DecodedCars2021 Mazda CX-9
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD
- 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
- 4,387 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints40 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 155 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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 4,387 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 9% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 CX-9 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 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 | 4,387 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 | -9% | $2,800 | 363 |
| CX-9 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 391 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2021 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-9 (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Honda Pilot | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (1)
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Sep 27, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V750000 · 8,648 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
- Risk
- A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
Not every 2021 Mazda CX-9 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Mazda CX-9 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 21 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 53,186 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 2021 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 |
| 2020 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 19 |
| 2019 CX-9 | 24 | 199.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 53 |
| 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 | ★★★★★ | 2 | 35 |
| 2014 CX-9 | 19 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 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 →