The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Business & Money›Automotive›Mazda CX-9
Business & Money • Automotive

Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Mazda from 2006 to 2023.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Mazda from 2006 to 2023. It was a three-row model and served as Mazda’s largest passenger vehicle until the Mazda CX-90 replaced it. Production ended in 2024 after the 2023 model year.

History

The Mazda CX-9 was introduced in 2006 and remained in production through 2023. It was built over two generations and positioned as Mazda’s largest passenger vehicle until the CX-90 replaced it.

Design and seating

The CX-9 was a three-row crossover SUV intended to carry six or seven occupants depending on trim and seating layout. It was marketed as a family-oriented model with an emphasis on comfort and premium features.

Powertrain

Later CX-9 models used a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. North American versions offered all-wheel drive as standard in the final years.

Market position

The CX-9 was Mazda’s largest passenger vehicle during its production run and occupied the brand’s upper end of the mainstream crossover segment. Its successor, the Mazda CX-90, took over that role after CX-9 production ended.

Key facts

  • The CX-9 debuted in 2006 and was sold in two generations.
  • It was designed as a three-row crossover SUV for family use.
  • Later North American models used a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
  • All-wheel drive became standard on later model years in the North American market.
  • The CX-9 was Mazda’s largest passenger vehicle until the CX-90 arrived.
  • Production ended in 2024 after the model-year run concluded.
🍁
Canadian context

The CX-9 was sold in Canada as part of Mazda’s three-row SUV lineup, appealing to Canadian families needing a midsize all-weather crossover.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Mazda CX-9?
The Mazda CX-9 is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV produced by Mazda from 2006 to 2023.
How many seats does the CX-9 have?
It can seat six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration and trim.
What engine did the CX-9 use?
Later models used a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Was all-wheel drive available?
Yes. In later North American model years, all-wheel drive was standard.
What replaced the Mazda CX-9?
The Mazda CX-90 replaced the CX-9.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_CX-9
    Supports: Production years, generation count, body style, three-row seating, and successor information.
  2. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-9
    Supports: Engine specifications, transmission, dimensions, and all-wheel-drive layout on later models.
  3. Kelley Blue Book — https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-9/
    Supports: Passenger seating configurations, standard AWD on later models, and powertrain details.
  4. Mazda USA — https://news.mazdausa.com/2022-08-30-2023-Mazda-CX-9-Pricing-and-Packaging
    Supports: Mazda’s description of the CX-9 as a three-row midsize crossover SUV.