How much does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 cost?

Prices have softened 8.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 518 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $22,168.06, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mazda CX-9 earns a 4.54/5 user rating and a 7.0/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its smooth handling, luxurious interior, and comfortable driving experience. The review summary also points to reliability and a premium feel, while noting that some shoppers may want more power and cargo space.

The trade-offs are clear: the third row is cramped, and the technology is described as outdated and unintuitive. That matters most if you need maximum family practicality, but the CX-9 still fits well if you value refinement, style, and a more upscale cabin than many rivals.

Only 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective rather than flooded with bargains.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.54/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to reliability, and it also suggests this is a vehicle people feel good about living with over time. That kind of feedback matters when you’re shopping used, because it usually reflects day-to-day dependability rather than just first impressions.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes a compliant ride, controlled handling, and a six-speed automatic that behaves flawlessly, which supports the sense that the CX-9 is built to be easy to count on. Mazda also includes a free three-year trial period for connected services, which adds some ownership convenience early on.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the technology and packaging still suit your needs as the miles add up.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mazda CX-9?

At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the cabin and electronics still feel consistent with the mileage and asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Sport and Touring sit below the more luxurious Grand Touring and Signature, while Carbon Edition adds a distinct look and feel with cranberry red leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs, and dark-finish 20-inch wheels. If you want the best value, the Carbon Edition stands out because it adds meaningful equipment without jumping all the way to the top trim.
• Powertrain: Every version uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, while the Signature gets all-wheel drive standard.
• Safety package: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go are standard. Carbon Edition adds adaptive front lighting, a windshield wiper de-icer, a driver-attention monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and Smart City Brake Support Reverse. Grand Touring adds a surround-view camera system.
• Infotainment: The CX-9 uses a 10.25-inch static display with Mazda Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text messaging support, integrated Pandora access, and 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification. Mazda Connect services are standard, and Carbon Edition adds satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 system.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says the CX-9 Signature is supposed to get 23 mpg combined, though the review notes real-world results were lower.

Which 2021 Mazda CX-9 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is offered in 5 trim levels: Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core CX-9 experience with the standard turbocharged engine, the 10.25-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the standard safety suite. It makes sense if you want the Mazda feel at the lowest price.
• Touring: This trim builds on the Sport with a more upscale equipment mix while staying below the luxury-focused versions. It’s the sensible step up if you want more comfort without chasing the highest-priced trims.
• Carbon Edition: This is the best-value pick for many shoppers because it adds a distinctive appearance package, cranberry red leather, second-row captain’s chairs, and extra safety and tech features. It also brings satellite radio, a wireless charger, a head-up display, and the Bose audio system.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want a more premium feel and the surround-view camera system. It’s the right middle ground if you care about convenience and visibility upgrades.
• Signature: This is the most luxurious version, with premium Nappa leather, genuine Santos Rosewood inlays, real aluminum accents, and standard all-wheel drive. It suits you best if you want the most upscale CX-9 experience.

The Carbon Edition marks the biggest safety-tech upgrade, while Grand Touring adds the surround-view camera system.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mazda CX-9?

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 518 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.17% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,168.06, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mazda CX-9's resale value?

The current average of $22,577 sits slightly below last year's $24,586.

That decline suggests the CX-9 has become more affordable for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a softer pricing environment than owners saw a year ago. If you buy now, you’re entering at a lower price point, which can help cushion depreciation if the market stays steady.

The model’s premium interior, strong owner satisfaction, and upscale presentation should help it remain appealing to shoppers who want a refined three-row SUV. That said, resale strength will still depend on condition, mileage, and whether the vehicle has a clean history.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.54/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 safe?

It earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results for the driver and front passenger.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, along with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, rain-sensing wipers, and other driver-assist features. Carbon Edition adds adaptive front lighting, a windshield wiper de-icer, a driver-attention monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and Smart City Brake Support Reverse, while Grand Touring adds a surround-view camera system.

One important caveat is that lane-centering assistance is unavailable, and the lane-keep system is intentionally subtle. The safety tech is strong overall, but you should still expect to stay engaged behind the wheel.

Should I buy a 2021 Mazda CX-9 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.54/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 update brings a larger 10.25-inch display, new safety features, and a more upscale Carbon Edition.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,553, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,577 average.
• It adds standard all-wheel drive and six trim levels.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter starting point because prices have eased and inventory is healthy. If you’re willing to spend more for the next model year’s added equipment and standard AWD, the 2022 is worth a look; otherwise, the 2021 gives you the stronger price-to-feature balance.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.