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Mazda CX-9

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Mazda CX-9 Review, For Sale, Interior, Colours, Models & News

The original CX-9 first hit the scene in Australia during 2007. Based on an American Ford underneath, but styled to look like a Mazda inside and out, the V6 petrol-powered seven-seater reasonably well for the Japanese brand.

Devoid of Ford influence, the 2016 redesign proved to be something entirely different and better, however, pushing out big-SUV boundaries with its combination of sleek styling, smart packaging, exceptional comfort, a quiet ride and silky yet punchy performance from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. In either front-drive or all-wheel drive configurations, the CX-9 showed others like the rival Toyota Kluger and Nissan Pathfinder exactly how it should be done.

In fact, this second-generation CX-9 demonstrated that Mazda could take on more-expensive luxury SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, giving the brand confidence to move more upmarket. Mazda's quest for premium positioning started right here. The cheapest grade starts from $47,600, rising to $74,400 for the most expensive version.

Mazda CX-9 Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Mazda CX-9 varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $47,600 and going to $74,400 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 SUV 2.5L, —, 6 SP AUTO $47,600 $74,400
2023 SUV 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $43,120 $73,150
2022 SUV 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $43,670 $80,410
2021 SUV 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $35,750 $79,530
2020 SUV 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $33,660 $74,030
See All Mazda CX-9 Pricing and Specs

Mazda CX-9 Interior

The Mazda CX-9's family friendly interior is headlined by a ‘floating’ central display that measures up 10.25 inches in diameter, with the largest version powered by the latest multimedia system, which uses a rotary controller as its input method.

The Touring grade gets cloth upholstery, while the Sport, GT and GT SP upgrade to leather, and the Azami and Azami LE get quilted Nappa cow hide.

Shown above are interior details for the Mazda CX-9 2021.

Mazda CX-9 Dimensions

The dimensions of the Mazda CX-9 SUV vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 SUV 1747x1969x5075 mm 222 mm
2023 SUV 1747x1969x5075 mm 222 mm
2022 SUV 1747x1969x5075 mm 222 mm
2021 SUV 1747x1969x5075 mm 222 mm
2020 SUV 1747x1969x5075 mm 222 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda CX-9 Dimensions

Mazda CX-9 Colours

Thye CX-9 is available in eight colours - ‘Machine Grey Metallic’, ‘Polymetal Grey Metallic’,  ‘Soul Red Crystal Metallic’, ‘Snowflake White Pearl Mica’, ‘Sonic Silver Metallic’, ‘Titanium Flash Mica’, ‘Deep Crystal Blue Mica’, and ‘Jet Black Mica’

  • Machine Grey Metallic
  • Polymetal Grey Metallic
  • Soul Red Crystal Metallic
  • Snowflake White Pearl Mica
  • Sonic Silver Metallic
  • Titanium Flash Mica
  • Deep Crystal Blue Mica
  • Jet Black Mica
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website. Shown above are the colours for the Mazda CX-9 2021.

Mazda CX-9 Towing Capacity

The Mazda CX-9 has maximum towing capacity of 2000kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 SUV 2000kg 2000kg
2023 SUV 2000kg 2000kg
2022 SUV 2000kg 2000kg
2021 SUV 2000kg 2000kg
2020 SUV 2000kg 2000kg
See All Towing Capacity for Mazda CX-9

Mazda CX-9 Accessories

Standard equipment in the Mazda CX-9 includes dusk-sensing LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, push-button start, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a head-up display, and three-zone climate control.

Shown above are the accessory details for the Mazda CX-9 2021.

Mazda CX-9 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Mazda CX-9 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • The bonnet cable on my 2009 Mazda CX-9 snapped, how do I open it?

    In some cases, with some versions of the CX-9, you can get a long screwdriver in between the bonnet and grille and manually flip the catch that will allow the bonnet to spring open. The trick is that you have to know where the catch is and since you can't see in there, it can be very difficult if not impossible.

    If you have access to one, a borescope (a tiny camera on a thin, flexible shaft, might get you to the point where you can identify the latch and successfully aim the screwdriver. But at all times, you risk damaging the grille or bonnet.

    You could take the car to a Mazda dealer or specialist who has probably seen this thing before and may have a few short-cuts to get the bonnet open. And since you're going to need a new cable anyway, you're then in the right place. If the job is a really tough one, you may find you need to remove the grille and even the front bumper to gain the access you need.

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  • The passenger door hinge has been snapped off my 2020 Mazda CX-9 TC Sport

    If the door flies open when you unlatch it, it sounds as though the problem might be with the check-strap, rather than the hinge. The check-strap has the job of limiting the amount the door can open and avoid it flinging into whatever is parked beside you. If the actual hinge was the problem, the door would almost certainly drop when you opened it, making it very difficult to close again.

    In either case, though, it should be a pretty clear case of a legitimate warranty claim, and a 2020 Mazda is still well within the factory warranty period, regardless of whether you're the original owner or not.

    Take the car straight back to the dealership you bought it from and there should be no arguing over having it fixed free of charge. I'm a bit surprised a car dealership would sell a car with this sort of problem, but it might simply be that the item was overlooked when the vehicle was being prepared for sale. The bottom line is that this is Mazda's problem, not yours and according to the warranty, it should be fixed for free. The only exception to that would be if the damaged part was caused by previous crash-damage, but even then, the second-hand car warranty offered by the dealer should cover such a pre-existing problem.

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  • Why did my sunroof break while driving my 2018 Mazda CX-9?

    It sounds like there’s a bit of confusion here over what actually caused the glass to break. It’s not entirely unknown for sunroof glass to shatter in extremes of heat or vibration, and other times, a car that has been poorly repaired after a crash can put stresses on the glass it was never designed for. The glass could simply have been struck by a flying rock or piece of debris. How you interpret those things will determine whether you think the breakage is a valid warranty claim or not. The fact that the dealership that examined your car can’t say what those 'external factors' were, only deepens the mystery.

    In the end, I approached Mazda Australia with your case, who agreed to take a second look at the circumstances. The good news is that Mazda has applied the benefit-of-the-doubt judgment and agreed to fix your car under warranty.

    But it’s worth mentioning that any car owner unhappy with the service or consideration given by a dealership doesn’t have to let it rest there. All car brands have a customer service department, and this should be your next port of call. From there it’s on to the ACCC. In some cases it’s worth getting an independent inspection of any damage to try to come to a conclusion over what really happened. The State motoring clubs are a good starting point for this service.

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  • Mazda 9 - Will we ever see a successor to the 929?

    Mazda is unlikely to introduce a sedan larger than the Mazda6, due to the declining sales of larger sedans globally in favour of SUVs.

    However, with Mazda marching upmarket and its ties with Toyota strengthening, a joint-venture project with Toyota or even Lexus, using Mazda's new rear-drive platform and inline six-cylinder engine range, may make a model-sharing luxury flagship – a modern-day 929 in other words – a possibility.

    But there are currently no plans that we know of pertaining to such a model, sadly.

    We hope this helps.

    Show more
See All Mazda CX-9 Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Mazda CX-9 Seats

The Mazda CX-9 is available with the option of six or seven seats. Five of its six grades and a bench in the second row, while the other one has two captain's chairs instead. Either way, there is a pair of bucket seats in the first row, and a two-seat bench in the third row.

Shown above are seat details for the Mazda CX-9 2021.

Mazda CX-9 Boot Space

The CX-9’s boot is still pretty usable with all three rows in action, with 230L of cargo capacity available, but you can stow the two rear seats to get 810L in total. And if you want maximum cargo capacity, the middle seats can also be folded, but not in the Azami LE, annoyingly.

Mazda CX-9 Boot space Mazda CX-9 Boot space
Shown above are boot space details for the Mazda CX-9 2021.

Mazda CX-9 Fuel Consumption

The Mazda CX-9 is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by — and ULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 8.4L/100km for SUV /— for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 SUV 8.4L/100km 2.5L 6 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 8.4L/100km 2.5L ULP 6 SP AUTO
2022 SUV 8.4L/100km 2.5L ULP 6 SP AUTO
2021 SUV 8.4L/100km 2.5L ULP 6 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 8.4L/100km 2.5L ULP 6 SP AUTO
* Combined fuel consumption See All Mazda CX-9 Pricing and Specs for 2024

Mazda CX-9 Wheel Size

The Mazda CX-9 has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 255x60 R18 for SUV in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 SUV 255x60 R18 255x60 R18
2023 SUV 255x60 R18 255x60 R18
2022 SUV 255x60 R18 255x60 R18
2021 SUV 255x60 R18 255x60 R18
2020 SUV 255x60 R18 18x8 inches 255x60 R18 18x8 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda CX-9 Wheel Sizes

Mazda CX-9 Speed

The Mazda CX-9 doesn't have an official 0-100km/h sprint time, although independent testing has consistently seen it in the seven-second bracket.

Shown above are speed details for the Mazda CX-9 2021.