Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2023The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2017–2018Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2010–2012, 2016More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2014GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.0× usual Extended coverage
45 serious complaints of 54, the most about engine (19) and brakes (9); per car on the road, 1.0× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE15022: lower ball joint separation.
What owners report
“The water pump failed causing water to mix with the oil and damage the head gasket. Estimates recommend replacing engine. The service engine light came on and we took it to our trusted mechanic right away. Got the estimates from two mechanics for this repair and then towed the car to Mazda dealer who confirmed the problem.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Mar 2024
“Brakes stopped working while we were on vacation. Made the drive down fine, but the next day went to drive the car, pressed the brakes and the car did not come to a complete stop. Also made a funny noise when we tried to press on the brakes. My husband practically had to stand up and push all the way down to get car to stop.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, Aug 2023
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage On some vehicles, when driving under high load or at high speeds, increased oil temperature inside the transfer unit may result in poor lubrication. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for power transfer unit (PTU) replacement on certain 2010-2014 CX-9 vehicles with AWD and… (SSP92, Apr 2014)
- Extended coverage Subject: - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. The extended warranty was a result of the Takata airbag inflator class action settlement. (SSPB3, May 2021)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
54 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2014 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2014
- Starting prices: +$200 to +$250 (3 trims; hover for each)
- Engine: 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 → 3.7L DOHC 24-Valve V6 with VVT (all trims)
2014 CX-9 trims
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | $36,625 | $31,575 | $34,070 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 3.7L DOHC 24-Valve V6 with VVT | 3.7L DOHC 24-Valve V6 with VVT | 3.7L DOHC 24-Valve V6 with VVT |
| Horsepower | 273 hp | 273 hp | 273 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Sport AT | 6-Speed Sport AT | 6-Speed Sport AT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Max towing | AWD: 3,500 lb FWD: 2,000 lb | AWD: 3,500 lb FWD: 2,000 lb | AWD: 3,500 lb FWD: 2,000 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 17.2 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 100.7 cu ft | 100.7 cu ft | 100.7 cu ft |
| Third-row legroom | 32.4 in | 32.4 in | 32.4 in |
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8 in | 8 in |
| Length | 200.6 in | 200.6 in | 200.6 in |
| Curb weight | AWD: 4,559 lb FWD: 4,323 lb | AWD: 4,559 lb FWD: 4,323 lb | AWD: 4,559 lb FWD: 4,323 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Touchscreen | 5.8 in | 5.8 in | 5.8 in |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Optional | — | Optional |
| Speakers | 6 + option | 6 | 6 + option |
| Driver assistance | |||
| Blind-spot monitoring | Blind Spot Alert | — | Blind Spot Alert |
| Rear cross-traffic | Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | — | Rear Cross-Traffic Alert |
| Parking sensors | Rear | — | Rear |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Leather | Cloth | Leather |
| Heated seats | Front | Optional | Front |
| Driver seat memory | Driver Seat | — | — |
| Climate zones | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | |||
| Sunroof | Optional | — | Optional |
| Power liftgate | Power Liftgate | Manual | Manual + option |
| Wheels | 20 in | 18 in | 18 in |
| Headlights | Bi-Xenon Projector | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (63)
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Touring Technology Package $2,435 | Optional | — | — |
| Power Driver's Seat with Heated Front Seats and Mirrors $690 | — | Optional | — |
| Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Bose Audio and Sirius Package $3,245 | Optional | — | — |
| Touring Technology Package $3,000 | — | — | Optional |
| Towing Prep Package $100 | — | Standard | Standard |
| Car Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Car Cover Cable Lock | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Box, Roof | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Paint Protection, Door Edge | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Lights | — | Optional | Optional |
| Clear Film, Front Paint Protection $595 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Hood Bug Deflector, Smoke | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License Plate Frame, CX-9 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License Plate Frame Kit, Mazda | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License Plate Frame Kit, ZOOM ZOOM | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License Plate Frame, Mazda | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License Plate Frame, Slimline | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License Plate Frame, ZOOM ZOOM | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Wind Deflector | Optional | — | Optional |
| Roof Luggage Basket with Stretch Net | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rack Bike Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rack Crossbars, Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rack Kayak Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rack Ski/Snowboard Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rack Surfboard Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rails $300 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards, Front and Rear $150 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Guard, Stainless Steel | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Touch-Up Paint | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Towing Receiver Hitch Bike Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Towing Receiver Hitch, Class II with Wiring Harness $425 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $125 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ashtray | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with Rearview Back-Up Camera | — | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Carpet Floor Mats, Front and Rear | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cigarette Lighter | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Collapsible Cargo Carrier, Black with Mazda Logo | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Mat, Carpeted and Color-Keyed $85 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Compass Auto-Dimming Mirror | — | Optional | Optional |
| Compass, HomeLink Auto-Dimming Mirror $295 | — | Optional | Optional |
| First Aid Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT or 3597LMTHD Portable Navigation | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Garmin Nuvi 44LM Portable Navigation | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Plug and Play Navigation | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Retractable Cargo Cover | — | Optional | Optional |
| Roadside Assistance Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Soft Cargo Liner with Removable Bumper Flap | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Windshield Sunscreen with Winged M Logo | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-Month Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Perimeter Alarm System | — | Optional | Optional |
| Blue Reflex Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Crystal White Pearl Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Jet Black Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Liquid Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Meteor Gray Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Zeal Red Mica | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sand | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Third party, Oem brochure, Third party, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD | 23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 13 | Unknown or other (4) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD | 23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 10 | Electrical system (2) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 39 | Engine (20) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 19 | Engine (5) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 53 | Engine (23) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 128 | Engine (76) | No |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 61 | Engine (43) | No |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | — | 0 | 99 | Engine (61) | No |
| 2015 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 35 | Engine (17) | No |
| 2014 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 54 | Engine (19) | No |
| 2013 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 68 | Engine (17) | No |
| 2012 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 221 | Service brakes (139) | No |
| 2011 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 170 | Service brakes (97) | No |
| 2010 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 17–18 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 195 | Service brakes (88) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayThird row (7+ seats)AWD or 4WDPower liftgateAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: CX-9 2019–2024 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 13 |
| 2022 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 10 |
| 2022 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 10 |
| 2021 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 39 |
| 2021 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 39 |
| 2020 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 19 |
| 2020 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 19 |
| 2019 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 53 |
| 2019 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 53 |
| 2018 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 128 |
| 2018 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 128 |
| 2017 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 61 |
| 2017 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 61 |
| 2015 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 35 |
| 2015 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 35 |
| 2014 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 54 |
| 2014 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 54 |
| 2013 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 68 |
| 2013 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 68 |
| 2012 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 221 |
| 2012 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 221 |
| 2011 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 170 |
| 2011 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 170 |
| 2010 | Mazda CX-9 4-DR.w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 195 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2022 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2021 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2021 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2020 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2020 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2019 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2019 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2018 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2018 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2017 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2017 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2016 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2016 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2015 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2015 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2014 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2014 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2013 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2013 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2012 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2012 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2011 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2011 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2010 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2010 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.