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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $30,485–$39,114 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.3/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.2/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $30,485–$39,114, 24 MPG, seating 7, the Mazda CX-9 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.7/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,485 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 16%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Mazda CX-9 scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.9/10 | $32,495 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $32,495 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $31,490 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $30,485 | |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $29,480 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $28,475 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $27,470 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $26,465 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $25,460 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $24,455 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Seats / Mid/rear assembly 27/09/2021 · 21V750000 | 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… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
