Summary

• With 434 currently listed for sale and an average price of $15,698.00, 34.3% of 2018 Mazda CX-9s for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• Favorably reviewed: Owners rated the 2018 Mazda CX-9 5 / 5 stars.

• 67.5% of 2018 CX-9 models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 stands out for putting driving enjoyment ahead of the usual three-row SUV formula. Mazda describes the brand’s sportier character as part of the CX-9’s appeal, and this model also comes with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It adds Mazda Intelligent Drive Select with Sport and Off-Road modes, plus Kinematic Posture Control, a software feature borrowed from the MX-5 Miata that Mazda says helps suppress body lift in tight corners. That combination gives the CX-9 a more engaging feel than many family crossovers, while still aiming to keep the ride composed.

Inside, the 2018 CX-9 balances family usefulness with a more upscale presentation than many rivals. Standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch full-color center display with Mazda Connect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 7-inch LCD instrument panel display, and an eight-speaker sound system. It also comes with keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. Safety equipment is similarly broad, with smart city brake support, blind spot monitors, radar cruise control with stop & go, a driver-attention alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The CX-9’s strengths are clear for buyers who want a stylish, premium-feeling SUV that is enjoyable to drive. The tradeoff is that it is not the roomiest choice in its class, and its infotainment system can feel fiddly because it relies on a knob-and-button layout, even though the screen works as a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. For shoppers who value comfort, design, and a more polished driving experience over maximum cargo space, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 has a lot to offer.

Other model years to consider

• 2022 Mazda CX-9

  • Average price: $24,726.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 33.2%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 716

• 2017 Mazda CX-9

  • Average price: $15,264.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 36.0%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 378

• 2016 Mazda CX-9

  • Average price: $13,739.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 33.0%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 270

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.