REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOsaav / PexelsOur verdict
7.8 / 10The Mazda CX-9 is one of the most driver-focused three-row SUVs at its price point in the UAE. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine pulls confidently, the cabin uses genuinely premium materials, and the Kodo design language holds up beautifully. It punches well above its price on feel, though the six-speed gearbox and a somewhat cramped third row remind you this is not a luxury SUV.
Who it's for — Families who want a seven-seater that doesn't drive like a bus — buyers who value interior quality and driving dynamics over sheer cabin size or badge prestige.
PROS
- +Exceptional interior quality for the price band
- +Engaging turbocharged 2.5L engine with AWD as standard across all trims
- +Kodo design stands out in the segment
- +Comprehensive i-Activsense safety suite from GT trim upward
- +Strong value-for-money proposition vs premium rivals
CONS
- –Third row is best reserved for children or short journeys
- –6-speed automatic feels dated against rivals' 8- and 9-speed units
- –Smaller dealer and service network than Toyota, Nissan or Ford in the UAE
- –No hybrid option in the GCC — the CX-9 is petrol-only here
Specifications
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
Features
SAFETY & ADAS
7 airbags — dual front, side, curtain, and driver knee airbag
Anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution
Traction control and dynamic stability management
Full suite — Smart Brake Support (SBS) with pedestrian detection
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist System
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Driver Attention Alert warns of fatigue
360-degree view monitor
Acoustic parking sensors rear
Automatic headlight activation with high-beam control
COMFORT
3-zone automatic air conditioning
Hands-free power lift-gate
Driver and passenger seat heating
Driver and passenger seat ventilation
10-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory
Nappa leather seating surfaces
Power panoramic glass sunroof
Advanced keyless entry with push-button start
60/40 split-fold third row with easy-access walk-in mechanism
Dual manual rear window sunshades
Interior ambient LED lighting
INFOTAINMENT
10.25" Mazda Connect infotainment with rotary commander
Wired Apple CarPlay
Wired Android Auto
Built-in satellite navigation with 3D maps
7" TFT multi-information display
Active driving display HUD
Bose 12-speaker premium audio system
Qi wireless charging pad
Dual USB-A and USB-C rear passenger charging ports
Multi-device Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free calling
Trim ladder
| PRICE | AED 121,000 | AED 136,500 | AED 160,500 | AED 169,000 | AED 174,000 |
| POWER | 230 hp | 230 hp | 230 hp | 230 hp | 230 hp |
| 0–100 KM/H | 8.4 s | 8.4 s | 8.4 s | 8.4 s | 8.4 s |
| FUEL | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| ECONOMY | 8.5 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| DRIVE | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
Mazda
Solidly built with proven engines; resale is decent but trails Toyota/Honda.
The enthusiast's mainstream brand — it prioritises how a car feels to drive and touch.
In the UAE — Punches above its price on feel; smaller dealer footprint than the giants.
Where to get it
Official listings are GCC spec. Grey-market imports may be other specs (US, Chinese, Japan) — always confirm the spec, as it affects warranty, A/C cooling and resale.
BUY FROM
Galadari is the sole UAE importer. Smaller network than mass-market brands — check dealer stock before visiting.
https://www.mazda-uae.com ↗RENT FROM
Rental partners coming soon
Warranty — 3 years / 100,000 km · Standard Mazda GCC warranty; Galadari Automobiles is the official UAE distributor.
Frequently asked
How much does the 2025 Mazda CX-9 cost in the UAE?+
The Mazda CX-9 ranges from AED 121,000 (2.5T GS) to AED 174,000 for the top trim in the UAE, GCC spec.
Is the Mazda CX-9 worth buying?+
Caralog rates the Mazda CX-9 7.8/10. The Mazda CX-9 is one of the most driver-focused three-row SUVs at its price point in the UAE. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine pulls confidently, the cabin uses genuinely premium materials, and the Kodo design language holds up beautifully. It punches well above its price on feel, though the six-speed gearbox and a somewhat cramped third row remind you this is not a luxury SUV.
Who should buy the Mazda CX-9?+
Families who want a seven-seater that doesn't drive like a bus — buyers who value interior quality and driving dynamics over sheer cabin size or badge prestige.
What are the pros and cons of the Mazda CX-9?+
Pros: Exceptional interior quality for the price band; Engaging turbocharged 2.5L engine with AWD as standard across all trims; Kodo design stands out in the segment; Comprehensive i-Activsense safety suite from GT trim upward; Strong value-for-money proposition vs premium rivals. Cons: Third row is best reserved for children or short journeys; 6-speed automatic feels dated against rivals' 8- and 9-speed units; Smaller dealer and service network than Toyota, Nissan or Ford in the UAE; No hybrid option in the GCC — the CX-9 is petrol-only here.
Is the Mazda CX-9 reliable, and does it hold its value?+
Mazda has strong reliability and average resale in the UAE. Solidly built with proven engines; resale is decent but trails Toyota/Honda.
How fast is the Mazda CX-9?+
The Mazda CX-9 makes 230 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 8.4s (top speed 210 km/h).
What is the fuel economy of the Mazda CX-9?+
The Mazda CX-9 returns about 8.5 L/100km combined.
How many seats does the Mazda CX-9 have?+
The Mazda CX-9 seats 7, with 407 litres of boot space.
Where can I buy the Mazda CX-9 in the UAE?+
Available from Galadari Automobiles. 3 years / 100,000 km warranty.
What are the alternatives to the Mazda CX-9?+
Cross-shop the Toyota Fortuner, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.