Used 2021 Mazda CX-9 for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 cost?

Prices have softened 7.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 559 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mazda CX-9 earns a 4.5/5 user rating and a 7.0/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its smooth handling, reliability, and luxurious interior. The review feedback also points to comfort as a major draw, with many shoppers appreciating the polished, upscale feel and the driving experience. On the downside, the expert review notes a cramped third row and technology that feels outdated and unintuitive, so the CX-9 makes the most sense if you value style and refinement more than maximum family-hauling practicality.

The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 37.9% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback highlights reliability, dependability, and a trouble-free ownership experience, with many owners saying they feel confident counting on it over time. The expert review also describes the CX-9 as a vehicle that benefits from Mazda’s attention to detail and incremental improvements, reinforcing the sense that it is built for steady long-term use. Mazda’s maintenance coverage language is not included here.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about living with the CX-9’s space and technology compromises over time.

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

At 67.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on bodywork quality, electronic features, and signs of wear that could be more noticeable on a family SUV. Because the CX-9 is praised for its upscale feel but criticized for its cramped third row and awkward technology, you should also make sure the cabin, controls, and rear seating still suit your needs.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Sport and Touring sit below the more luxurious Grand Touring and Signature, while the Carbon Edition adds a custom look with Polymetal Gray paint, cranberry red leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs, and dark-finish 20-inch wheels. Base trims use 18-inch wheels, so you should expect fewer upscale touches there.
• Powertrain: Every CX-9 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 includes all-wheel drive as standard.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, rain-sensing wipers, and other driver-assist tech. The Carbon Edition adds adaptive front lighting, a windshield wiper de-icer, a driver-attention monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking, while Grand Touring adds a surround-view camera system.
• Infotainment: The CX-9 uses a 10.25-inch static display with Mazda Connect, and it includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text messaging support, Pandora access, and Mazda Connect services. Wireless phone charging appears on the Carbon Edition, but the system still lacks a touchscreen.
• Fuel efficiency: The CX-9 is described as thirsty, and the expert review says the EPA estimates 23 mpg combined for the Signature, while real-world testing averaged 20.1 mpg.

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, so it makes sense if you want the CX-9’s style, smooth driving character, and standard safety tech at the lowest price.
• Touring: This is the best-value choice if you want a step up from the base trim without chasing luxury extras, since it keeps the CX-9’s core strengths while staying relatively accessible.
• Carbon Edition: This trim adds the most distinctive appearance and a stronger equipment mix, including the custom interior and exterior treatment, making it a smart pick if you want more flair and features.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want more upscale convenience and the surround-view camera system, which adds useful visibility support.
• Signature: This is the most luxurious version, with premium materials and the standard all-wheel-drive system, so it suits you best if you want the most refined CX-9 experience.

The Carbon Edition is the standout upgrade for shoppers who want the best blend of style and equipment, while the safety package gets stronger as you move up the lineup.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 559 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,586, 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 $21,586 sits slightly below last year's $23,343.

That decline suggests the CX-9 has softened in the used market, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the current pricing trend means you should expect a more competitive market and may need to lean on condition, mileage, and trim desirability to stand out. The good news is that the CX-9’s upscale image and strong owner satisfaction can still support demand when the vehicle is well kept.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 safe?

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and 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.

Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, rain-sensing wipers, and other driver-assist features. The Carbon Edition adds adaptive front lighting, a windshield wiper de-icer, a driver-attention monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking, while Grand Touring adds a surround-view camera system. Lane-centering assistance is unavailable, and the adaptive cruise system can struggle to maintain distance smoothly at higher speeds.

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:

• 37.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 update brings a new infotainment system, added safety tech, and a more polished overall package.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,475, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,586 average.
• It adds a broader trim lineup and starts higher in price.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the stronger buy because pricing has softened and the model-year updates improved the package. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model-year setup and broader trim availability, the 2022 is the secondary path.

How does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 compare to the 2021 Honda Pilot?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Mazda CX-9:

• Pros: Stylish design, Spacious, Premium interior materials.
• Cons: Cramped third row, Outdated technology, Unintuitive technology.

2021 Honda Pilot:

• Pros: Spacious, Easy-to-use technology, Stylish design.
• Cons: Fairly pedestrian performance, Irritating transmission.

Our experts score the 2021 Mazda CX-9 7/10 and the 2021 Honda Pilot 7.2/10. The CX-9 is the better pick if you care most about premium materials and a more upscale feel. The Pilot has the edge if you want easier technology and a roomier, more practical family SUV. Based on the pros and cons above, the CX-9 feels more polished, while the Pilot is the more straightforward utility choice.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.