2012 Mazda CX-9 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
16 City / 22 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
273
Seats
7
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Angie B
It drives well and has a good reputation as a reliable crossover car.
I've always liked the Mazda Brand and I like the way it drives, the way it handles, the way it looks. Lots of room, but I do wish it had better gas mileage.
accountCircle Kimberly S
It has a nice smooth ride.
It has a lot of room. The seats are comfortable. It drivers like a car and it is sporty looking. The only issue I had with this car is the recall for the airbag.
accountCircle Sylvia M
CX-9 Rocks! Best 3 row SUV!
The Mazda CX-9 is great. It's very comfortable and handles well. It seats 7 people comfortably and could seat 8 as well. We also love the versatility and ability to fold down the seats to haul things.
accountCircle Derek P
My vehicle has a lot of room and extra seating when necessary!
I have owned my car for five years after my children were born. I haven't had any problems. I like that it has extra seating to take my extended family places. It is a nice vehicle with lots of room.
accountCircle Emma P
The Mazda cx-9 run car down.
The breaks mess up after a few years but it is easy to get them fixed. The car is very roomy, air conditioning in front and back, 3 rows of seats. Tan interior, I personally love it. The speakers are very good because they are Bose speakers, the seats can be put down or up. A lot of room in the trunk and even more if you put the seats down.
accountCircle Jim Bania
Reliable, good handling SUV
What I appreciate the most is the AWD, & adequate power. I've had this vehicle for almost 4 yrs. Regular maint @ 115,000 mi. So far was changing fluids, filters & brakes, spark plugs. I have towed 5,000 lbs. With several trips, driving sensibly with no issues. Like the white leather seats & roomy interior. Best vehicle I've owned so far.
accountCircle Joan M
We Love the Mighty Mazda for Long Trips!
I love my Mazda! Where to start? It gets great gas mileage. It's very comfortable - it seats seven very easily! The center console and rear seat drinks tray are very well-designed - the front console is deep and has a phone charger port that works even if the car is turned off! The rear seats are easily folded down to make room in the rear for carrying larger loads. We can fit a family of four, a dog, two friends and all our luggage with room to spare! We looked at other cars but the smooth handling and racing steering wheel onbis over to Mazda. You get the roominess and comfort of an SUV but the handling and driving fun of a sports car!
accountCircle Lillian N
My cx9 has a lot of interior space, 3 rows of seats it is super convenience.
My car is excellent, it is the right size, everybody is comfortable. The car is reliable, in terms of the cost per miles per gallon it is a little bit of expensive but other than that, the cars is great. So far I have had no concerns or troubles at all with my car, I love my cx9. I should consider the same vehicle again.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Abby H
If your gas budget is tight. Do not consider this car.
It is a very reliable car do not get me wrong. But it drive like a boat. The individual air settings are very poor and the music auxiliary option is low quality. The sound system is very detailed and nice maybe a little too much bass but that is adjustable. Premium black leather seating. But it is a gas guzzler. $55-60 to fill a tank for 300 miles.
accountCircle Christa
Faulty 4 wd
I do not love my car. Yes it has 7 seats which is the main reason i bought it. It goes through brakes ans rotars alot, the buckles in the back seat annoy me. The middle seat is not easy to manuever to gain access to the third row. And now the 4 wd light is stuck on and its looking like 2500 bucks to fix it. I am beyond discouraged with mazda. A car is a major investment for an average family like mine and not only do you need it to be practical and reliable but you want to love it. I do not love it and cant wait to part ways with it.
accountCircle Tanya G
CX-9, a waste of money, with continuing problems
The brakes on both front and rear have had multiple issues. Throwing clips from both front calipers, multiple times. I have replaced brakes and rotors multiple times, calipers, all hardware and the brakes continue to be an issue. The road noise is terrible, and even top of the line tires do not help. Suspension system is cheap, with continued problems.
accountCircle Emma E
Pros and cons of Mazda cx-9 terrible 4th gear downshift.
My Mazda has already lost two visors both sides broke, both front window motors have died, there’s an ammonia smell coming from exhaust and I constantly have the check engine light come on because of the gas cap which I have already replaced keeps loosening. I do love the sound system though. The car drives well, and has great engine power. However the gas mileage is low possibly eva use of the gas cap situation.
accountCircle Kelly C
Maximize your space in a comfortable vehicle.
My vehicle is large and can accommodate a lot of people. It is also very comfortable. Storage space is excellent. The drive is very smooth. Not many problems. There were a couple of recalls but not many other issues. I would recommend this vehicle for larger families.
accountCircle Amanda M
7 seats spacious for a smaller SUV.
I like the seating. I hate the cost of parts for repair. The back seat belt always breaks when dropping the back seats for storage. Bad design.
accountCircle Candice W
Gas hog! Can not speed up quickly.
The gas mileage sucks and it is gutless. I do not like the look of the vehicle. I do not like how awkward it is to park, too long, guess I should have considered that before buying! I was pressured by the salesman to buy this particular vehicle. I do like that it is AWD though.
accountCircle Michelle T
It is does not have the horsepower similar to that of a sports car.
I like my car but wish it had more automatic features such as keyless entry and ignition and a self closing trunk.

Mazda CX-9 Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Sport
273 HP 19 MPG 7 Seats
car
Touring
273 HP 19 MPG 7 Seats
car
Grand Touring
273 HP 19 MPG 7 Seats
Photos may not match model

2012 Mazda CX-9 Owner Reviews

4.25
118 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 45%
4 stars 37%
3 stars 15%
2 stars 3%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Kelly C on June 19, 2021
Maximize your space in a comfortable vehicle.
My vehicle is large and can accommodate a lot of people. It is also very comfortable. Storage space is excellent. The drive is very smooth. Not many problems. There were a couple of recalls but not many other issues. I would recommend this vehicle for larger families.
accountCircle Liam R on June 19, 2021
A reliable workhorse/daily driver, great for families.
It is a reliable workhorse, I haul furniture and other loads in it pretty regularly. I have never had an issue with starting the vehicle in any weather, it warms up/cools off quickly, and has plenty of room for people or packages. My biggest complaint was that it is not super fuel efficient, which was especially noticeable when I had a 60 mile commute.
View All Reviews (118) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Anushka D.

Pro is that the car is highly durable. Con is that the car is hard to drive as it is too wide. The car is loaded with features like blind spot detector, a rear view camera, amazing Bose speakers, and luxury leather seating.

likeFilled Jamie B.

Easy ride, easy to move the seating. Plenty of room for passengers. Decent gas mileage. Dual heating and air control. Heated seats. Drives well in the rain, sleet or snow. Maintaining it is pretty easy.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Anushka D.

The vehicle is too wide. The broadness makes it often hard to drive even with the blind spot detector. Navigating the car can take time to get used to. The GPS is also not modern so normally requires a google maps on phone or another device.

dislikeFilled Jamie B.

It is not the skyactiv which comes later. If I had to buy one again that is what I would go for. In between the seats and under the front seats is often times hard to clean up the crud that gathers with kids.

Ranks #16 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 has an average owner rating of 4.32 out of 5 which ranks it #16 of 22 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
4.88
2
car
2012 Toyota 4Runner
4.69
16
car
2012 Mazda CX-9
4.25

Ranks #7 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2012 Mazda CX-9 has a combined MPG of 25 which ranks it #7 of 22 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2012 Subaru Outback
29 MPG
2
Tie
car
2012 Mazda CX-7
27 MPG
7
Tie
car
2012 Mazda CX-9
22 MPG

Is The 2012 Mazda CX-9 A Good Car?

It is a great vehicle! It gives great gas mileage. The car also has excellent safety ratings along with comfortable seats and a spacious interior.
Jay T.
It’s a great reliable vehicle. It has a third row which was one of the reasons I purchased the SUV. I enjoy having the much needed space. A few maintenance issues but overall reliable.
Carla D.
Yes it has 3 rows and the 3rd row is easily accessible, Bluetooth, backup camera, and even controls on the steering wheel.
Kimberly B.
Yes, I love it. I love how big and roomy it is inside. I love having 3 rows just for the option. By having three rows it gives me more room to haul things by putting down all of the seats and it holds... Read More
Michelle G.

How Reliable Is The 2012 Mazda CX-9?

The only problem I have ever had with the 2012 Mazda cx 9 touring is that the tires for the vehicle are expensive and hard to find.
Jay T.
It is reliable. I have had issues with the headlights. It blows it often. There may be some electrical issues and the window motor are stalling out.
Erica M.
Every now and then when it rains the tire traction will skid. Tire pressure goes on sometimes and the backup camera doesn't have sound sensors
Anthony A.
The only complaint I have is when my vehicle switches down from fear 5 or gear 4, it had a hard switch and you can feel the vehicle shift hard. It has seemed over time it has shifted harder. At first... Read More
Pamela R.

Is The 2012 Mazda CX-9 A Good Value?

This vehicle is currently going for around ten thousand dollars USD, which I personally think is an excellent value for what you get out of the SUV.
Jay T.
It is a good value. It’s not as up to date with all the bells and whistles but I think it is a good value. Though a 2012 it fits in perfectly with today’s cars.
Rachel T.
I bought mine used for $14,000 which is a decent price for the size and special features. Full price is good too
Mariah K.
I paid 14,000 for mine. That is without financing and gap insurance. It also had 75,000 miles on it. I do feel like I got a good deal at a good price.
Charlie H.

Related Articles for 2012 Mazda CX-9

From the Vehicle History blog

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Mazda CX-9 Reliability: Eventually a Hand-Me-Down?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2012 Mazda CX 9 life expectancy?

Answer: The life expectancy of a 2012 Mazda CX-9, like most other vehicles, isnt an easy estimate to make. Some owners have driven as much as 200,000 miles and are still going, while others have cant make it past...

What's the 2012 mazda cx 9 oil type?

Answer: The 2012 Mazda CX-9 has a 3.7 L V6 engine that requires sae 5w-20 full synthetic motor oil. The capacity for the car iS4.7 liter or 5 US quarts. You need to change the oil and the filter about every 7,500...
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Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

Not Rated
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety