Used 2018 Mazda CX-9 for sale 

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is offered in a total of four variants, namely Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. All variants are available with FWD or AWD configurations. A Standard 2.5L Turbo-4 paired with six-speed automatic transmission is the only available powertrain configuration. The following table highlights the key features offered with the various trims of the 2018 Mazda CX-9: 

The Sport trim includes most of the essential features, while there are certain packages depending on preferred trims. The Touring and Grand Touring can be chosen over other trims for a sophisticated interior composed of premium materials and a vast luxury factor. The Signature stands the priciest, but genuinely takes the luxury appeal of the CX-9 to the upper echelons. 

2018 Mazda CX-9 Buying Advice

To us, the Touring variant makes the most sense. It costs more than the Sport trim, but the premium charge buys you comfort and safety features such as Automatic Wipers, Heated Mirrors, Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking. If you’re interested in going for a 2018 Mazda CX-9, the Touring trim should be a smart choice.

All the trims of the 2018 Mazda CX-9 are equipped with a powerful 2.5L turbocharged Inline-4 that churns out 250 Horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque. This turbo engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission system. The alternative AWD variant adds better driving dynamics to the mix at the cost of fuel economy. The 6-speed transmission feels a little dated but doesn't mess with the driving experience. 

Power delivery is slow and gradual, thanks to the turbocharger blocking the inducted air. However, once the CX-9 hits the right RPM band, power pours in plentifully. The 2018 model year CX-9 is a very capable highway vehicle that manages to offer a quiet, refined ride, while comfortably managing to overtake traffic when needed. In the city, the engine feels relaxed and offers decent NVH characteristics that account for a comfortable driving experience. 

Among the competition, the Chevrolet Traverse leads the pack with its 310 hp V6. The CX-9 compares well with the 280 horsepower Honda Pilot. However, the Highlander lags behind all the cars with a measly 185 hp 2.7L Inline-4. The Mazda CX-9 also offers the most torque among the competition, while the Toyota Highlander offers the least. 

2018 Mazda CX-9 Acceleration and Braking

Mazda CX-9 accelerates briskly for its size and does 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds. Even though it might not take the first place with respect to acceleration in the competitive set, the turbo engine coupled with Six-speed automatic transmission provides excellent responsiveness at the right powerband. The CX-9 also manages a quarter-mile time of 15.7 seconds, which certainly is on the slower side. 

While the 2018 Mazda CX-9 establishes its performance merit, some of the competitors are significantly faster. The Honda Pilot can do 0 to 60 in an impressive 6.1 seconds. Also, the Chevrolet Traverse is similarly quick launching to 60 miles an hour in 6.5 seconds, thanks to its generously powered V6. The CX-9 also puts down the slowest quarter-mile run, while the Honda Pilot does the same the quickest. The CX-9, however, offers the best stopping distance of 123 feet, whereas the likes of the Toyota highlander and the Chevrolet Traverse manage the same in 126 feet.

Although the CX-9’s turbo Inline-4 is not as powerful as the V6 offered with competitors, it does pay dividends with impeccable fuel efficiency. However, opting for the CX-9 AWD trims drops down the mileage by a small margin in both City and Highways. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 returns 22 MPG in the city, while comfortably managing 28 MPG on highways. The result is a combined gas mileage of 24 MPG. The CX-9 also comes fitted with a sizable 19.0-gallon fuel tank, which offers an excellent driving range for the Mazda SUV. 

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 remains one of the best fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. Competitors like the Honda Pilot, the Chevrolet transverse, and the Toyota Highlander are thirstier by significant margins. While the Mazda CX-9 comes with the smallest fuel tank, relatively speaking, the Chevrolet Traverse comes equipped with a larger 21.7-gallon tank. The Traverse also offers the best driving range among the competition, taking you as far as 543 miles on the highway. 

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 offers spacious first and second-row seats that are comfortable and supportive. The driver has a commanding view of the road ahead, thanks to high ride height and a large glasshouse. Impressively, even the third row is comfortable for adults as long as it's used for short commutes. The CX-9 offers a classy interior, covered in high-quality materials throughout. The front seats are power-adjustable and come in a pleasant leather finish. The steering wheel also comes wrapped in premium leather, which certainly adds to the luxury appeal of the 7-seater Mazda

The cabin also features metallic and wooden accents that bring out the luxury factor of the CX-9. While the gauge cluster is analog, a high-resolution hybrid setup is also available as an upgrade. We must mention that the build quality is fantastic, and everything you touch feels very high quality. All the switchgear is well put together, and the controls are placed ergonomically. On higher trims, the ventilated seats work in tandem with the compliant ride quality to help the CX-9 stand its ground as an excellent mile-crushing tourer. 

While the 2018 Mazda CX-9 can seat 7 passengers comfortably, the Honda Pilot, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Toyota Highlander offer to seat up to 8 passengers. At the front row, the Toyota Highlander offers the most headroom, while the Chevrolet Traverse comes with the most shoulder room, by a small margin. The CX-9 offers the most legroom at the front. When it comes to the second row, the Chevrolet Traverse has the most headroom and shoulder space to offer, while the Mazda CX-9 comes with the most legroom. The back row gets a bit tight for all the SUVs in the lot, where the Honda Pilot offers the most value. Some key interior features of the 2018 Mazda CX-9 include:

• 8-Way Front Seat Power Adjustment.
• Fixed 50-50 3rd Row Bench Seats.
• Leather Steering Wheel.
• Front and Rear Cupholders.
• Distance Pacing with Traffic Stop-Go.
• Rear HVAC with Separate Controls. 
• Leather Seats
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• 4 Seatback Storage Pockets
• Air Filtration 

2018 Mazda CX-9 Infotainment

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 features an 8-inch infotainment system with intuitive interface and well-organized menu structure. More importantly, the rotary controller offers an effortless means to move through the options even while driving. Bose premium audio system caters to the needs of audiophiles. Thankfully, the infotainment comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth audio streaming is also offered as standard, along with features such as USB support and Speed Compensated Volume Control.

Some key infotainment features offered with the 2018 Mazda CX-9 include: 

• 8-inch Touchscreen.
• 6-Speaker Bose Sound System.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming.
• Pandora Internet Radio.
• Speed Compensated Volume Control.
• USB and Aux Support. 

2018 Mazda CX-9 Cargo Space

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has plenty of room for 7 passengers and more. With 50/50 split third row and 60/40 split second row, the CX-9 offers room for plenty of cargo and passengers. By folding both the rows flat, you get an impressive 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Competitors, however, offer more space. The Chevrolet Traverse, for example, provides a cavernous 23 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up and a whopping 98 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third row folded. 

Mazda's updated design philosophy was first implemented in the CX-9. Its elegant and dynamic design with exquisite proportions makes it one of the best-looking SUVs in the market. With the use of lightweight materials, the curb weight of CX-9 falls at 4166 lbs, which is nearly the least in its class. The front end follows Mazda's current design scheme, featuring a wide grille, flanked by two sculpted headlights. The side profile is typical midsize SUV, with clean lines and subtle folds accentuating the CX-9's elegance. 

The back follows a similar simplistic theme. We love the central chrome piece that runs from one tail lamp to the other, laying down the look of a single-unit tail lamp. There's also a dual-exhaust setup, which boosts the CX-9's sporty aesthetic. All in all, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 stands as an elegant-looking SUV with swooping, clean lines, and a crisp design. 

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is 199.4 inches in length and 77.5 inches in width. The CX-9 has a height of 69-inch which is the lowest amongst its rivals after the Toyota Highlander. The car has the best ground clearance of 8.8 inches, so you won't scrape the bottom of your car on bumps. The CX-9 also sports a wheelbase of 115.3 inches which provides better stability to the car. Some highlight exterior features of the 2018 Mazda CX-9 include:

• Automatic LED headlights with Auto-Levelling.
• Intermittent Rear Wiper with Washer.
• Rear Privacy Glass.
• Dual Exhaust Outlets.
• Body-Color Rear Spoiler
• LED Combination Tail Lights

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is an extremely safe vehicle and comes with several driving aids to keep your routine commutes assured. The Touring trim gets advanced driver assistance systems such as Blind-Spot Monitoring, Automated Emergency Braking, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. More high-end radar-based systems are available in the CX-9 Grand Touring and CX-9 Signature. The 2018 model year CX-9 also happens to be based on a very stiff platform, which directly translates to higher safety standards and superior collision absorption. Some standard safety features offered with the 2018 Mazda CX-9 include:

• Hydraulic Brake Assist
• Dusk-Sensing Headlamps
• Passenger Sensing system
• Full-suite of Air Bags
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring system
• Intelligent Crash Response System

Mazda CX-9 vs Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a better car to buy for most customers. We say this because the Pilot offers more power, a more roomy interior, more cargo capacity, higher towing capacity, and is similar to the CX-9 in terms of the feature list. The CX-9 does offer more fuel efficiency though, thanks to its turbocharged Inline-4 engine. Also, the CX-9 will be a better buy if good looks, upscale interiors, and sporty driving characteristics rank higher on your list.

Mazda CX-9 vs Chevrolet Traverse

Both the Mazda CX-9 and the Chevrolet Traverse are 3-row SUVs that offer front or all-wheel drive options. CX-9 seats 7 passengers and the Traverse can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The Traverse's 3.6L V6 Engine offers significantly more power than the CX-9 and comes with better acceleration despite weighing more. If outright performance is your preference, along with an American badge, the Chevrolet Traverse is a great choice. 

Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander offers a more spacious cabin, a larger cargo capacity, and the trusted reliability of Toyota. However, the CX-9 offers significantly more power, is more efficient, has sportier driving dynamics, and looks considerably more expensive. We think the CX-9 is a better overall buy than the Toyota Highlander.

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 flawlessly merges practicality with fun. It looks far more appealing than any three-row SUV at a similar price range and the interior can put far more expensive cars on notice. The fuel efficiency is impeccable as well, and all these goodies come with the decent reliability of the Mazda brand. Power is plentiful, with the turbocharged engine putting down sufficient power to get you going. So if you’re looking for a three-row SUV but do not wish to put up with all the boredom usually associated with one, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is an excellent choice.