Mazda CX-9 4WD
23 MPG The 2023 Mazda CX-9 4WD is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2007–2023 run it averages 20.4 MPG, improving by 6 MPG over 17 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 392 | 1 |
| 2022 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 392 | 1 |
| 2021 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 391 | 1 |
| 2020 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 391 | 1 |
| 2019 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 391 | 1 |
| 2018 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 391 | 1 |
| 2017 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 390 | 1 |
| 2016 | 23 MPG | 21 | 26 | $2700 | 384 | 1 |
| 2015 | 19 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3300 | 480 | 1 |
| 2014 | 19 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3300 | 480 | 1 |
| 2013 | 19 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3300 | 480 | 1 |
| 2012 | 19 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2011 | 19 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2010 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2009 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2008 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2007 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 130 small sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Mazda CX-9 4WD ranks 79 on current figures, against a class average of 29.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Volvo XC60 AWD (23.5), Alfa Romeo Stelvio AWD (24), BMW X3 xDrive28i (24), BMW X4 xDrive30i (24), Infiniti QX60 AWD (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 392 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda CX-9 4WD get?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 4WD is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 26 highway. Across all 17 model years in the database it averages 20.4 MPG, ranging from 17 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda CX-9 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2023 model is $2700.
Has the Mazda CX-9 4WD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 17 MPG in 2007 to 23 in 2023 — an improvement of 6 MPG, or 35% across 17 model years.
Is the Mazda CX-9 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 79 of 130 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 29.3 MPG. That is 6.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.