2017 Mazda CX-9

Into its second model year, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is mostly unchanged except for the Touring trim that now offers more safety technology, automatic emergency braking is now standard. In terms of size, the CX-9 is a three-row mid-size crossover with seating for up to seven passengers and slots above the five-passenger CX-5. Front-wheel drive comes standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The Mazda CX-9 has an average predicted reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power. Also, the CX-9's five-year cost of ownership which includes expenses for gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs is estimated to be $25,484. That’s a bit below average for a midsize SUV.

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that is available in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature trim levels. The base price starts at $31,520 for the CX-9 Sport FWD and goes all the way up to $44,315 for the luxurious CX-9 Signature AWD. The Sport covers the basics like Bluetooth, rearview camera, and three-zone climate control, while the Touring adds leather seating and driver aids such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Grand Touring trims add more safety aids, an adaptive cruise control, and exclusive touches inside out. With upgraded leather and rosewood trim, the top-range Signature model borders on luxury status.

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The mid-range Touring trim is the best choice for most buyers and brings the most value to the CX-9 lineup. It adds leather and heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, along with a few active safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. You also get a power liftgate, an upgraded 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and a push-button start.

Simply put, the Mazda CX-9 is the most fun-to-drive SUV in its class. As with other Mazdas, the CX-9 isn't the segment's most powerful, but its taut handling and turbocharged engine imbue this crossover SUV with athletic flair. -KBB

 2017 CX-9 Engine and Transmission

All 2017 CX-9 trims come with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 227 horsepower on regular gas or 250 hp on the premium. The engine makes 310 lb-ft of torque, which is good for instant acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

Mazda's turbocharged engine has enough power to satisfy most drivers. However, with loaded passengers and cargo, the engine can feel a little overwhelmed. The CX-9 moves quickly as you keep your right foot planted. The smart-shifting transmission delivers smooth shifts that are quick when they need to be.

In the midsize SUV class, where most of CX-9's rivals have a V6 under the hood, Mazda only offers a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Dodge Durango is the most powerful car in the segment with 293 hp, followed by 290 hp Santa Fe. Though the 2017 CX-9's fuel economy surpasses the competitors.

2017 CX-9 0-60 mph and Quarter-mile Acceleration

With plentiful power and sharp responsive transmission, the 2017 CX-9 is quick off-the-line and records 7.3 seconds 0-60 mph time. With the size and heaviness of the Mazda CX-9, the car has no trouble in slow traffic and pick up pace quickly while merging onto highways. Though with loaded passengers and cargo, the engine might feel a little overwhelmed. 

The Honda Pilot with a V6 is actually the fastest SUV in the segment, followed by Hyundai's Santa Fe. Mazda's turbo four-cylinder isn't the most powerful engine in the class, but shines at low speeds, delivering brisk acceleration from a stop.

2017 CX-9 Ride and Handling

Mazda's biggest highlight is its sporty driving character and fun-to-drive vehicles like the MX-5 Miata. The 2017 CX-9 is the biggest Mazda, and it still carries on the reputation for being an athletic midsize SUV despite its large size. The CX-9 has good stability on the freeway and its sharp steering delivers a crisp response. The well-tuned suspension is more focused on comfort and luxury unlike Mazdas of the past. IT smoothly absorbs road imperfections and offers a quiet cabin.

The CX-9 is nimble around the turns and feels eager. There might be the slightest of body roll because of Suv's high driving position, but the chassis remains planted and ride composed. Front-wheel drive is standard in the CX-9. You can get all-wheel drive for better traction in inclement weather or even sharper performance through turns.

2017 CX-9 Braking Performance

The CX-9 proved to be quite efficient in the emergency stop during which it needed just 115 feet to stop from 60 mph. For a three-row crossover SUV, that's a quite superior performance, thanks to a set of 12.6-inch disc brake rotors.

With such a heft, the Mazda CX-9 exhibits strong braking performance. Among the rivals, Dodge Durango takes the least distance to stop at 124 feet while the Honda Pilot takes the most distance to stop at 128 feet.

Being one of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs, the 2017 CX-9 returns EPA estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive CX-9 sacrifices just one mpg, getting an estimated 20/26 mpg city/highway. Moreover, the Mazda has the biggest fuel tank, at 24 gallons allows the CX-9 to deliver a highway range of more than 500 miles.

Though some rivals are almost as efficient as the Mazda, for example, the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder Hyundai Santa Fe has identical on-paper ratings as the all-wheel-drive Mazda CX-9.

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. -Edmunds

2017 CX-9 Seating and Comfort

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row SUV with a seating capacity of up to seven people. Interior feels right and thoughtfully designed and sets a new benchmark for non-luxury SUVs. The front seats have plenty of room and offer a good range of adjustments and a standard tilting and telescoping steering wheel to get comfortable. The second-row passengers get an inch more legroom than in Pilot or Highlander, along with reclining seats that slide fore and aft. Third-row lowers the CX-9's interior ratings as it is cramped, even though it can seat two adults with a lot of compromises.

The Mazda CX-9's cabin boasts luxe and high-quality materials. The low-set, horizontal, shelf-like dashboard has a center-mounted display and there's no shortage of glossy black plastic. The Signature trim has interior materials that are usually reserved for premium luxury vehicles. This is as nice an SUV as you'll get in the class. The Touring and above trim levels feature nice leather trim. At around $45,000 you can get everything on the CX-9 Signature, though it isn't inexpensive, rivals can top $50,000 with a similar feature set. 

By the numbers, the CX-9 stretches 199.4 inches long, which is longer than the Pilot or Highlander, and its massive 115.3-inch wheelbase also stretches beyond those two. We wish if it would be available as a 5-seat variant.

2017 CX-9 Infotainment System

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 Sport has a standard 7-inch touch screen with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which features apps like Pandora. One of the biggest highlights is the infotainment display, though it lacks Apple car play and Android Auto compatibility, the interface makes it easy to use and navigate. Standard features include Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, a six-speaker stereo system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and HD Radio.

Available upgrades include a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, satellite radio, and an 8-inch touch screen. The Bose stereo is standard on Grand Touring trim and above and delivers clear and powerful audio.

2017 CX-9 Cargo Capacity

The CX-9's cargo capacity of 14.1 cubic feet behind the third row is sufficient, but others in the class offer more. With all seats folded the cargo volume expands to 71.2 cubic feet, which is again below average. On the positive side, it has a flat cargo floor that makes it easy to load bulky items.

Inside you'll find numerous small storage cubbies for your personal items along with good-sized door pockets that have indents to hold large water bottles.

Interior Features

Some of the interior features included are -

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Leather Upholstery
• Ventilated seats.
• 3 zone climate control

With last year's revamp, this 2nd-gen Mazda CX-9 received a svelte new suit. Dressed in Mazda's "Soul of Motion" design philosophy, the CX-9's sheet metal emphasizes sweeping forms, organic shapes, and the idea of movement even at rest.  –Kelley Blue Book

2017 CX-9 Design, Dimension, and Weight

The second-generation redesigned Mazda CX-9's exterior is distinctive and gives a great first impression with a tall front fascia, and detailed grille with LED lights on all trims. t surely looks like a car from Italy or Germany. At the rear, the roof pillar arc upward, while the long hood gives an athletic rear-wheel-drive look, even though it is an FWD crossover.

In terms of size, the Mazda CX-9 has a wider stance that provides a planted, athletic, and almost Italian look. Higher trim levels even feature a grille lit up by LEDs. That's a nice touch at this price point and it further elevates Mazda's value and status. The SUV features a set of 19 or 18-inch alloy wheels draped in all-terrain tires. while extra-large 20-inch alloy wheels on some models heighten the appearance. 

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is 199.4 inches or 16.6 feet long, which is on par with the other three-row midsize crossovers. Its curb weight ranges from 4,144 to 4,327 pounds depending on the trim levels and how it is equipped. Moreover, there's not much space behind the third row in the Mazda against some like-sized rivals.

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features are -

• 18 or 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Door mounted rearview mirrors
• Multi-spoke alloy wheels

The IIHS named the 2017 CX-9 a Top Safety Pick+, the highest designation. On the other hand, the NHTSA did not crash-test the 2017 CX-9. The base trim of the CX-9 has a standard rearview camera. On higher trims, the CX-9 is available with plenty of active safety features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, active lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors.

Safety Features

• 3-point seatbelts at all seating positions
• Advanced dual front air bags1 with driver’s seat-position and passenger-weight sensors
• Front side-impact air bags1 and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection
• Dynamic Stability Control2 and Traction Control System
• Trailer Stability Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

2017 Mazda CX-9 vs 2017 Honda Pilot

The 2017 Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 are both top-rated SUVs, but the Pilot becomes the first choice due to some compelling reasons. Honda offers more standard and available features than the CX-9, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cooled front seats, and even heated second-row seats. Inside, the Pilot seats eight while the CX-9 seats seven, and the Honda also has more cargo space and a higher towing capacity.

On the other hand, the Mazda CX-9 has a more luxurious interior than its segment rivals. Also, its handling is among the best in the class. Surprisingly, the Mazda has better fuel economy ratings than the Honda, though it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, whereas the Honda has a V6.

2017 Mazda CX-9 vs 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is another soft-roader in the segment. The car features a beautiful futuristic design that makes it look more like a spaceship. Inside, the interior is nicely placed and make use of a lot of soft-touch materials.

However, the Santa Fe loses out to the Mazda CX-9 in terms of interior space and overall ride and handling.

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is beast of an SUV to drive and even to look at. The car features an upmarket cabin that has the ability to put even more premium cars to shame. It drives so well that it can surprise even the most critical enthusiast. All in all, if you want a peppy, swift and comfortable 7 seater, the CX-9 SUV is something worth considering.

More on Mazda:

• Read the review, prices, and specs of the new 2022 Mazda CX-5.
• 2022 Mazda 3 starts just above $20,000, Check out what's new?

2017 Mazda CX-9 FAQs

What is the 2017 Mazda CX-9's Towing Capacity?

When properly equipped, the CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

How Safe Is the CX-9?

The IIHS named the 2017 CX-9 a Top Safety Pick+ while the NHTSA did not crash-test the 2017 CX-9.

Does the 2017 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?

As of this writing, the 2017 CX-9 has no open recalls.

Is the 2017 Mazda CX-9 all-wheel drive?

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Used 2017 Mazda CX-9 comes with an available all-wheel drive and standard front-wheel drive.