The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is a midsize three-row crossover SUV designed for families who want extra seating without giving up sporty driving feel. It’s part of the second-generation CX-9 introduced for 2016, featuring Mazda’s lighter, more upscale design and a turbocharged four-cylinder instead of a V6. In the segment, it competes with models like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, but stands out for handling, interior design, and fuel economy for its size. It’s ideal for drivers who prioritize a premium feel and responsive steering, and who don’t always need maximum cargo space behind the third row.

1) Turbocharged engine: Every 2018 CX-9 uses a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G turbo four-cylinder (250 hp on premium fuel, 227 hp on regular; 310 lb-ft torque on premium, 320 lb-ft on regular), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 2) Available i-ACTIV AWD: Front-wheel drive is standard, with Mazda’s predictive all-wheel drive available for better traction in rain and snow. 3) Three-row seating: Seating for up to seven passengers (second-row captain’s chairs on some trims reduce seating to six), with a comfortable first and second row and a third row best for kids or shorter trips. 4) Safety and driver assistance: Available advanced safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support, and available radar cruise control depending on trim and packages. 5) Upscale cabin and infotainment: The 2018 model offers a near-luxury interior for the class, with available leather seating, Bose audio on certain trims, and Mazda’s center-display infotainment controlled by a rotary commander.

Shoppers researching 2018 Mazda CX-9 reliability and 2018 Mazda CX-9 common issues will find that overall dependability is generally solid, but there are a few repeat complaints to know about. 1) Brake-related wear or noise: Some owners report premature brake pad/rotor wear, vibration, or squeaking, sometimes appearing around 20,000–40,000 miles depending on driving style. If you feel pulsation during braking, the front rotors may be warping or the pads may be glazing. 2) Infotainment glitches: The Mazda Connect system can be prone to freezing, random reboots, Bluetooth connection drops, or laggy response. These issues often show up early in ownership and are commonly improved with software updates, but should still be tested thoroughly on a used vehicle. 3) Turbo engine quirks and sensor issues: While the 2.5T is generally durable when maintained, some owners report check-engine lights tied to sensors (such as oxygen/air-fuel sensors), occasional rough idle, or hesitation. Problems can occur at varying mileages, often in the 30,000–70,000-mile range, and may be influenced by neglected spark plugs, poor-quality fuel, or overdue oil changes. 4) Drivetrain and suspension noises: A smaller subset of complaints mention clunks or squeaks over bumps, sometimes traced to sway bar links, bushings, or worn mounts. These can appear around 40,000–80,000 miles depending on road conditions.