Used 2021 Mazda CX-9 for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 cost?

Prices have softened 8.85% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 560 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 4.54/5 user rating and a 7.00/10 expert rating.

The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its smooth handling, reliability, and luxurious interior. The CX-9 also stands out for its comfortable driving experience and premium-feeling cabin, which fits you well if you want a midsize SUV that feels more upscale than many rivals.

The trade-offs are clear: you give up some power and cargo space, and the third row is cramped. The CX-9 makes the most sense if you value style, comfort, and refinement more than maximum family-hauling practicality.

Only 33.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the better examples may not sit on the market long.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

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

User feedback points to reliability, dependability, and a trouble-free ownership experience, with many owners saying they can count on it for everyday use. The expert review also emphasizes the CX-9’s smooth, controlled driving character and its well-sorted six-speed automatic, which supports the impression of a well-engineered SUV.

If you’re shopping used, the main long-term ownership risk is that a neglected example could be more frustrating than expensive, especially if you want to avoid tech annoyances and wear-related issues.

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

At 72.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on bodywork quality, signs of prior repair, and whether the cabin and technology 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 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.
• Powertrain: Every version uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Signature gets standard all-wheel drive.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go; 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.
• Infotainment: You get a 10.25-inch static display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connect services with a free three-year trial period plus a separate three-month/2GB WiFi hotspot trial.
• Fuel efficiency: The CX-9 is described as thirsty, and the expert review says the Signature is supposed to get 23 mpg combined.

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 CX-9’s core strengths without the extra luxury touches. It makes sense if you want the style, ride quality, and standard safety tech at the lowest price.
• Touring: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds equipment while staying below the more expensive luxury-focused versions. If you want a balanced mix of comfort and value, this is the one to focus on first.
• Carbon Edition: This trim is the standout midrange upgrade, with the custom appearance package, second-row captain’s chairs, and added safety and convenience features. It’s the trim to target if you want the most distinctive look and a richer feature set without jumping all the way to the top.
• Grand Touring: This trim moves you into a more upscale experience and adds the surround-view camera system. It suits you if you want more convenience and a stronger premium feel.
• Signature: This is the most luxurious version, with premium Nappa leather, Santos Rosewood inlays, real aluminum accents, and standard all-wheel drive. Choose it if you want the most refined CX-9 and are willing to pay for it.

The Carbon Edition is the most compelling step-up for many buyers, while the Signature is the right pick if you want the fullest luxury treatment. Safety equipment expands as you move up the lineup, with the Carbon Edition and Grand Touring adding notable extras.

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 carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 33.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 560 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.85% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,258, 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 $22,322 sits slightly below last year's $24,490.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the key question is whether the CX-9’s premium feel and strong owner satisfaction can keep demand steady enough to support pricing.

Because the model still has a loyal audience and a strong reputation for comfort and style, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. Condition, mileage, and accident history will matter a lot when it comes time to resell.

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?

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star overall ratings from NHTSA.

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, 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.

One caveat is that lane-centering assistance is unavailable, and the adaptive cruise system can struggle to maintain distance smoothly at higher speeds. NHTSA also notes four-star frontal-impact results for the driver and front passenger.

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:

• 33.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.85% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.54/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 update brings a better infotainment system, new safety features, and a more upscale feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,443, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,322 average.
• It adds standard all-wheel drive and a broader trim lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter starting point because prices have eased and the model year brings meaningful updates. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer example, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative for buyers who want the next model year’s broader trim selection and standard AWD.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.