By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
Not unlike fender vents and LED taillights, just about every manufacturer uses and, in some cases, abuses the crossover label for small car-based SUVs. After an SUV track record for Mazda that includes rebadged versions of the Ford Explorer (1991-94 Navajo) and Escape (2001-present Tribute), the company desperately needed a true competitor in the crossover segment that reflected its own “zoom-zoom” image.
Enter the Mazda CX-7. Initially launched in 2006, the CX-7 helped prove that while many crossovers are car based, it doesn’t mean that the “car” can’t be a sporty one. A year into production now, the 2008 Mazda CX-7 has managed to provide a comfortable and roomy crossover with a powerful and fun-to-drive powertrain all wrapped in a body that perfectly captures just about every aspect of Mazda’s DNA.
While Mazda’s CX-9 wins the popularity contest by attaining two of the most prestigious motor vehicle awards (Motor Trend’s 2008 SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year), the CX-7 definitely stands out as one of the more attractive crossovers on the market. Upon first sight, the steeply sloped windshield, tapered roofline and short overhangs make the CX-7 look more like a sports car than a midsize crossover.
In direct contrast to most SUVs on the market (except for the Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX), the CX-7’s is devoid of any straight lines. From the RX-8 inspired front fenders to the bulging rear haunches, no detail was overlooked to give the CX-7 an appearance to match its performance and handling.
The 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels are wrapped in 235/60R18 Bridgestone Turanza all-weather tires. Aluminum-colored inserts under the front and rear fascias (included by the Under Guard package) help to slightly break up the monochromatic Copper Red Mica paint scheme. Other than a slight visual enhancement to the exterior, the $445 option probably isn’t too useful since ground clearance in the front and rear is more than adequate.
The CX-7 may look nice from the outside, but it’s even more fun behind the wheel. Mazda equipped all CX-7 models with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that provided admirable driving enjoyment due in large part to its 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted so smoothly and predictably that the manual sport shift mode was almost pointless to use. Even at 3,710 pounds, the CX-7 rocketed from 0-60 mph in just 8.5 seconds.
Even though the CX-7 provides an SUV-like ride height, its handling and performance feel very similar to the highly lauded Mazda6. On twisty roads, the CX-7 felt right at home with little body roll and predictable steering.
Inside the CX-7, Mazda designers made sure to incorporate just as many sporty design cues as practical features expected from SUVs. Numerous storage compartments, including the cavernous center console, and the reversible cargo area floor, highlight the practical side of the interior, while electroluminescent gauges and aluminum-colored accents exude more of a sports car feeling.
The lack of an information or data center (to display fuel economy, distance to empty or any other useful data) was a glaring omission from the otherwise flawless cockpit. The optional doorsill scuff plates could have been left off the options list since they didn’t even want to stay on the vehicle. The aluminum scuff plates were held in place using two-sided tape and tended to fall off occasionally when exiting the CX-7.
Considering its classification as a mid-size vehicle, the CX-7 features exterior dimensions closer to compact SUVs while offering passenger comfort better than or close to some of its bigger competitors. The CX-7 offers superior headroom and legroom compared to the much larger Ford Explorer despite giving up eight inches in overall height and very similar headroom and legroom to the full-size GMC Acadia while providing added ground clearance. 
The CX-7 Grand Touring features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with piano black inserts and audio and speed controls incorporated as well. Also featured in this top of the line model is the Sand GT Leather that provides neutral tan leather seating surface with a starkly contrasting black suede stripe. The seating offers stellar comfort to all passengers even on long road trips.
The CX-7’s long dash and short hood made simple parking maneuvers abnormally daunting in the first few days of the test drive. Once accustomed to its dimensions, however, pulling into parking spots was much more comforting as the imminent feeling of clipping surrounding parked cars was no longer there. The design of the CX-7 also became a minor hindrance on more than one occasion during lane changes when the small rear side windows and awkwardly shaped mirrors created annoying blind spots. 
EPA estimates for the 2008 CX-7 are 17 city/22 highway. During the weeklong test drive, this CX-7 averaged close to 19 mpg in the city and just under 21 mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, Mazda designed the CX-7 to run on premium unleaded fuel which quickly adds to the cost of filling the 18.2 gallon tank.
Pricing for the CX-7 Grand Touring starts with an MSRP of $26,300. The as-tested MSRP of this model was $28,015 including Sirius radio ($430), the under guard package ($445) and the aforementioned scuff plates ($145).
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All photos copyright Jeffrey Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2008