Your Mazda CX-9 is primarily built to carry passengers and cargo. But you can tow too, it has got a decent towing capacity and this is what we are going to discuss in this article, in detail. We don’t just give a single towing number but whole towing-related data. So that our readers can get all the information necessary to tow.
The data you find in this article is taken from the Mazda CX-9 owner’s manual, download from their official website. We also double-check all the data to ensure data’s accuracy, because towing for us is a serious business. We always, HIGHLY recommend our reader to completely read “Towing a Trailer” section from Mazda’s owner manual.
CX-9 is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been in the US market since 2007. The SUV is one of the best mid-size SUVs in the US market where it holds a good reputation due to its fuel economy and engine power. It comes hand in hand with comfort, luxury, and sportiness. In the latest model CX-9 has, it can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. It can occupy a large family of 7 people easily, which makes it a family’s choice. It comes up with 2WD and AWD versions.
Mazda CX-9 Towing Capacity: CX-9 has a towing capacity that ranges from 2,000 lb (907 kg) to 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
What Affects MDX Towing Capacity: If you own a CX-9 model from 2007 to 2015 you need a “Towing Package” to be installed. Without the package towing capacity goes down by 1000 pounds, can tow 2000 lb only.
While in all other models, 2016-2021, you don’t need any towing package and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Engine Choice: Mazda CX-9 doesn’t have too many engine options nor it affects the towing capacity of the SUV. It has 3 engine options in all model years.
Important Points:
- Do not tow while CX 9 is within its first 1,000 km (600 miles).
- Always use high octane gasoline while towing, 91 octane rating or higher.
- Trailer brakes are required if the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb).
- Do not use a spare tire while towing.
- Using axle-mounted hitch damages axle and related parts.
- For a trailer weighing more than 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are recommended.
- Tongue Load = 10% – 15%, of a fully-loaded trailer.
Trailer Weight Distribution: While loading the trailer, always aim to distribute its load in half, 60% on the front side of the trailer and 40% on the backside.
Along with all these points, we have had other towing-related data to keep in mind while towing. Such as GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating), GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
2021-2016 Mazda CX-9 Towing Capacity – Second Generation
Crossover SUVs in this generation are equipped with a 2.5 L 4-cylinder SkyActivG gasoline engine producing 227 hp (169 kW). All this with 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission. In this generation, you don’t need a “Towing Package” installed in order to pull 3,500 lb, it’s built-in now.
Below is the screenshot of “Trailer Towing-Load Table” taken from the 2021 Mazda CX-9 owner’s manual, the 2020 and 2019 models share the exact same data.
Image credit: 2021 Mazda CX-9 Owner’s Manual
In the 2018 models, GVWR and GAWR changed a little.
2018
In the 2017 and 2016 models, GCWR changed a little.
2017
Read More: Mazda CX-5 Towing Capacity (All Model Years)
2015-2007 CX-9 Towing Capacity – First Generation
Mazda CX-9 from the model year 2007 to 2015 falls under the first generation. In the first year, it was equipped with a 3.5 L Ford V6 engine. Soon after, in the second year, it was changed to a 3.7 L V6 gasoline engine producing 274hp and 366 N⋅m of torque which remains the same till the 2015 model. All this comes with 6-speed automatic transmission.
CX-9s in this generation came with a towing package that increases towing capacity by 1,500 pounds. Meanwhile, the towing capacity in the first generation of CX-9 is ranging from 2,000 lb (907 kg) to 3,500 lb (1,588 kg). But differences, in GCWR, GVWR, and GAWR can be seen.
Below is the screenshot of “Trailer Towing-Load Table” taken from the 2007 Mazda CX-9 owner’s manual, the 2008 and 2009 model has the exact same table.
Image credit: 2007 Mazda CX-9 Owner’s Manual
In the 2010 model, little change can be seen in other towing-related data.
2010
Note: In the 2011 and 2012 model years only the GVWR limit changed, in 4WD models, to 5,997 lb (2,720 kg).
In 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years, only the GCWR limit changed.
2013
Towing Accessories
Trailer Hitch: Always use hitch ball recommended by trailer manufacturer while keeping the CX 9 towing capacity into account.
Trailer Lights: Your trailer lights should always comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Whether it’s day or night trailer lights are essential to have.
Trailer Brakes: It is recommended in the owner’s manual to use trailer brakes for the weight exceeding 1,000 pounds (450 kg). Always remember, to never connect your trailer’s hydraulic brakes with CX 9’s braking system. As it can decrease braking efficiency.
