2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Award: Testing
Cool Looks And Attitude--Just Don't Take It Camping
By Matt Stone
Traditional sport/utilities usually have (at least) two things in common: blocky styling and a torquey, low-revving powerplant. Mazda's first crossover has none of the above, combining a dynamic, brand-specific look with a performance-minded turbocharged engine. The CX-7's premise is that you shouldn't have to give up design and driving fun in the name of practicality. Although bits of its chassis architecture can be traced to various Mazda models, it is for all intent and purposes a stand-alone platform. It's a two-row SUV (the larger CX-9, which comes to market later this year, covers those with the need for a third row of seating) and can be had in front-drive form or with Mazda's Active Torque Split all-wheel-drive system.
The only engine offered is a 244-horse, 2.3-liter turbo four that shares more than a little with the new Mazdaspeed3, backed by a category-leading six-speed automatic trans. "It takes a lot to spool up the turbo, but once underway, it's rather a blast to drive," says Detroit editor Lassa. Several editors commented on the turbo lag, and we wonder how the CX-7 will pull steep mountain climbs with five passengers and a full load of cargo aboard. As you'd expect from the outfit that brings us the RX-8 and MX-5 Miata, the "steering has a nice natural feel with good linearity. Excellent brake feel, too; easy to modulate" according to senior editor Kiino. It's a performer for sure, although the V-6-powered RAV4 and the also-turbocharged Acura RDX are a pinch quicker yet.
Inside, you'll find a fresh, modern cabin; the look is attractive, and the materials used are of high quality. There are plenty of creature features, too, including a voice-activated navigation system, keyless remote starting, and numerous audio system options. The Mazda's cargo capacity is about the same as the Acura's, although both are less commodious than the more upright Toyota RAV4.
| 2007 Mazda CX-7 |
| Base Price Range | $24,345-$28,595 |
| Price as tested | $33,280 (Grand Touring AWD) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| Engine | 2.3L/244-hp/258-lb-ft t'charged DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Curb weight (f/r dist) | 3908 lb (58/42%) |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in |
| Length x width x height | 184.0 x 73.7 x 64.8 in |
| Max cargo capacity | 58.6 cu ft |
| Max towing capacity | 2000 lb |
| 0-60 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Quarter mile | 15.9 sec @ 84.8 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 119 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.79 g (avg) |
| 600-foot slalom | 63.1 mph (avg) |
| MT figure eight | 28.0 sec @ 0.58 g (avg) |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 18/24 mpg |
| Bet you didn't know | The CX-7's 66-degree windshield angle is the most steeply raked in the SUV segment. |
| Sum up | Consider the CX-7 if the "sport" side of the SUV equation is what's most important to you. |
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