Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
20 City / 26 HWY
Horsepower
227
Seats
7
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Michelle R
A great quality car for a quality price, a smooth ride with safe doors.
I really love how smooth the ride is. However I am very upset that it does not have Apple carplay because it would’ve be a feature I would use a lot. I am very happy with the quality of the interior. It has great space. It also has a sport look that similar to the Jaguar f-pace. Great for a first car because is safe and is spacious.
accountCircle Jim M
Reliability, configuration . Powerful engine, seat warmer and Steering wheel heater
It is a very smooth ride. Comfortable and the features are great. Every feature is at your fingertips. All the seats drop down for storage. I have never had a problem this is our 2nd Mazda. Previously we had a CX-5
accountCircle Clay O
It looks like a great white shark! Smart and reliable.
No real problems. We travel with 6 people sometimes. The back can be hot. We like the safety features and how the car practically drives itself. The car is very comfortable for long trips, it is agile and intelligent. My favorite features are all very close and easy to operate.
accountCircle Brandy W
Pleased with Mazda. Would purchase again
Love the prestigious look, how it feels, 3rd row seating, trunk size, gas mileage, Bose stereo, navigation system. Would definitely buy another Mazda. My kids love it too. Service at the Springfield, Missouri Mazda was also very friendly and helpful. Got a great deal.
accountCircle Ashley M
Mazda cx-9 midsize SUV - the look of luxury for less.
I love the Mazda cx-9 (AWD). The body and interior finishes are like that of more luxury SUVs such as the infinity, but the price is much better! There is ample leg room in the 3 rows of seating; it easily seats seven individuals. The second row of seating slides back and forth, allowing one to adjust the leg room according to which row needs it. There is not a lot of cargo space which is the only downside I have experienced with this vehicle so far. However, if you need to pack more, the rear seats do drop for extra cargo space depending on the number of individuals traveling in the vehicle. This SUV drives smoothly and accelerates nicely. There are loads of top-notch standard features. The interior is soft nappa leather, not like fake leather that cracks when the winters get cold like many faux leathers do. The special features such a blind spot alerts, smart brake support, lane assist, auto dimming lights, and rear cross traffic alert, and several others have kept me out of a few fender benders. I feel safe transporting my precious cargo (four children) in the Mazda cx-9. The Mazda sports a fuel-efficient engine and great driving dynamics. If you are looking for towing support in this midsize SUV, this may not be your vehicle; however, our family does not need to pull anything. Also, the large 7-inch touch screen makes it easy to navigate the car controls on the infotainment screen.
accountCircle Marie S
Love my Mazda! Great for families!
It is so comfortable for short and long trips. Interior is easy to keep clean, even with kids! The third row is helpful when driving around a bunch of boys for football! The storage is great when you put the third row down. Seats are easy to adjust. The backseat has its own temperature control which helps when the boys are cold and I am hot!
accountCircle Kristin P
2018 Mazda cx-9-wonderful 3rd row seating and awesome ride!!
I love my cx-9. It gets great gas mileage for a full size SUV. It rides smooth almost like the car drives itself. I love the added sensors because they make highway driving so easy! Lots of safety feathers. The surround sound Bose system sounds great also. I have not had to use this in the snow yet but I think I will like it, we will see. I do wish it had a digital speedometer but I have gotten use to the needle again.
accountCircle Kelly K
Best of Mazda cx-9 performance and reliability.
So I have bought my primary vehicle in 2018. Till now I haven't faced any major problem. I just restored color. As my wife told me to try new color on my car. Performance of Mazda cx-9 is outstanding. And one can reliable without thinking twice. So I have bought my primary vehicle in 2018. Till now I haven't faced any major problem. I just restored color. As my wife told me to try new color on my car. Performance of Mazda cx-9 is outstanding. And one can reliable without thinking twice.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Maria S
"SOFT" exterior paint that scratches super easy.
This 2018 is the second Mazda CX-9 that I own. My other Mazda CX-9 2009 is now the car my teenager drives. I must compare the exterior paint. The older Mazda is 10 years old and it has never had paint issues - no fading, chipping, scratch resistant. My new 2018 has soft paint. Bird poop if left on for half a day will leave a PERMANENT dull splatter mark. The car already has many tiny road pebble scratches on front end. The trunk area has gooped up areas similar to nail polish that hasn't dried completely. This paint on the new car is inferior and requires constant waxing. The front end and hood is pliable that bends. But the PAINT--- clearly it has less layers, less impact/scratch resistance. I NEVER had this problem with the 2009! Paint maintenance of the exterior is already a major problem despite buying the car in Dec 2018.
accountCircle Larry
Car hesitates while accelerating from 40 miles per hour.
I’ve had this hesitation problem since I bought the car and the dealer keeps giving me the run around. They claim that they’ve checked the engine software for the latest revision but they’ve never been able to fix the problem. I love the vehicle but because it hesitates it’s down right dangerous at times.
accountCircle Erin S
2018 Mazda cx-9 grand touring 4d, 3rd row SUV.
Had a recall on engine within 1 year of production, and had to get an entirely new motor put in. Several problems with sensors and blown fuses. Plus the plastic trim is very cheaply made and installed. It is a clean, sleek, modern vehicle with a lot of safety features—some of which I would consider annoying and excessive. But it is a good size for a 3rd row SUV (not too bulky), and gets excellent gas mileage.

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
227 HP 23 MPG 7 Seats
car
Touring
227 HP 23 MPG 7 Seats
car
Grand Touring
227 HP 23 MPG 7 Seats
car
Signature
227 HP 23 MPG 7 Seats
Photos may not match model

2018 Mazda CX-9 Owner Reviews

4.63
83 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 70%
4 stars 27%
3 stars 1%
2 stars 1%
1 star 1%
accountCircle Skye B on June 17, 2021
Great on gas mileage for a 3rd row.
The car drives smooth, no loud sounds or bouncy ness. The added features are a plus. It is great on gas mileage, a full tank of premium gas in Hawaii takes about 40$ to fill a full tank. In Hawaii this is a really good deal for premium gas plus having a 3rd. Row SUV. In idling it is not great on gas, not to sure why. This car has 3rd row seating which is an added bonus easy in and out. Auto everything seats, windows. Keyless entry, push to start, sunroof. It also has sport mode which is great for a super boost and merging quickly on the freeway.
accountCircle Larry on June 7, 2021
Car hesitates while accelerating from 40 miles per hour.
I’ve had this hesitation problem since I bought the car and the dealer keeps giving me the run around. They claim that they’ve checked the engine software for the latest revision but they’ve never been able to fix the problem. I love the vehicle but because it hesitates it’s down right dangerous at times.

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has an average owner rating of 4.69 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 19 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
4.79
2
car
4.78
6
Tie
car
4.63

Ranks #5 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has a combined MPG of 27 which ranks it #5 of 19 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
32 MPG
2
car
30 MPG
5
Tie
car
26 MPG

Is The 2018 Mazda CX-9 A Good Car?

Yes, I love it and it’s a great SUV for both my daily commute and our family trips. It’s very comfortable and incredibly roomy for all of our baby gear. I feel like it’s safe for my child.
Deborah A.
No. It's a great vehicle. I love it. The Bose speakers are amazing. The heads up display while driving is my favorite.
Aubrey U.
Yes, I love driving it - before I was driving this I was driving the Mazda CX-5 the space in the CX9 is unbelievable you can fit so much
Susan H.

How Reliable Is The 2018 Mazda CX-9?

I find it to be reliable and safe. My son and I were hit by a car recently and I never felt the impact because of the car size.
Cara G.
Yes, it is very reliable. No problems to report here. everything works great. Sometimes the bearings make a funny noise but it ok.
Julie J.
Yes, Very reliable I only have to change oil. No issues whatsoever, runs great looks great also. We love it
Stephanie N.

Is The 2018 Mazda CX-9 A Good Value?

It cost us over 40,000, which feels expensive but overall the safer the vehicle the more money you'll spend
Caitlin O.
Its cost $55k. Yes, it is a good value. There are 3 rows of seats. Also its a v4 engine so I can save money for gas. Its spacious especially for my kids.
Lea M.
Well it’s somewhat affordable, my husband doesn't like to buy cars or SUV , he leases it so even with a good bit down his payment is still over 630 dollars a month. Great value I think total cost was... Read More
Mark P.

Related Articles for 2018 Mazda CX-9

From the Vehicle History blog

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have remote start?

Answer: The 2018 Mazda CX-9 does come equipped with remote start which is standard in the 2016 and later models. Remote start systems consist of 2 key parts: a control module/radio receiver and a remote transmitter....

Does the Mazda CX-9 have All-Wheel front-wheel or 4WD?

Answer: The Mazda CX-9 comes standard with front wheel drive and there is an optional all wheel drive available if You want it. MoSTSUVs these days come with all wheel drive as an option so that is pretty standard for...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*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