Mazda CX-9 V6
While the more recent model years have switched over to an inline-4 engine, all Mazda CX-9 models from 2007 to 2015 were outfitted with V6 engines.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The last
Mazda CX-9
to feature a V6 engine was the 2015 model. Each 2015 CX-9 trim received the same 3.7-liter, 237-hp engine that could send this midsize three-row SUV cruising at 60 mph in a matter of 7.2 seconds.Mazda has always gone their own way when it comes to determining what the “right size” for an SUV is, which is why many of their models from the last ten years have been criticized for being too small for their class. As such, Mazda had to retool the sizes of their SUVs, and for some reason, they made their biggest SUV—the CX-9—even smaller, outfitting it with a similarly smaller I-4 engine.
Curious about getting an older Mazda CX-9 with a larger V6 engine? We have everything you need to know about this class-of-its-own family SUV.
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2015 Mazda CX-9 Sport V6
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $12,282
Engine: Duratec 37 3.7-liter V6 w/aluminum block and heads
Horsepower: 263 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 249 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
0 to 60: 7.2 seconds
Considered somewhat of a misfit of its year and class, the 2015 CX-9 stood out from the crowd stylistically, with a look that blends in far better among the crossover SUVs of the current era. While it won’t offer all the great features that have been added to recent models, it does have a powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, held up by strong suspension that achieves fantastic cornering and overall handling capabilities.
Other standout features of the Mazda CX-9 V6 include:
- Rear cross-traffic alert: Added to the previous model year, this feature alerts you if a vehicle is crossing behind your car, helping greatly if you’re trying to back out of a parking space and can’t see around blind spots.
- Folding second row: Extremely flexible second-row seats make traversing the CX-9’s rear interior much easier for the kidlets.
- Solid infotainment for its year: If you like a great infotainment screen but aren’t into the 12-inch monster screens that manufacturers are putting in center consoles, you’ll be happy with the 2015 CX-9’s highly capable 5.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
You’ll be especially glad if you manage to find a used 2015 Mazda CX-9 that has the optional torque split all-wheel-drive system subbed in for the standard FWD drivetrain.
How’s the fuel economy?
If you’re used to the fuel economy of newer SUVs, you’re probably not going to like the CX-9 V6’s fuel economy numbers, which come to an EPA city/highway rating of 16/22 mpg for the AWD and 17/24 mpg for the FWD version.
To compare, the turbocharged inline-4 engine of the 2022 CX-9 bumps these numbers to 20/26 mpg through its newly-standard AWD system.
Which Mazda CX-9 models have the V6?
All models before 2016 came standard with V6 engines. While the current models have a turbocharged I4 instead, many of its competitors still offer V6 engines in their most recent model years.
How fast is the Mazda CX-9 V6?
Even with the V6 engine, the 2015 Mazda CX-9 wasn’t exactly known for record-breaking acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.
It’s nothing to write home about, but it does place the CX-9 fairly well in league with other V6 competitors of its time. Here are some to compare (all times are for 2015 models):
As you can see, the Mazda CX-9 sits comfortably with a slightly-below-average 0 to 60 time.
Key Takeaway The V6 engine gives the older Mazda CX-9 a bit more power, greater speed, and a ride that many drivers may prefer—at the expense of its fairly poor fuel economy.
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Car loan for Mazda 2022
Which is better: 2015 CX-9 or 2022 CX-9?
There’s really no denying that you will be getting an all-around better vehicle with the 2022 CX-9. Its turbocharged I4 doesn’t quite measure up to the horsepower of the 2015 model’s V6, but it is definitely comparable in terms of its torque output—the 2022 CX-9’s engine gets 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, and even more when filled with premium 93-octane gas.
In comparison, the 2015 CX-9’s V6 only produces 270 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. That being said, you can get a used 2015 model for about half the price of a new one.
If you prefer your AWD to come standard, don’t mind a turbocharged I4 instead of an older and inferior V6, and would rather get a new vehicle, it’s really no contest between the 2015 and 2022 CX-9 models: get the new one if you can afford it. But if you’re looking for a unique SUV on the used market that will deliver sufficiently according to this decade’s standards, the 2015 Mazda CX-9 is a great deal, especially if you just want a V6 SUV.
MORE:
How to test drive a car
How to find affordable Mazda CX-9 insurance
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Does the Mazda CX-9 come in V6?
Yes—but it hasn’t since the 2015 model. If you’re looking for a new midsize SUV with a V6, the CX-9 isn’t it.
Are V6 Mazdas reliable?
Mazdas overall have above-average reliability ratings in 2022, but the 2015 model only had a J.D. Power rating of 2.5/5, putting it on the below-average end. The 2022 Mazda CX-9 has a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100, putting it at #4 in its class.
Does the 2022 CX-9 have AWD?
You’re gosh-darn right it does! While it was an extra-charge factory option for every year leading up to 2022, the 2022 model finally comes standard with the superior AWD drivetrain!
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