2007 Mazda CX-7 Crossover: Perfect Urban Practicality
by
Jessica Howell
In Southern California, en-route to San Diego from Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway, we’re gearing up for an evening baseball game with the Padres. A summer road trip indeed.
For practical (and fuel efficient) cruising we didn’t require the bulk of a full-size SUV, but our group definitely needed more space than a sedan could afford. The ideal people hauler proved to be Mazda’s 2007 CX-7, a seamless crossover that blends the best of both worlds—and adds a bit of sporty oomph to boot thanks to the turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that’s also found (minus the turbocharge) within the brand’s sporty MazdaSpeed6 sedan.
Designed and engineered specifically for North American consumers, this crossover packs it all in. Style? Check. Comfort? Check. Performance? Naturally. One glance and you’ll see that the five-passenger vehicle embodies the traditional Mazda attitude—a steeply raked windshield, a profile that boasts a pleasingly high belt line and a roof that sweeps dramatically from the flared, front fenders to the crossover’s tapered rear. In essence, the CX-7 is practicality in wolf’s clothing.
Inside, driver and passengers will find an equally impressive set up. A comfortable driving pit is outfitted with an easy-to-read instrument panel and within easy reach audio system and shifter. Standard in the entertainment sphere is AM, FM and CD player. Sirius satellite radio is an option, as is touch-screen navigation, rear-view camera and BOSE premium sound package.
Should we need more space, the second row splits and folds 60/40, creating a cargo floor that spans 70”, and even with the complete second row in place there’s enough room to toss our luggage—leaving extra cooler space for a crowd early (and eager) enough to tailgate.
Available in three trim levels, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring (with FWD or AWD), the CX-7 boasts adequate safety features as well, including six standard airbags (frontal and side for front seats and a side curtain airbag for second row), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS) for roads outside of sunny California.
As we reach San Diego, and catch the slightest whiff of the park’s legendary Diego Dogs, we’re eager to scramble out of the vehicle and into the stands. After all, a cool California evening is beckoning and the Padres have had a good season.
And after the winning game? We hop back into the CX-7, willing it to speedily bypass the outbound crowd. It does, capturing a few curious glances along the way. Seems that the Mazda CX-7 fits right in at the ballpark. And the driveway, for that matter. In fact, we can’t think of a place where CX-7 wouldn’t fit in. Maybe that’s why we’re thrilled to be driving it.
Prices start at $23,750.
ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine's Test Vehicle Stats
| 2007 Mazda CX-7 Crossover |
Description: |
Crossover SUV |
Engine size: |
2.3L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
Transmission: |
6-speed sport automatic
|
Fuel Economy: |
19/24 mpg (city/highway) |
MSRP: |
FWD: Sport - $23,750
FWD: Touring - $25,500
FWD: Grand Touring - $26,300
AWD: Sport - $25,450
AWD: Touring - $27,200
AWD: Grand Touring - $28,000
|
