DecodedCars2019 Mazda CX-9
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 199.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,050–4,381 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints53 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 300 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,381 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 4% worse than the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 CX-9 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 CX-9 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 199.6 in | 77.6 in | 67.7 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,381 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 199.6 in | 77.6 in | 67.7 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,050 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | -4% | $2,800 | 362 |
| CX-9 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | -3% | $2,900 | 391 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
| 2019 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Mazda CX-9 (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Honda Pilot | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 13 |
| 2019 Honda Passport | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 12, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V875000 · 121,038 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Tires › Tread/Belt · Oct 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V770000 · 146 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 CX-9 vehicles equipped with Sumitomo Falken ZIEX CT50 A/S tires, size P255/50R20 104V, having date code 1619. An incorrect rubber compound may have been used in the tire's manufacturing, allowing the tread to separate and detach.
- Risk
- A detached tire tread can decrease vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tire serial numbers, replacing the tires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4019J.
Not every 2019 Mazda CX-9 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Mazda CX-9 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Mazda CX-9. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-9 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 CX-9 | 23 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 13 |
| 2022 CX-9 | 23 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 40 |
| 2020 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 19 |
| 2018 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 128 |
| 2017 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 61 |
| 2016 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 107 |
| 2015 CX-9 | 19 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 35 |
| 2014 CX-9 | 19 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 53 |
| 2013 CX-9 | 19 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2012 CX-9 | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 188 |
| 2011 CX-9 | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 138 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →