DecodedCars2016 Mazda CX-9
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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
- 4,050–4,341 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 4,341 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 2% worse than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- New body dimensions: 1.6 in shorter, wheelbase +2.0 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.7L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 24
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 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 | 4,341 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 | -2% | $2,800 | 364 |
| CX-9 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | 0% | $2,900 | 384 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda CX-9 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Expedition | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Mazda CX-9 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Mazda CX-9 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 68 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 11 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 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 2016 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →