2012 Mazda CX-9: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a true carryover with no major changes from 2011. Its powertrain, styling, safety features, technology, and three-trim lineup remain essentially the same.
About the 2012 Mazda CX-9
Original CX-9 generation (2007-2015), sixth model year, final year before the 2013 styling and tech refresh.
Mazda positioned the CX-9 as a three-row family SUV that did not give up driver appeal. The core pitch was seven-passenger practicality, useful cargo flexibility, and a strong V6, wrapped in sleeker styling and a cabin meant to feel more upscale than many mainstream rivals. Compared with other large crossovers of the time, the CX-9’s clear differentiator was its more athletic steering and road feel without giving up the space and comfort families expected.
The 2012 CX-9 is a seven-seat SUV offered in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims, all with a 273-hp 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Sport covers the family basics with three-zone climate control and Bluetooth, while Touring adds heated leather seats. Grand Touring brings a more premium feel with blind spot monitoring, keyless entry and start, and 20-inch wheels.
2012 Mazda CX-9 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportshift | Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportshift | Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportshift |
| 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 | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Mazda CX-9 compared with the 2011 model?
Nothing significant changed for 2012. The CX-9 carried over its three trims, 273-hp 3.7-liter V6, six-speed automatic, seven-seat layout, styling, and main feature packages from 2011.
Was the 2012 Mazda CX-9 redesigned?
No, the 2012 Mazda CX-9 was not redesigned or refreshed. It was the final model year before the 2013 update introduced revised front and rear styling and a larger infotainment upgrade.
Do all 2012 Mazda CX-9 trims have the same engine?
Yes, every 2012 CX-9 trim uses a 273-hp 3.7-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring were sold with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
How do the 2012 Mazda CX-9 trims differ?
Sport has cloth seats, Bluetooth, and three-zone climate control; Touring adds heated leather seats and power front seats; Grand Touring adds blind spot monitoring, keyless entry and start, memory for the driver’s seat, and 20-inch wheels. All three keep the same V6 and seven-seat layout.
Does every 2012 Mazda CX-9 have blind spot monitoring?
No, blind spot monitoring is limited to the 2012 Grand Touring trim. It is not included on Sport or Touring.