2018 Mazda CX-9: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is more standard safety equipment on every trim, including low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It is not a redesign, but it receives meaningful safety, comfort, and driving updates.

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About the 2018 Mazda CX-9

2nd generation (2016-2023), third model year, pre-refresh update year

Mazda positions the CX-9 as a three-row family SUV for people who still care about how their vehicle feels from behind the wheel. The brand leans heavily on driver-focused design, a quiet and upscale cabin, and strong turbocharged low-end power rather than sheer size or maximum cargo room. Compared with many mainstream rivals, the CX-9’s identity is more premium in look and feel, with sharper handling and more expressive interior design.

The 2018 CX-9 ranges from the straightforward Sport, with a turbo engine, three-row seating, and a 7-inch touchscreen, to the comfort-focused Touring with leather seating, a power liftgate, and a larger 8-inch screen. Grand Touring adds features such as a head-up display, navigation, and Bose audio, while the flagship Signature stands out with standard AWD, Nappa leather, and rosewood interior trim.

What changed, by category

Safety

Low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on every trim. Touring also gains lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and higher-speed automatic emergency braking.

Tech

Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control becomes standard across the lineup. Grand Touring and Signature add traffic-sign recognition in the head-up display, front parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats, and a windshield-wiper de-icer.

Structural

The second-row seats slide farther forward and use easier release levers for better third-row access. Added sound insulation also makes the cabin quieter.

2018 Mazda CX-9 specs and features by trim

Feature	2018 Mazda CX-9Sport0 in stock	2018 Mazda CX-9Touring12 in stock	2018 Mazda CX-9Signature0 in stock	2018 Mazda CX-9Grand Touring2 in stock
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 Spt Manual	Auto, 6-Spd Spt Manual	Auto, 6-Spd Spt Manual	Auto, 6-Spd Spt Manual
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	20 mpg	22 mpg	20 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	26 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
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
LED Headlights
Power Moonroof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Head-Up Display
Navigation System
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Aluminum Interior Trim
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear 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

How the 2019 Mazda CX-9 compares

The most important change for the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a retuned suspension and added sound insulation, which make every trim smoother and quieter. It is not a redesign, but Touring and higher trims also gain useful technology and comfort upgrades.

See the full 2019 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2018 Mazda CX-9 redesigned?

No. The 2018 CX-9 remains part of the second generation introduced for 2016, but it receives a meaningful update focused on standard safety equipment, cabin quietness, third-row access, and added features.

What safety features became standard on the 2018 Mazda CX-9?

Every 2018 CX-9 has low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment. This is the year’s most important lineup-wide change.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-9 easier to use as a three-row family SUV than the 2017 model?

Yes. For 2018, the second-row seats slide farther forward and have easier-to-use release levers, improving access to the third row. Added sound insulation also makes the cabin quieter.

What did the 2018 CX-9 Touring gain?

The 2018 Touring gains automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and higher-speed automatic emergency braking. It also gets improved front-seat adjustment.

What separates the 2018 CX-9 Signature from the other trims?

The 2018 Signature is the flagship trim, distinguished by standard AWD, Auburn Nappa leather, rosewood interior trim, unique stitching, and LED cabin and grille accents. It uses the same turbocharged engine and three-row layout as the rest of the range.

2018 Mazda CX-9 Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2018 Mazda CX-9.

4.3

2018 Mazda CX-9

(165 reviews)

5 stars (76)

4 stars (72)

3 stars (14)

2 stars (3)

1 star (0)

No rating

“It's a great value for money. Exceptional safety features. Wish it was a little bigger.”

CMCarlene M.
2018 Mazda CX-9 AWD

“Great Vehicle! Love the turbo! Classic and beautiful styling! Great ride and comfort!”

RTRob T.
2018 Mazda CX-9 AWD

“Safety equipment works. Had 2012 CX-9 and was sandwiched on interstate. The vehicle was totaled. Engine break away worked, airbags deployed correctly and crumple zone absorbed all energy in collision.”

DDDavid D.
2018 Mazda CX-9 FWD