First Impressions
I have been utterly impressed with Mazda’s choice of providing sporty lines on SUVs. The window rake angle of the front windshield is so drastic that few sports cars can match it. Wheel-wells look like plumper versions of the sweet-looking arches from the 2010 Mazda RX8. The family resemblance between the CX7 and RX8 is uncanny. If you sit one next to the other, the 2010 Mazda CX-7 (view photos) looks like a chunky, younger brother.
This is no criticism of the design as most crossover SUVs look like boxes riding on stilts.
The CX-7’s exterior was recently refreshed to incorporate the smile-like fascia shared by the entire 2010 Mazda lineup. It swaps the once-aggressive front-end for a happy, almost silly grill. It is not quite as overdone as it is on the front of the Mazda3.
Despite the changes, the Mazda CX-7 still maintains its racy looks over perennial favorites like the Subaru Forester, Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The normally aspirated CX-7i SV’s base price is $22,300 and CX-7 Sport starts at $23,090 and includes: rear privacy glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone with audio capability.
Move up to the turbocharged CX-7s Touring model and the base price is $26,550. This model features everything offered on the CX-7i Sport, plus a 244-horsepower, 2.3L turbocharged engine, a 6-speed “sport” automatic transmission with manual-shift mode, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips, rear privacy glass, air conditioning with pollen filter, leather-trimmed seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support and heated front seats.
The top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim starts at $31,935 and matches the features of the CX7 Touring model. In addition, it includes: Xenon low-beam headlights with auto on/off feature, fog lights, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power sliding-glass moon-roof, automatic climate control with pollen filter, driver's seat memory, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®, Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with 9 speakers, compact navigation system and color Multi-Information Display (MID) with back-up camera. That’s a lot of car for the money.
All wheel drive (AWD) for the "s" model costs $1,700. AWD is not available for the "i" models.
The Touring Technology Package for $2,185 includes: Power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade, automatic climate control with pollen filter, Bose® Centerpoint® surround sound system with AudioPilot®, AM/FM stereo, in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3-compatible changer and 9 speakers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with free 6-month subscription and Multi-Information Display (MID) with back-up camera.
Popular options include:
- $1,200 for the DVD entertainment system
- $665 for a rear-view camera
- $400 for a set of fog lights
- $350 for the remote engine start
- $335 for a class II towing receiver (the Mazda CX-7s can tow up to 2,000 lbs when properly equipped)
Interior Features
Mazda has carried its simple, sporty design ethic over to all models of the CX-7. Much like the Mazda3, dark interior colors backed up with easy to work and nicely made controls are standard fare. Many folks are surprised that the Mazda CX-7’s interior is not a downsized CX-9 (which represents the highest level of luxury Mazda can muster). Even in interior feel, the CX-7 is closer to its Mazda3 cousin.
Front seat comfort is quite good although headroom is slightly compromised by the cropped roof. Rear seat comfort is fine for the short of leg and lags a bit behind some of the CX7-’s competitors. Still, for folks who have young ones, the back seats work quite well for children and the height is just-right for easy entry and exit.
I highly recommend the Multi-information Display (MID) with back-up camera. The CX-7’s rear glass is situated high and makes rear viewing difficult. The back-up camera helps considerably.
There is 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 60/40 split rear bench seat. Fold the rear seats down and gain 59 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This provides a bit more space than the Mazda3 hatchback.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
Safety test scores for the Mazda CX-7 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing (IIHS) scored the highest ratings of "good" in frontal offset and side impact tests. The CX-7 scored a “marginal” dynamic rating and a "good" seat/head restraint geometry rating.
Mazda has a good record for reliability in their vehicles. Consumers I interviewed mentioned only minor gremlins in what is usually a reliable product.
A three-year, 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard on the 2010 Mazda CX-7. A five-year, 60,000 mile powertrain warranty is standard.