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2015 Mazda CX-9

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Mazda CX-9
Pictured: Mazda CX-9 (TC) 1X7A0316. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Gs 4dr SUV FWD, Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
Length
201.2 in
Curb weight
4,248–4,553 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints35 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 195 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 19 MPG combined, 21% below the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Mazda CX-9 is a small SUV offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 201 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,248 lb (Gs 4dr SUV FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 21% worse than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 CX-9 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 CX-9 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Gs 4dr SUV FWD201.2 in76.4 in68.1 in113.4 in65.4 / 65 in4,248 lb55/45
Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD201.2 in76.4 in68.1 in113.4 in65.4 / 65 in4,553 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CX-9 2WD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-21%$3,550456
CX-9 4WD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19-16%$3,550480
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24 MPG2015 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2015 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★3★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.1%
2015 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★3★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.3%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2015 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2015 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2015 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2015 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2015 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Mazda CX-9 (this car)19 MPG★★★★★2
2015 Ford Explorer23 MPG★★★★★8
2015 Toyota Highlander28 MPG★★★★★1
2015 GMC Yukon18 MPG★★★★★10
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe18 MPG★★★★★16
2015 Ford Expedition18 MPG★★★★★3
2015 Nissan Pathfinder26 MPG★★★★★6

Recalls (2)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 12, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V717000 · 155,436 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
Steering · Apr 11, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V203000 · 578 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Risk
If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Mazda CX-9 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

35Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
65,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine17
Unknown Or Other9
Service Brakes3
Power Train3
Air Bags2
Exterior Lighting2
Visibility1
Seat Belts1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/07: 118/02: 118/12: 219/03: 119/05: 119/08: 119/12: 120/01: 120/02: 120/06: 120/10: 221/03: 121/07: 121/10: 122/04: 322/07: 123/01: 123/02: 123/04: 123/09: 124/02: 124/05: 124/08: 125/04: 117/0719/0319/1220/0621/0722/0723/0424/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Mazda CX-9 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Mazda CX-9. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other CX-9 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2023 CX-923199.6 in★★★★★013
2022 CX-923199.6 in★★★★★011
2021 CX-924199.6 in★★★★★140
2020 CX-924199.6 in★★★★★119
2019 CX-924199.6 in★★★★★253
2018 CX-924199.6 in★★★★★2128
2017 CX-924199.6 inNot rated061
2016 CX-924199.6 inNot rated0107
2014 CX-919201.2 in★★★★★353
2013 CX-919201.2 inNot rated458
2012 CX-919200.4 inNot rated4188
2011 CX-919200.4 inNot rated4138

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →