“This car does a lot of things very well. A lot of attention to detail was put into the engineering of this vehicle. There are some vehicles that probably do somethings better, but this one checked all the boxes for me. In the end, I felt like I got a luxury SUV for a fraction of the price of most of it's competitors. Oh and the car is darn bitchin' to drive too. ZOOM-ZOOM!”
2017 Mazda CX-9: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is a light-update year. The main change is that Touring gains standard low-speed automatic emergency braking; otherwise, the four-trim lineup and turbocharged powertrain carry over.
About the 2017 Mazda CX-9
2nd generation (2016-2023), second model year.
Mazda positions the CX-9 as a three-row family SUV for people who still care how their vehicle looks and drives. The brochure calls it the “driver’s SUV,” and Mazda pairs that message with premium cabin design, a strong turbo four-cylinder engine, useful family space for seven, and available all-wheel drive. Compared with many rivals, the CX-9 leans less on sheer size and more on style, road manners, and a more upscale feel inside.
The 2017 CX-9 is a three-row SUV with four trims, ranging from the well-equipped Sport to the upscale Signature. Touring adds family-friendly features such as leather seats, a power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen, while Grand Touring brings navigation, Bose audio, a head-up display, and more driver-assistance features. Signature tops the range with standard all-wheel drive, Nappa leather, and genuine Rosewood trim.
What changed, by category
Safety
Touring gains standard low-speed automatic emergency braking, called Smart City Brake Support. It had been part of a separate package for the 2016 Touring.
2017 Mazda CX-9 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5T |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Sport Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Sport Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Sport Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Sport Manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 71.2 cu-ft | 71.2 cu-ft | 71.2 cu-ft | 71.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 Mazda CX-9 compared with the 2016 model?
The main change is standard low-speed automatic emergency braking on the 2017 Touring trim. The engine, transmission, four-trim structure, styling, and major technology features otherwise carry over.
Was the 2017 Mazda CX-9 redesigned?
No. The 2017 CX-9 is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2016, with no major redesign or broad styling update.
Which 2017 Mazda CX-9 trim received the model-year update?
Touring received the notable 2017 update. Its low-speed automatic emergency braking became standard rather than being grouped in a separate package.
Did the 2017 Mazda CX-9 get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2017 CX-9 keeps the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission used for 2016.
How does the 2017 CX-9 Touring differ from the Sport?
The 2017 Touring adds standard low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, leather seats, heated front seats, a power liftgate, power-adjustable front seats, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen. Sport retains a 7-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, three-zone climate control, and seven-passenger seating.
2017 Mazda CX-9 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mazda CX-9.
4.2
2017 Mazda CX-9
(111 reviews)
“The vehicle is super reliable, amazing quality, and craftmanship. For a family with kids, it has a very roomy fit, with plenty of storage and seating and lots of options. You cannot go wrong with Mazda, and the CX9 definitely fits the high demands of a growing family.”
“The Mazda CX-9 is an incredibly well-engineered vehicle. It's sophisticated, yet simple, performs incredibly well, and is extremely fun and fulfilling to drive. The interior of the Signature trip feels like a luxury SUV from a brand who isn't considered to be ""luxury"". The exterior is stunning every time I see it, especially after a detail job. It's an incredible vehicle that I will keep for 10+ years.”
Sources
- mazdausa.com — 2017 / 2017 Mazda Cx 9 / 2017 Mazda Cx9 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 Mazda CX 9 Press Kit Spec Deck
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 02 06 2017 Mazda Cx 9 Goes On Sale
- portal.mazdausa.com — Brochures / 2016 / 2016 MazdaCX9 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 09 05 2018 Mazda CX 9 Flagship Three Row Crossover SUV Receives Long List of Upgrades
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 CX 9 Spec Deck
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 02 02 Cx 9 Named Finalist 2017 World Car World Design Year Awards