paying about $1400 extra. 

Models(2012)

Mazda CX-9 

Dodge Durango

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 

Honda Pilot 

MSRP

$29,725

$28,995

$29,225

$28,620

Engine

3.7liter V-6

3.6liter V-6

3.5liter V-6

3.5liter V-6

Transmission

6-speed automatic

5-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

5-speed Automatic

Horsepower

273 hp @ 6,250 rpm

290 hp @ 6,400 rpm

276 hp @ 6,400 rpm

250 hp @ 5,700 rpm

Torque

270 lb.-ft. @ 4,250 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm

248 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm

0-60 mph (seconds)

7.7

7.6

7.4

7.9

Quarter mile drag (seconds)

15.6

15.8

15.7

16.2

Top Speed

118

135

124

112

The CX-9 comes with the largest engine of the lot but produces much less firepower compared to the competition. The Dodge Durango comes with a slightly smaller engine but produces the maximum power at 290hp. It does a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.6 seconds, just 0.1 seconds less than the CX-9. The Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe do a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.9 seconds and 7.4 seconds respectively.

Fuel Economy
8.4/10

The 2012 CX-9 is equipped with the largest engine of the lot and delivers acceptable fuel efficiency. It gives 17 mpg, 24 mpg, and 21 mpg, in the city, on the highway, and in combined driving conditions. With a fuel tank capacity of 20.1 gallons, it can offer a range of 342 miles, 482 miles, and 422 miles, in the city, on the highway, and in combined driving conditions.

Models(2012)

Mazda CX-9 

Dodge Durango

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 

Honda Pilot 

City (mpg) 

17

16

20

18

Highway (mpg)

24

23

26

25

Combined (mpg)

21

20

23

22

Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)

20.1

24.6

18.8

21.0

Range(City/Highway/Combined) in miles 

342/482/422

394/566/492

376/489/432

378/525/462

The Durango is less efficient than the competition but owing to a larger fuel tank of 24.6 gallons, it offers a range of 492 miles in mixed driving conditions. The Hyundai Santa Fe is the most fuel-efficient averaging but offers a range of 432 in combined conditions owing to a smaller fuel tank. The Honda Pilot can travel about 462 miles on a full tank of gas in combined driving conditions.

Interior
7.9/10

The interior of the Mazda CX-9 is quite elegant as compared to the competition. The good thing is that many of the creature comforts are given in the CX-9 as standard. The dashboard is well laid out and all the functions are within the driver’s reach. The waterfall motif on the doors and the center of the dashboard look unique and grant a premium look to the cabin. The seats are comfortable with enough headroom and legroom across two front rows. 

The third-row passengers might feel cramped and brush their heads on the roof due to a sloping roofline. The features like remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control a/c, and speed-sensing door locks are available as standard. As you climb up the trim ladder, the luxury increases and pampers you even more.

Models(2012)

Mazda CX-9 

Dodge Durango

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 

Honda Pilot 

Passenger Capacity

7

7

5

8

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)

39.6/59.4/40.9

39.9/58.5/40.3

39.6/59.4/41.3

40/61.5/41.4

2nd Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg)

39.0/58.7/39.8

37.8/50.4/31.5

35.7/53.9/33.5

38.2/58.9/32.1

3rd Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg)

35.4/56.9/32.4

NA 

NA

NA

Cargo Capacity (Behind 3rd Row) (cu.-ft.)

17.2

17.2 

N/A

18

Cargo Capacity (Behind 2nd Row) (cu.-ft.)

48.3

47.7

35.9

47.7

Cargo Capacity (Behind 1st Row) (cu.-ft.)

100.7

84.5

78.2

87

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a seating capacity of only 5-passengers. The 2012 Honda Pilot is the most spacious in the competition and can offer seating for up to 8-passengers. It also offers a better headroom and shoulder room across the front row. The sloping roofline of the CX-9 results in less headroom for the third-row passengers. The CX-9 gets a cargo capacity of 17.2 cu-ft and Durango also offers the same. The Pilot offers lesser cargo space, while the Hyundai Santa Fe’s trunk volume of 35.9 cu.-ft, puts it streets ahead of its competitors.

Some of the standout interior features of the 2012 Mazda CX-9 are:

  • Piano black or wooden interior trim 
  • Three-zone climate control system
  • Speed-sensing door locks
  • Leather-trimmed seats (1 st and 2nd row)
  • Keyless entry and start system 

How intuitive is the 2012 Mazda CX-9’s infotainment system?

The 2012 CX-9 gets one of the intuitive and easy-to-use infotainment systems in its segment. It is equipped with a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM/CD audio system with 6-speakers, AUX input jack, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio as standard across all the trims. 

You also get optional features like a navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen and a DVD- based voice command system, rear-seat entertainment with a 9-inch entertainment display, Bose premium audio system with 10 or 11 speakers depending upon the package you opt for.

Some of the standout infotainment features of the 2012 Mazda CX-9 are:

  • AM/FM/CD audio system 
  • Auxiliary input jack 
  • SiriusXM satellite radio 
  • Optional navigation package 
  • Optional rear-seat entertainment system
  • Optional Bose audio package
  • Bluetooth hands=free connectivity 
Exterior
8.0/10

The CX-9 is not a very aggressive or rugged-looking SUV. It feels subtle and minimalistic as compared to the competition. The design is very fluidic, smooth, and devoid of any character lines, creases, or angles. The front fascia imbibes two parallelogram-ish headlights and a small grille in chrome finish with the Mazda logo on it. The side profile looks good with a sloping roofline and chrome finish on window panes. The black cladding on the wheel arches grants it an SUV look and the rear profile looks like a sedan with higher ground clearance. 

Models(2012)

Mazda CX-9 

Dodge Durango

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 

Honda Pilot 

Curb Weight (lbs.)

5831

6500

5512

4608

Length (in)

201

200

193

191

Width (in)

76

76

74

79

Height (in)

68

71

67

71

Ground Clearance (in)

8

8

7

8

Wheelbase (in)

113.2

119.8

110

109.2

The CX-9 gets a higher ground clearance of 8-inches which is good considering the segment it competes in. The Durango and Pilot follow the CX-9 with the same clearance. The Santa Fe gets a lesser ground clearance. The 2012 Dodge Durango gets a longer wheelbase of 119.8 inches which helps with better stability on the highways and better leg space in the rear. The Mazda is slightly longer than the competition.

Some of the standout exterior features of the 2012 Mazda CX-9 are:

  • Privacy tint rear glass
  • Rear roof spoiler 
  • Halogen or HID Xenon low beam headlamps
  • Dual stainless exhaust tips
  • Dual body color heated power mirrors outside. 
Safety
8.8/10

The 2012 CX-9 is equipped with numerous active and passive safety systems to provide you with complete peace of mind. The features like front and rear crumple zones, side impact door beams, LATCH system, active whiplash reducing front seat headrests, collapsible steering column and many more are available as standard. The IIHS has also rated the Mazda CX-9 as “Good” in most of the test parameters. 

Some of the standout safety features of the 2012 Mazda CX-9 are:

  • Active front headrests
  • Tire pressure monitoring system 
  • Dynamic stability control
  • Front and rear crumple zones 
  • Triple H-shaped body construction 
  • Antitheft alarm (Grand Touring)
Final Verdict

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a well-built and practical SUV. It comes with a powerful engine and elegant interiors. It also scores well in the safety department and comes at a very attractive price point for the features it has on offer. It offers good performance in the city and on highways too. It has the ability to be your daily driver as well as a weekend getaway family SUV. 

Features

vehicle bio
base price

$33035

body style

4dr SUV

engine type
displacement

227 cu in

horse power

273 hp @ 6250 rpm

torque

270 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

transmission

6 speed automatic w/OD and auto manual

dimensions
length

200.2 in

wheelbase

113.2 in

width

76.2 in

curb weight

4546 lbs

Height

68 in

Ground Clearance

8 lbs

capacity
passenger volume

139.4 cu ft

cargo volume

100.7 cu ft

passenger capacity

5 Seats

fuel economy
city/combined/highway

16/19/22 mpg

highway range

442.2 mi

warranty
basic warranty

3 yr./ 36000 mi.

See All Features & Specs

2012 Mazda CX-9 User Reviews

3.2

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POPULAR TAGS

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MS

Maia Spencer

2012 Mazda CX-9

Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

6

User Overall Rating

Posted On: March 15, 2022

A typical family-friendly crossover

Pros - Sharp looking inside-out, sporty performance, solid build quality and good quality interior materials.

Cons - Stiff ride quality and limited cargo space.

Handsome and affordable midsize SUV. For my everyday journeys, my large, family-size crossover with three rows of seats gives enough driving excitement. Although the rides often become bumpy over bad terrain, it is more pleasurable to drive than other crossovers of its size and provides enough sitting comfort on lengthy travels. It gets roughly 14 miles per gallon in town and 20 miles per gallon ...

7/10
Features
6/10
Interior
7/10
Design
6/10
Safety
7/10
Reliability
7/10
Deal Value
5/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
WM

Willard Mayo

2012 Mazda CX-9

Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

7

User Overall Rating

Posted On: January 19, 2022

SUV with pleasant ride quality

Pros - Good safety scores, movable second row seats, excellent exterior looks, spacious seats and cargo space, and quiet cabin

Cons - Low quality interior material, and less storage options in the cabin

excellent and ravishing styled SUV We purchased this vehicle new in 2012. This vehicle has it all. As a single dad, I'm always picking up and dropping off kids, switching car seats, and doing groceries. The movable second row makes it simple to move car seats in and out. The build quality is excellent, and there is adult-size seating in all three rows, as well as a load capacity of 101 cubic feet...

8/10
Features
5/10
Interior
8/10
Design
8/10
Safety
8/10
Reliability
8/10
Deal Value
4/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
HM

Hayli May

2012 Mazda CX-9

Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

8

User Overall Rating

Posted On: December 30, 2021

A valid rental experience!

Pros - *Zippy rides *Sporty handling *Quick acceleration

Cons - *Below average gas mileage *Excess road noise *Firm steering feel

Quick yet inefficient I just had this car for three weeks, and I'm kinda impressed with its zippy rides and sporty handling. I rented this car for a short period to visit our relatives in multiple states. Its V6 engine accelerated quickly but I feel like refilling gas often. When I checked the driver's information screen, it showed 11 miles as its average mpg. Overall, within a short time, I beca...

8/10
Features
8/10
Interior
8/10
Design
8/10
Safety
8/10
Reliability
8/10
Deal Value
8/10
Dealer Review
Read more »
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Top User Reviews

6/10

User

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A typical family-friendly crossover

Handsome and affordable midsize SUV. For my everyday journe...

by Maia Spencer

7/10

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excellent and ravishing styled SUV We purchased this vehicl...

by Willard Mayo

8/10

User

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A valid rental experience!

Quick yet inefficient I just had this car for three weeks, ...

by Hayli May

4/10

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Annoying issues Decided to buy CX-9 and I guess it wasn't...

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7/10

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Mazda CX-9 5 year Cost To Own

Cash Price(MSRP)
$37,501
5 Year Cost To Own
$56,242
Total 5 year Cost To Own -  $56,242
Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5total
Depreciation$7,705$2,711$2,542$2,946$2,819$18,723
Insurance$1,283$1,384$1,454$1,475$1,493$7,089
Fuel$2,165$2,208$2,325$2,418$2,448$11,564
Maintenance$485$888$911$2,268$2,609$7,161
Repairs$11$-1$158$282$458$908
Financing Interest$2,369$1,892$1,386$855$353$6,855
Taxes and Fees$3,106$217$220$256$143$3,942
Total Cost-To-Own$17,124$9,299$8,996$10,500$10,323$56,242
Read more about Cost-To-Own »

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