2007 Mazda CX-7

The CX-7 is no big, 3-row SUV, but its rear cabin offers livable 3-across room despite the tapered exterior shape. With the 60:40 split folding rear seat up, 39 inches of cargo floor are available behind it. When it's folded, that expands to 70 inches of flat load floor. Among the nice convenience features are a lockable console box deep enough for a laptop computer and a reversible trunk board with carpet on one side and no-soil plastic on the other.

Performance
Mazda's tag line is "Zoom-Zoom," and this product lives up to that promise. Its 2.3-liter turbocharged, intercooled, direct-injected, all-aluminum four-cylinder engine—a slightly detuned version of the one that powers the highly-regarded MAZDASPEED6 performance sport sedan—pumps out 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 lb. ft. of torque at a low 2,500 rpm. Unlike some lag-prone turbo engines, this one pulls strongly from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. Driving through a 6-speed automatic with on-demand manual shift control, it's available with standard front- or optional Active Torque Split all-wheel drive, which can deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels when needed.


The highly capable suspension is low-friction MacPherson struts in front, independent multi-links in back. Coil springs and anti-roll bars at both ends give a somewhat stiff but well- controlled ride. On curvy country roads, the CX-7 shines with sports-sedan-like steering, braking and cornering. All-season P235/60R18 tires on alloy wheels, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are standard.

Amenities

Beyond all that, the standard CX-7 packs manual air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control and six airbags (frontal, side and side curtain) as part of Mazda's Advanced Impact Energy Distribution and Absorption System. A special sensor can anticipate an impending rollover and inflate the side curtain bags early to help protect occupants.


The mid-range Touring edition adds leather trim, power driver's seat, heated front seats and a retractable cargo cover. The top-line Grand Touring piles on premium leather, HID headlamps, fog lamps and automatic climate control. Nice-to-have options include Sirius satellite radio, DVD-based touch-screen navigation with a rear-view camera and 240-watt, 9-speaker, surround-sound Bose premium audio with a 6-CD changer. One other appealing option is an Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System that uses a card-shaped device to enable the engine to be started and run while it's still in your purse or pocket and can lock and unlock the doors and even operate the windows and sunroof from outside the car.