2011 Mazda CX-7 Review

2011 Mazda CX-7

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 Reviewers love the CX-7’s sporty performance, but its cramped rear seat, small cargo area and occasionally harsh ride means that it’s not the most practical family car.

For 2011, the base Mazda CX-7 with normally aspirated four-cylinder gains a better-equipped upper trim called the CX-7i Touring. The turbo engine's fuel economy has improved slightly as well.

Every class needs its jock. In a similar vein, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 could be described as the jock of the compact-crossover class. Like most other Mazda models, the CX-7 offers precise handling and responsive steering for its class. True, the Mazda's available turbocharged engine is certainly brawny, but its fuel economy is worst in class.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 is five-passenger compact crossover SUV. In addition to its turbocharged engine, the s Touring gains the i Sport's equipment plus 18-inch wheels, an eight-way power driver seat and manual lumbar adjustment, heated front seats, a cargo cover and leather upholstery. The s Grand Touring includes all previously mentioned items, but adds 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, fog lamps, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, driver seat memory functions, a four-way power passenger seat and electroluminescent gauges.

The "2011 Mazda CX-7 i models" are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 161 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic are standard. In Edmunds testing, this engine took the CX-7 from zero to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds -- slow, but not much worse than the class average. EPA estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is poor at 18/24/20 with front-wheel drive and 17/21/19 with AWD.

Safety
Every 2011 Mazda CX-7 comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a CX-7 i Sport came to a stop from 60 mph in 131 feet -- a bit longer than average. In contrast, the CX-7 s Grand Touring stopped in an excellent 113 feet.

The CX-7 has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Ample hip room and headroom keep CX-7 passengers comfortable, even with all five seats occupied.

Driving Impressions
When it comes to handling and braking performance, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 lives up to Mazda's sporty reputation.

For 2011, the base Mazda CX-7 with normally aspirated four-cylinder gains a better-equipped upper trim called the CX-7i Touring. Like most other Mazda models, the CX-7 offers precise handling and responsive steering for its class. The 2011 CX-7 is five-passenger compact crossover SUV. In addition to its turbocharged engine, the s Touring gains the i Sport’s equipment plus 18-inch wheels, an eight-way power driver seat and manual lumbar adjustment, heated front seats, a cargo cover and leather upholstery. Front-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic are standard.

A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. When it comes to handling and braking performance, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 lives up to Mazda’s sporty reputation.