Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Mazda in Japan since 2006 through two generations With three-row seating, it was Mazda's largest passenger vehicle until the arrival of the CX-90.

Despite being built in Japan at Mazda's Ujina #1 plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, the CX-9 was never offered in the Japanese domestic market. The shorter and narrower Mazda CX-8 was offered in Japan instead.

First generation (TB; 2006)
The first generation CX-9 was originally fitted with a 3.5 L Ford V6 engine, but, in 2008, the engine was changed to a 3.7 L unit producing 204 kW and 366 N·m of torque. The updated engine was introduced in June 2007 and it was now built by Mazda themselves. This engine was coupled with a six speed automatic transmission. The first generation is based on the Ford CD3 platform that is shared with many Ford and Mazda models; the Ford Edge is its close mechanical sibling. It was launched at the 2006 New York International Auto Show.

Standard safety equipment included blind spot monitoring, backup camera, electronic stability control, traction control, roll stability control, front side impact airbags, and three row side curtain airbags.

Facelift (2010)
For the model of 2010, the Mazda CX-9 received a minor facelift and consisting of a new front fascia. Three zone climate control and a Bluetooth hands free interface were now standard features.

Facelift (2013)
For the model year of 2013, the CX-9 received a refresh that included a new grille, new bumper, new headlights, new tail lights, and restyled front vents to align it with Mazda's "Kodo Design" philosophy.

Second generation (TC; 2016)
At the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda revealed the second generation CX-9, nine years after the previous version launched. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 was brand new, based on the Skyactiv platform and engines that are shared with other new Mazdas introduced after 2011. Production started in February 2016.

The second generation Mazda CX-9 uses a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv (Grades vary) gasoline engine, producing 227 hp on 87 AKI octane fuel (91 RON) and 250 hp on premium fuel and 420 Nm of torque. The engine is joined with a six speed automatic transmission. The U.S. EPA rates the all-wheel drive 2016 Mazda CX-9 at 21 mpgus city and 26 mpgus highway.

The new exterior design follows Mazda's Kodo design philosophy. It is shorter than before, but rides on a longer wheelbase, resulting in shorter front and rear overhangs. Weight is also down 90 kg in the FWD versions and by 130 kg in AWD versions.

Mazda added many new active safety systems on the new CX-9. These include the Blind Spot Monitoring, Radar Cruise Control with a Stop/Start function, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Control, and Autonomous Emergency Braking (low & high speed).

The CX-9 was discontinued in the U.S. market after 2023, being replaced by the CX-90 as Mazda's three-row flagship SUV. However, it continues to be produced and is sold in other markets such as the Middle East.

Awards
In 2008, the first generation Mazda CX-9 was awarded the Motor Trend SUV of the Year. Also, it was selected for the North American Truck of the Year Award in 2008.

In Australia, the second generation Mazda CX-9 was awarded the 2017 Wheels Car of the Year.

Car and Driver named the CX-9 the best midsize SUV in its annual 10 Best Trucks and SUVs for 2017 and 2018.

The CX-9 was also a finalist for the 2017 World Car of the Year Award.

In 2017, the second generation Mazda CX-9 was awarded the first ever IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award.