The CX-9 was introduced to the Mazda lineup as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2007 and has been popular ever since. Mazda vehicles are known for their distinct styling and the CX 9 also has the capabilities consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But how much can a Mazda CX 9 tow?
The Mazda CX 9 towing capacity is 3,500 lbs.
There’s a bit more to know about Mazda CX 9 towing which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
The towing capacities for the CX 9 have varied quite a bit between 2007 and the current model year, so we’ll also go through each year as well.
2022 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the Mazda CX 9 can tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs.
All 2022 Mazda CX-9 trim levels can tow 1,500 lbs.
CX-9 Trim Level | Engine: 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | Towing Capacity |
Axle Ratio | Max Trailer Weight | |
Sport | 4.41 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 4.41 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring Plus | 4.41 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Carbon Edition | 4.41 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 4.41 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Signature | 4.41 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Check out this video showing a 2016 Mazda CX-9 towing test:
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Mazda CX 9 Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Mazda CX 9 Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Mazda CX 9 Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity Factors
Because the Mazda CX 9 offers the max towing capacity on all trim levels, you don’t need to worry about engine specs or different towing packages based on what version of the model you have.
Mazda CX 9 Engine Specs
All 2022 Mazda CX 9 trim levels feature a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 engine, which is the reason for the decent towing capacity on them.
This engine offers a max 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque along with an automatic transmission.
Prior year models had some trim levels that offered a V6 engine which is what allowed the CX 9’s tow capabilities to reach up to 3,500 lbs, but that engine was not offered in 2021 or 2022.
Mazda CX 9 Tow Packages
Does The Mazda CX 9 Have A Tow Package?
The CX 9 doesn’t automatically come with a tow hitch installed, so you’ll need to select an option when ordering one, or install one yourself after taking delivery.
They strictly offer the option of a trailer hitch and 4-pin wire harness installed at the factory.
It’s important to note that these tow package accessories do not increase the Mazda CX 9’s towing capacity at all, it simply offers the hardware needed to tow something.
Mazda CX 9 Towing: What Do I Need?
If you plan on towing anything with your CX 9, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Mazda CX 9 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Mazda CX-9 has a Class 2 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Mazda CX 9 tow hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 600 lbs. tongue weight, 5,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 600 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Mazda CX-9
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your CX 9:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Mazda CX 9 Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your CX 9, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Mazda CX 9 trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With Mazda CX 9?
The Mazda CX 9 does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Mazda CX 9 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your CX 9 to see if you see a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your CX-9.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2021 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2021 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the Turbo 2.5 Liter SKYACTIV-G 4-Cylinder, making the 2021 Mazda CX 9 tow capacity 3,500 pounds on all trim levels.
Trim Level | Engine | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Carbon Edition | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Signature | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2020 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2020 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the Turbo 2.5 Liter SKYACTIV-G 4-Cylinder, making the 2020 Mazda CX 9 tow capacity 3,500 pounds on all trim levels.
Trim Level | Engine | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Signature | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2019 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2019 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the Turbo 2.5 Liter SKYACTIV-G 4-Cylinder, making the 2019 Mazda CX 9 tow capacity 3,500 pounds on all trim levels.
Trim Level | Engine | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Signature | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2018 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2018 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the Turbo 2.5 Liter SKYACTIV-G 4-Cylinder, making the 2018 Mazda CX 9 tow capacity 3,500 pounds on all trim levels.
Trim Level | Engine | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Signature | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2017 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2017 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the Turbo 2.5 Liter SKYACTIV-G 4-Cylinder, making the 2017 Mazda CX 9 tow capacity 3,500 pounds on all trim levels.
Trim Level | Engine | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Signature | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2016 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2016 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the Turbo 2.5 Liter SKYACTIV-G 4-Cylinder, making the 2016 Mazda CX 9 tow capacity 3,500 pounds on all trim levels.
Trim Level | Engine | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Signature | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G V4 | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2015 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2015 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
Although the engine is the same across all drivetrains and trim levels, the 2015 Mazda CX 9 towing capacity ranges from 2,000 lbs for 2WD models up to 3,500 lbs for AWD models.
Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Sport | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2014 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2014 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
Although the engine is the same across all drivetrains and trim levels, the 2014 Mazda CX 9 towing capacity ranges from 2,000 lbs for 2WD models up to 3,500 lbs for AWD models.
Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Sport | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2013 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2013 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
Although the engine is the same across all drivetrains and trim levels, the 2013 Mazda CX 9 towing capacity ranges from 2,000 lbs for 2WD models up to 3,500 lbs for AWD models.
Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Sport | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2012 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2012 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
Although the engine is the same across all drivetrains and trim levels, the 2012 Mazda CX 9 towing capacity ranges from 3,500 lbs for AWD models to 2,000 lbs for 2WD models.
Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Sport | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2011 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2011 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
Although the engine is the same across all drivetrains and trim levels, the 2011 Mazda CX 9 towing capacity ranges from 3,500 lbs for AWD models to 2,000 lbs for 2WD models.
Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Sport | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2010 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2010 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
Although the engine is the same across all drivetrains and trim levels, the 2010 Mazda CX 9 towing capacity ranges from 3,500 lbs for AWD models to 2,000 lbs for 2WD models.
Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Sport | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2009 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2009 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
Although the engine is the same across all drivetrains and trim levels, the 2009 Mazda CX 9 towing capacity ranges from 3,500 lbs for AWD models to 2,000 lbs for 2WD models.
Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Sport | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
Grand Touring | 2WD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | AWD | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
2008 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2008 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
The 2008 Mazda CX-9 towing capacity is 2,000 lbs across all trim levels
Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2007 Mazda CX 9 Towing Capacity
The 2007 Mazda CX 9 only had one engine option, which was the 3.7 Liter V6.
The 2007 Mazda CX-9 towing capacity is 2,000 lbs across all trim levels
Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
Sport | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Touring | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
Grand Touring | 3.7L V6 | 273 hp | 270 lb-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |