Mazda CX-9

Importing a used Mazda CX-9 from the USA

The Mazda CX-9 is the three-row, seven-seat SUV Mazda aimed squarely at the American family market, and it is one of the better-driving vehicles in its class — a genuinely engaging big SUV with a premium-feeling cabin. It was only ever a niche presence in Europe, so importing one gives you a spacious, handsome family hauler that stands apart from the usual German seven-seaters. USCar Trader works as an independent broker to help you find, inspect and ship a used CX-9; we do not sell the vehicle ourselves and we add no vehicle margin.

An important planning note: the CX-9 is built in Hiroshima, Japan. It is therefore not a good of US origin, so the 0% EU import duty for proven US-built cars does not apply here. You should plan for the standard car duty plus import VAT, which we set out below.

From launch to today

The CX-9 has run through two generations. The first (chassis TB, 2007–2015) was a Ford-derived design sold with a naturally aspirated V6, offering three rows and a comfortable, mainstream character. The second generation (chassis TC, 2016–2023) was the transformative one: built on Mazda's Skyactiv architecture with a far more upscale interior, sharper styling and Mazda's turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mazda discontinued the CX-9 after 2023, replacing it with the larger, rear-biased CX-90 — which makes the second-generation CX-9 the mature, well-understood used choice today.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The first-generation CX-9 used a 3.5-litre and then a 3.7-litre Duratec V6 (around 273 hp), with a six-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive. The second generation switched to the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged four — a clever engine that makes about 227 hp on regular fuel or 250 hp on premium, with a strong 420 Nm of torque available low in the rev range. It drives through a six-speed automatic and Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system on AWD cars. The turbo four gives the big Mazda relaxed, torquey performance while keeping fuel use reasonable for a seven-seater.

Trim levels and variants

The CX-9 is a five-door, three-row SUV only. US trims ran Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and the range-topping Signature, the last of which brought Nappa leather, genuine rosewood trim, LED lighting and a more luxurious ambience. Look for features such as the head-up display, adaptive cruise, a Bose sound system, ventilated seats and a captain's-chair second-row option on some trims. Because higher US trims are common, you can often import a well-equipped car.

Used availability in the USA

Second-generation CX-9s from 2016–2023 are plentiful in the US used market, typically showing 50,000 to 160,000 km. As a family vehicle it tends to come from private owners with reasonable maintenance. Dry southern and western states again offer the cleanest, rust-free underbodies. The Signature is the aspirational pick; Touring and Grand Touring are the well-rounded volume trims. We evaluate each car on its history and inspection rather than quoting Euro prices.

When importing makes sense

The CX-9 suits a buyer who wants a three-row family SUV that drives better and feels more premium than most rivals, in a design that is uncommon on European roads. It is a strong choice if you value cabin quality and handling over outright off-road ability, and if you want seven seats without a bulky, van-like footprint.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The second-generation CX-9 is generally dependable, but there are known items. The infotainment and Bluetooth can be temperamental on earlier cars, and software updates address some of it. The 2.5 turbo is a robust engine, though there were water-pump and PCM-related campaigns on certain build ranges, and the brake booster was subject to a recall on some cars, so confirm those were handled. First-generation CX-9s add their own age-related concerns: the power transfer unit (PTU) and rear differential, water pump on the V6, and ignition coils. Front suspension components and tyres wear at the rate you would expect from a heavy family SUV. As always, a car with full service records and any open recalls closed is the one to buy.

How US versions differ

US CX-9s run amber front turn signals, US-spec headlamps and no rear fog lamp, a miles-per-hour speedometer, and US navigation and units. Trim content is often generous. Mechanically the car matches what you import; the adaptations required for Germany concern lighting and documentation, not the drivetrain.

From US purchase to registration

The route is: select the car and arrange a remote or in-person inspection; verify the VIN, build plant and full history; pay through escrow so money releases only on agreed milestones; move the car to the export port and book ocean freight (container or RoRo); land at a European port such as Bremerhaven or Rotterdam; clear customs with duty and import VAT; pass TÜV / individual approval (§21 StVZO) with any required changes; and register in Germany. USCar Trader coordinates every step as your intermediary.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Because the CX-9 is built in Japan, it is not a good of US origin, so the 0% preferential EU car duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 does not apply. Plan for the standard EU passenger-car import duty (10%) on the customs value. In addition, and in every case, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies, calculated separately on the value including duty and freight. We never describe a duty as "guaranteed" or "duty-free"; we confirm the position honestly from the VIN before you commit.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Typical work includes fitting a rear fog lamp, converting the lighting to European standard (rear signal function and headlamp compliance), verifying a km/h speedometer and documenting the odometer reading in kilometres. The CX-9 is a modern, well-documented vehicle, so individual approval is usually straightforward with the correct paperwork and a clean inspection.

Pre-purchase checklist

Import FAQ

Does the Mazda CX-9 qualify for 0% EU import duty?

No. It is built in Japan, so it is not of US origin. Standard passenger-car duty applies, plus the 19% German import VAT calculated separately.

Is the second-generation CX-9 reliable?

Generally yes. The 2.5 turbo is solid; check that water-pump, PCM and brake-booster recalls were completed and that any infotainment updates are installed.

How powerful is the CX-9's turbo engine?

The 2.5-litre Skyactiv turbo makes about 227 hp on regular fuel or 250 hp on premium, with a strong 420 Nm of torque.

Is the CX-9 a true seven-seater?

Yes, it has three rows seating six or seven, though the third row is best suited to children or shorter trips, as with most SUVs its size.

Should I import the CX-9 or wait for a CX-90?

The CX-9 is the mature, well-understood used option; the CX-90 that replaced it is newer and larger. For value and known reliability, the CX-9 is the pragmatic choice.

How long does the import take?

Usually several weeks: ocean freight is commonly two to five weeks, plus port handling, customs clearance and German registration.

Will a US CX-9 pass TÜV?

Yes, after fitting a rear fog lamp, converting the lighting and confirming metric speedometer and odometer readings.

Does USCar Trader own the vehicle?

No. We are an independent broker and intermediary for used vehicles only; we hold no stock and add no vehicle margin.

Start here: browse Mazda in the Carhub, compare related models such as the CX-90, the CX-70 and the CX-50, or view current CX-9 listings.