Can Mazda CX-9 Be Flat Towed?

The Mazda CX-9 is a luxury SUV known for its quality performance, well-equipped car technology, and refined look. But, can it be flat towed? If you're seeking answers to this question, look no further because we carefully researched everything to provide you with the answer.

The Mazda CX-9 is an AWD, and flat towing this SUV can cause critical damages to its engine. It's best to use a flatbed or a tow dolly on the CX-9 as recommended in the owner's manual.

Providing proper care for your vehicle is important. You should follow and understand the right methods of towing that will serve your vehicle's welfare. Read further as we elaborate on the topic. 

Second generation of Mazda CX-9 drives on a highway during the test-drive event. Mazda CX-9 is a truly striking 7-passenger SUV. - Can Mazda CX-9 Be Flat Towed

How To Properly Tow A Mazda CX-9 

A 2021 Mazda CX-9 sport utility vehicle at a dealership.

Most cars manufactured in recent years have been now equipped with an all-wheel-drive capacity. As much as AWDs are considered a popular and convenient choice for buyers, this feature is a big disadvantage when it comes to flat towing. 

Although it's still technically possible to flat tow with Mazda CX-9's i-ACTIV AWD system, it will be a complicated process since it would take some risks and expenses to disengage the driveshaft. Only a skilled mechanic has the ability to do that.

The correct way to tow the vehicles' with AWD drive is to always lift all four wheels off the ground. You can do this by having a flatbed tow truck or a tow truck with a flatbed.

This is one of the easiest and safest ways to move your Mazda CX-9 without worrying about the damages to the drivetrain and the connecting drive shaft. 

But on the flip side, flatbed trucks can be high on demand. You're going to have to lengthen your patience in case there's no availability. 

Another option you can do is to tow dolly your Mazda CX-9.

You can simply request tow trucks to bring dollies. A set of dollies should then be placed on a set of wheels and the other set should be attached to a wrecker. 

For your convenience, you can take a look at this YouTube video by Miller Industries to show you tips and tricks on towing an AWD with a dolly.

Flatbed trucks and dolly tow are the best methods to properly tow your Mazda CX-9. Both processes ensure no damages to the Mazda CX-9's drivetrain, driveshaft, and transmission. 

How Do You Protect Your Mazda CX-9 When Flatbed Towing?

Second generation of Mazda CX-9 drives on a highway during the test-drive event. Mazda CX-9 is a truly striking 7-passenger SUV.

In cases of emergencies, flatbed trucks are truly life-savers! It doesn't only offer safety and convenience, but its greatest advantage is that the vehicle being towed will not have to ride on its wheels. So you won't have to stress on wearing and tearing your tires and other internal parts. 

When you're towing with a flatbed truck, you don't just load your Mazda CX-9 and simply leave it there. One of the safest ways to protect your vehicle on a flatbed truck is to secure it with car-tie-down chains or straps.

Car-tie-down chains are made of steel and they are proven durable and strong as they are completely rigid and do not stretch or rip.

However, this comes with a disadvantage as the hooks and chains directly attached to the vehicle's frame could pull away car parts and damage the frame of the vehicle when used. 

Car-tie-down chains should be a safer alternative as their straps are made out of polyester webbing, which provides a softer hold to lessen damages on the frame of the vehicle. 

Click here to see this car-tie-down strap on Amazon.

How Do You Tie Down A Car Into A Flatbed Truck?

Second generation of Mazda CX-9 drives off road in dirt and mud at the test-drive event

Tying down a car into a flatbed truck is a fairly simple task that only requires a few ratchets and vehicle straps. 

To accurately secure your car, here are some of the steps you might want to follow: 

  1. Ensure your flatbed truck is parked on a flat surface. If possible, attach wheel clocks behind and in front of each car for extra security.
  2. Once you have successfully loaded your car into the truck, attach the straps to keep your car steady in transport. 
  3. Using a lasso strap, wrap it around your car's left front tire. Pull the open end of the strap through the loop end. 
  4. Place the lasso strap around the tight and pull it tightly. Ensure that the straps cover your tire's hubcap. 
  5. Pull the exposed end of your lasso through the center hole of the ratchet strap buckle. Leave only a bit of slack. 
  6. Bar the ratchet's handle three to four times to surely connect the straps.
  7. Hook the open end of the ratchet straps into the left front D-ring of the flatbed truck.
  8. To tighten your straps, move the ratchets handle up and down. 
  9. Double-check if your lasso and ratchet straps are secured. Remember that lassos straps should squeeze into the tire's sides. 
  10. Repeat the following steps with each wheel. When finished, inspect each wheel to reassure you have not made any errors. 

For other car-tie-down methods, you can watch this YouTube video by Tow Universe

Can The Mazda CX-9 Be Hitched To A Trailer?

woman couple a trailer

The Mazda CX-9 can be hitched to a trailer, but you have to take note of the towing terms and conditions to avoid severe damages to the vehicle. Consult Mazda's manufacturer on towing with the vehicle and always refer to your owner's manual for other towing concerns. 

The Mazda CX-9 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,5000 lbs for the 2016-2022 models when properly equipped.

The 2014 and 2015 CX-9 for non-AWD models are only rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs, whereas AWD 2014 and 2015 CX-9 models still provide the same 3,500 lbs towing capacity. 

You can use a Class II trailer hitch as an accessory to make the most out of the maximum towing capacity.

Click here to see this Class 2 trailer hitch on Amazon.

Here is a list of the essentials needed to trailer tow the Mazda CX-9: 

  • Hitch & ball mount 
  • Hitch pin
  • Wiring harness
  • Coupler
  • Safety Chains

As for the best lightweight trailers under 3,5000 lbs that are fit for recreational towing with the Mazda CX-9, they include the following: 

  • Winnebago Hike 170S
  • Prime Time RV Avenger LT 16bh
  • Keystone RV Springdale 1750RD
  • Gulf Stream RV Friendship 199DD
  • Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 16RS
  • Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH
  • Forest River RV Rockwood Geo Pro 19BH

To learn more about hitching a trailer with the Mazda CX-9, you can check out this post: Can A Mazda CX-9 Tow A Trailer?

Which Mazda CX-9 Trims/Models Are AWD?

Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 SUV display

The Mazda CX-9 is considered one of the best driving SUVs of its class. In fact, it ranks #4 as the best midsize SUV, according to the U.S. News

Mazda CX-9 is powered with a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC and a 16-valve four-cylinder engine with VVT. These are all guaranteed in Mazda CX-9s with all-wheel drive.

AWDs do offer a lot of advantages as it provides better traction and acceleration, a constantly active system, and even higher resale values. 

If you're on the hunt for CX-9 trim levels with AWD, here's a list of all Mazda CX-9 models in the latest years:

2022 Mazda CX-9 

  • CX-9 Sport
  • CX-9 Touring 
  • CX-9 Carbon Edition 
  • CX-9 Grand Touring 
  • CX-9 Signature

2021 Mazda CX-9

  • CX-9 Sport
  • CX-9 Touring 
  • CX-9 Carbon Edition 
  • CX-9 Grand Touring 
  • CX-9 Signature 

2020 Mazda CX-9

  • CX-9 Sport 
  • CX-9 Touring (standard equipment)
  • CX-9 Carbon Edition 
  • CX-9 Grand Touring 
  • CX-9 Signature 

2019 Mazda CX-9

  • CX-9 Sport 
  • CX-9 Touring (standard equipment)
  • CX-9 Carbon Edition 
  • CX-9 Grand Touring
  • CX-9 Signature 

2018 Mazda CX-9 

  • CX-9 Sport
  • CX-9 Touring 
  • CX-9 Carbon Edition 
  • CX-9 Grand Touring 
  • CX-9 Signature 

2017 Mazda CX-9 

  • CX-9 Sport 
  • CX-9 Touring
  • CX-9 Signature 
  • CX-9 Grand Touring

Generally, almost all CX-9 models ranging from 2018 up to present have AWD available in all trim levels. CX-9 models ranging from 2013-to 2017 only offer it on four trim levels. 

Which Mazda Vehicles Can Be Flat Towed?

Mazda 3 car in front of dealership building

Mazda vehicles that are flat towable only in certain drivetrain options and trims, and here are some of them: 

Mazda does not recommend flat-towing most of their vehicles. The safest way to transport Mazda vehicles as prescribed by its manufacturers is with a dolly tow or flatbed truck.

In Closing 

The Mazda CX-9 is not flat towable. You can now go for safer options to prolong the vehicle's lifespan by using a tow dolly or a flatbed truck.

Drive slowly and tow safely!

For a similar discussion, you can also read:

How Long Do Mazda CX-9 Last?

Does Mazda CX-9 Have 3rd Row Seating? [Trims Explored]

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