Ready to dive into the Mazda CX-9 world?
You’re in the correct spot. This straightforward guide breaks down every generation, showing you which years are worth your money and which to avoid.
I’ve done the groundwork, combing through data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and VehicleHistory. You’ll get the unique scoop on prime picks, common issues, and recalls.
Buckle up – we’re striking the road!
Table of ContentsShow
Mazda CX-9 Generations
The Mazda CX-9 burst onto the scene in 2007, bringing a fresh take on the family-friendly crossover. Mazda’s signature “zoom-zoom” DNA was alive and flourishing in this new offering.
From the outset, the CX-9 impressed with its spacious three-row setup, gutsy V6 engine, and available all-wheel drive. It set a new standard for blending practicality with driving fun in its class.
Below is a table outlining all Mazda CX-9 generations from 2007 to 2023.
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (TB) | 2007-2015 |
| 2nd generation (TC) | 2016-2023 |
Pay attention to these generation shifts. They’re not just marketing hype – each new generation brings authentic improvements that could make or break your purchasing choice.
Mazda CX-9 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When evaluating the Mazda CX-9’s finest and worst years, we’re not just throwing darts at a calendar. Our rankings consider a whole slew of elements:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because your family’s safety is non-negotiable)
- Consumer Reports reliability scores (they’ve been in the game for decades)
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores (happy owners = good sign)
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word on safety issues)
- Edmunds owner ratings (real-world experiences matter)
- JD Power owner ratings (another respected voice in the auto world)
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings (because resale value counts)
- VehicleHistory owner ratings (they’ve seen it all)
- Cars.com owner ratings (more real-world feedback)
Want to see how the Mazda CX-9 stacks up over the years? Check out our forthcoming graph.
Next up, we’ve got a graph that sorts all Mazda CX-9 model years into the good, the bad, and the “meh” categories.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (TB) | 2007 2008 2013 2014 2015 | N/A | 2009 2010 2011 2012 |
| 2nd generation (TC) | 2018 2019 2020 2022 | 2021 2023 | 2016 2017 |
Now, about those “Neutral Years” – they’re not the superstars, but they’re not the duds either. Think of them as the dependable B students of the automotive world.
Keep an eye out for those NHTSA recalls. The more recalls and grievances a car accumulates, the more its dependability takes a hit.
Ready to delve into the nitty-gritty of Mazda CX-9 years?
Let’s roll!
Best & Worst Years for Mazda CX-9 1st Generation (2007-2015)
The 1st Generation Mazda CX-9 hit the streets in 2007, aiming to blend sports car pep with SUV functionality. It promised a family-friendly ride with a dash of Mazda’s famous ‘Zoom-Zoom’ excitement.
Here’s the swift and dirty: 2007, 2008, and 2013-2015 are the Mazda CX-9’s golden years for reliability and value. But watch out for 2009-2012 – those are the years you’ll want to avoid.
The Best Years: 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
The first-generation Mazda CX-9’s best years – 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2015 – hit the optimal spot of performance, comfort, and reliability.
The 2007 and 2008 models kicked things off with a bang. They packed a wallop with a 3.5L MZI V6 engine, later upgraded to a 3.7L MZI V6 from 2008 onwards. Paired with a silky six-speed auto, these engines delivered power when you needed it.
For those looking for a touch of luxury, the Grand Touring trim was the way to go. It came loaded with opulent features and cutting-edge tech, including safety goodies like roll stability control and blind-spot monitoring.
The 2013-2015 models got a facelift and some substantial upgrades. Mazda didn’t rest on its laurels, giving these CX-9s sleeker interiors and modernized tech to keep them fresh.
Best of all? These model years avoided the major mechanical headaches that plagued some of their siblings. If you’re in the used car market, these are the years to zero in on.
The Worst Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Now for the years you’ll want to steer clear of: 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. These Mazda CX-9 models had some significant reliability issues that you don’t want to handle.
The 2009 model year was particularly problematic, with brake problems that just wouldn’t go away. Mazda struggled to fix these issues, leaving many owners frustrated.
The 2010-2012 models didn’t fare much better. They suffered from a shoddily engineered power transfer unit that led to viscous gear lubricant. And those brake problems? Yeah, they persisted.
Water pump failures were another calamity waiting to happen. When these went out, you were looking at potential engine stalling and some severe internal damage.
To cap it off, Mazda had to issue recalls for front suspension ball joint degeneration. Not exactly a symbol of assurance for these model years.
Want the complete lowdown on these difficult years?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Mazda CX-9 models.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda CX-9 2nd Generation (2016-2023)
2016 marked the dawn of a new era for the Mazda CX-9. The second generation brought substantial upgrades in design, performance, and tech for this family-sized SUV.
Here’s the breakdown: 2018-2022 are the CX-9’s optimal years in this generation. But watch out for 2016 and 2017 – those are the years you’ll want to avoid at all costs.
The Best Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
The 2018 to 2020 and 2022 Mazda CX-9 models are the apex of the crop for the second generation. Mazda really hit its stride with these years, perfecting both design and engineering.
Under the hood, you’ll find a spirited 2.5L Skyactiv-G PY-VPTS turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers up to 250 horses when you feed it premium fuel, all managed by a fluid six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.
The 2022 model kept the performance bar elevated while bumping up the fuel efficiency. You’re looking at around 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway for the 4WD version. Not too shabby for a large SUV.
These years also saw a boost in standard safety tech. Features like automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring became par for the course.
One minor hiccup: some 2018 and 2019 owners reported coolant leaks. But overall, these years represent the CX-9 at its finest.
The Neutral Years: 2021, 2023
The 2021 and 2023 Mazda CX-9 models fall into the “neutral” category. They’re not groundbreaking, but they’re not problematic either.
These models stuck with the proven 2.5L turbocharged engine. Mazda focused on incremental improvements, tweaking the driver assistance features and upgrading the infotainment system.
While they didn’t bring any groundbreaking changes to the table, they also dodged any major reliability issues. If you’re after a recent model without paying top dollar for the latest and greatest, these years are dependable picks.
The Worst Years: 2016, 2017
Now for the years to avoid: 2016 and 2017. These early second-generation models hit some hurdles in the road that landed them in the “worst years” category.
The primary culprit? Engine troubles. These models were prone to cracked cylinder heads, leading to coolant leaks. Left unchecked, this could cause overheating and some major engine damage.
Want more information on these demanding years?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2016 and 2017 Mazda CX-9 automobiles.
Mazda CX-9 Resale Values
Inquisitive about how well the Mazda CX-9 holds its value? Take a look at this graph showing average resale values over the years.
Conclusion
We’ve taken a comprehensive dive into the Mazda CX-9’s history, and the verdict is in. The best Mazda CX-9 years are 2018-2020 and 2022. On the flip side, you’ll want to think twice before buying the 2016 and 2017 models.
So, which Mazda CX-9 year caught your attention? What tipped the scales for you?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Your participation could help another buyer make the right choice!
