23 MPG combined is reasonably respectable for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 4WD 2.5L. Nobody buys a three-row SUV like the CX-9 solely for its fuel efficiency. They buy it for its passenger and cargo capacity, its elevated driving position, and often, for its all-weather capability. The CX-9’s MPG is not class-leading, but it’s adequate, and perhaps more importantly, it doesn’t feel like a terrible compromise when weighed against the vehicle’s many strengths.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 4WD are 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure is arguably more relevant to the typical CX-9 owner. This is a vehicle often tasked with school runs, grocery shopping, and ferrying kids to various activities. Stop-and-go traffic is its natural habitat during the week. The 26 MPG highway figure is still useful, suggesting that longer road trips won’t be excessively expensive. The Mazda CX-9, even in 4WD guise, is relatively light for its class, and the 2.5L turbocharged engine, while not the most powerful in the segment, provides adequate performance in most situations without demanding excessive fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 4WD at $1,900 per year. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using current national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline in your area. A family that takes frequent long road trips will likely spend more than $1,900. A family that primarily uses the CX-9 for short trips around town might spend less. These are just estimates, but they provide a useful benchmark against which to compare the fuel costs of different vehicles. You can find all Mazda fuel economy data on FuelEconomyHub.com.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, your real-world fuel economy may differ. Factors such as driving style, terrain, and weather conditions can all have a significant impact. Aggressive acceleration, heavy braking, and extended idling will all decrease fuel economy. Hilly terrain and strong headwinds will also negatively affect MPG. Conversely, smooth, steady driving on flat terrain in mild weather will help to maximize efficiency.

Many CX-9 owners report achieving numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on longer trips. Consistently exceeding the EPA figures in daily driving is unlikely, considering the vehicle’s size and purpose.

How it compares

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 resides in a competitive segment, forcing it to justify its fuel economy versus the competition. The Nissan Pathfinder, for instance, with its available V6 engine, hovers around 22 MPG combined in 4WD guise. The Toyota Highlander, a segment stalwart, achieves a similar 23 MPG combined with its base 4-cylinder engine and 4WD. Some versions equipped with the V6 offer similar economy. The Ford Explorer, depending on the engine (especially with the turbo V6), can fare worse. These comparisons matter because buyers often cross-shop these vehicles. A one or two MPG difference might not seem significant on paper, but it can add up over the course of a year, and it often influences a buyer’s perception of the vehicle’s overall value. For more information on the CX 9, check out CX 9 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Mazda CX-9’s turbocharged 2.5L engine rewards smooth driving. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking whenever possible. The engine’s torque curve is relatively flat, meaning you don’t need to rev it high to extract adequate performance. Use the available torque to maintain a steady speed and minimize throttle inputs.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Slightly overinflating (within the tire’s maximum pressure rating) can further improve fuel economy, but be sure to monitor wear patterns.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important in the city, where you may encounter long traffic lights or other delays. Consider using the CX-9’s auto start/stop feature, if equipped, which automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment. Extra weight adds load to the engine and reduces fuel efficiency, especially in city driving and during acceleration.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Cruise control helps to minimize fluctuations in speed, which can waste fuel. However, be sure to disengage cruise control when driving in hilly terrain, as it may cause the transmission to shift frequently, negating any potential fuel savings.