2018 Mazda CX-9 Touring Max Towing Capacity & Payload
Max Towing Capacity
3,500 lbs
Safe limit: 2,800 lbs (80% rule)
Max Payload
1,495 lbs
Often the real limiting factor
Fuel Economy
21.8 mpg
22 city / 28 hwy (EPA Est.)
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 Touring is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs powered by the 2.5L. For real-world towing, the practical limit is 2,800 lbs — that's 80% of max, giving you margin for hills, headwinds, and load variation. The payload rating of 1,495 lbs is the number to watch closely — once you add passengers, hitch weight, and gear, it fills faster than most people expect. With this setup, you're looking at pop-up campers and smaller travel trailers.
Recommended Equipment
Towing Gear for This Truck
Matched to this trim's Class II hitch class and 3,500 lb tow rating
Class II Hitch Receiver
Required for towing. 2" receiver is standard on tow-equipped models.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Trailer Wiring Adapter
7-pin to 4-pin adapters for trailer brake lights and signals.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Brake Controller
Required by law in most states for trailers over 3,000 lbs.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Trailer Wiring Adapter
7-pin to 4-pin adapters for brake lights and signals on lighter trailers.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Full Data
Specifications
Towing & Capacity
Engine & Performance
Dimensions
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Towing
Payload & Weight
Curb Weight
4,166 lbs
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Engine
Engine
2.5L
Horsepower
227 HP @ 5000 rpm
Torque
310 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Regular unleaded
Fuel Tank
19.0 gallons
Fuel Economy (EPA)
City22 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Combined24 mpg
Real-World (Fuelly, 54 owners)21.8 mpg
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Dimensions
Overall Length199.4"
Overall Width77.5"
Height69.0"
What Can I Tow?
RV Class Compatibility
Based on a safe tow limit of 2,800 lbs and 1,495 lb payload. Shows what % of each RV class in our database you can tow.
RV Type
Weight Range
Coverage
Status
Travel Trailers
Bumper Pull
1,100 – 89,950 lbs
Limited
Destination Trailers
Bumper Pull
9,800 – 16,500 lbs
Out of Range
Fifth Wheels
5th Wheel
1,176 – 24,000 lbs
Out of Range
Toy Haulers
5th / Bumper
1,300 – 112,250 lbs
Out of Range
⚠ Vehicle capacity only — does not include passengers, gear, or tongue weight. Run the full calculator →
Compare Configurations
Other 2018 Mazda CX-9 Trims
| Configuration | Max Towing | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Mazda CX-9 Base | 5,000 lbs | 25.0 mpg | View → |
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.5 mpg | View → |
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 GRAND TOURING AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.5 mpg | View → |
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.5 mpg | View → |
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.5 mpg | View → |
| 2023 Mazda CX-9 Touring Plus AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.5 mpg | View → |
| 2022 Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.4 mpg | View → |
| 2022 Mazda CX-9 GRAND TOURING AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.4 mpg | View → |
| 2022 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.4 mpg | View → |
| 2022 Mazda CX-9 Sport AWD | 3,500 lbs | 19.4 mpg | View → |
Questions & Answers
Common Questions
How much can I actually tow with my 2018 Mazda CX-9 Touring?
+
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 Touring is rated at 3,500 lbs maximum — but the real-world best practice is the 80% rule: target 2,800 lbs as your practical limit. This gives you margin for hills, headwinds, braking distance, and real-world load variance. More critically, check your payload first — the door sticker tells you your specific truck's limit, and payload may be your actual binding constraint.
What about payload — how much stuff can I put in the truck?
+
You have 1,495 lbs of payload capacity — that's everything going IN the truck: passengers (~150 lbs each), camping gear, coolers, and critically the tongue weight from your trailer. For bumper pull trailers, tongue weight is typically 10–15% of the trailer's loaded weight. It fills up faster than most people expect, especially on longer trips.
What kind of hitch do I need?
+
For the 2018 Mazda CX-9 Touring, you need a Class II receiver hitch rated for 3,500 lbs. Don't skimp here — the hitch is the critical link between truck and trailer. For fifth wheel towing, you'll need a dedicated kingpin-style fifth wheel hitch mounted in the truck bed.
What types of RVs will work with my truck?
+
With your 2,800 lb safe towing capacity, you're looking at pop-up campers and smaller travel trailers. The compatibility chart above shows what percentage of each RV class in our database you can handle. Use the Tow Calculator to check a specific RV including gear, water, and passengers.
What does GVWR mean and why should I care?
+
GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — the maximum your truck can weigh when fully loaded with people, gear, and fuel. Your truck's GVWR is 5,661 lbs. Exceed it and you're over-stressing brakes, suspension, and tires. This is different from towing capacity — it's about what the truck itself can carry.
Leave the Noise Behind.
Reconnect Outdoors.
Our mission is to help people make well-informed RV buying decisions, so they can leave the noise and screens behind, reconnect with family, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
Free tools. No sales pressure. Just better decisions.