2011 Mazda CX-9: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2011 Mazda CX-9 is a slight improvement in fuel economy. Overall, this is a light update rather than a redesign, with the engine, transmission, cabin layout, and main safety hardware carrying over.
About the 2011 Mazda CX-9
1st generation (2007-2015), second year after the 2010 refresh.
Mazda marketed the CX-9 as a three-row family crossover with more style and driver engagement than many larger, softer rivals. The core pitch was seven-passenger practicality, strong V6 power, good safety credentials, and a cabin that felt more upscale and car-like than typical family SUVs. For most shoppers, the CX-9’s appeal was simple: family space and versatility without giving up responsive handling and a more athletic look.
The 2011 CX-9 is a seven-passenger crossover offered in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims, all with a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Sport covers family basics with three-zone climate control and Bluetooth, while Touring adds leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and power front seats. Grand Touring adds blind-spot monitoring, upgraded headlights, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, and driver-seat memory.
What changed, by category
2011 Mazda CX-9 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sport Shift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sport Shift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sport Shift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 273 hp | 273 hp | 273 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 100.7 cu-ft | 100.7 cu-ft | 100.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.4 in | 32.4 in | 32.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed from the 2010 CX-9 to the 2011 CX-9?
The 2011 Mazda CX-9 gets slightly better fuel economy, redesigned standard wheels on every trim, and speed-sensing automatic door locks. Its basic design, engine, transmission, cabin layout, and main safety hardware carry over from 2010.
Did the 2011 Mazda CX-9 get a new engine?
No, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 keeps the 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission used for 2010. Fuel economy improves slightly, but there is no stated engine or transmission hardware change.
Was the 2011 Mazda CX-9 redesigned?
No, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 was not redesigned. It is a lightly updated first-generation model that follows the larger 2010 refresh.
What wheel designs changed on the 2011 Mazda CX-9?
All 2011 Mazda CX-9 trims receive redesigned standard alloy wheels. Sport and Touring have new 18-inch designs, while Grand Touring has a new 20-inch design.
Which 2011 Mazda CX-9 trim has blind-spot monitoring?
The 2011 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring has blind-spot monitoring. It also adds upgraded headlights, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, and driver-seat memory over the lower trims.