2010 Mazda CX-7: Road Test
2010 Mazda CX-7 ▼
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- MSRP: $21,550 - $32,885
- Invoice: $20,523 - $30,762
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Our road test for the 2010 Mazda CX-7 includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Mazda CX-7 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Mazda CX-7, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Mazda CX-7 help you decide if a 2010 Mazda CX-7 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4.5 |
CX-7's 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is a good match to this vehicle. It's not strong in any situation, but it has sufficient power for most around-town chores.
Turbocharged CX-7s are peppy once rolling. An AWD s Grand Touring did 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds in our test. Turbo lag is noticeable away from a stop and during around-town passing maneuvers. Manually shifting the automatic transmission partly offsets the lazy throttle response on turbocharged versions. Non-turbo models suffer no such issues with the transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an i Sport averaged 23.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Turbocharged versions are disappointing for 4-cylinder SUVs. AWD turbo models averaged just 14.3-14.5 mpg in mostly city driving and 18.0-21.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. CX-7s with the 2.5-liter engine use regular-grade gas. The turbocharged engine requires premium.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
All CX-7s are firmer than some might prefer. Sharp bumps can pound through. There's minor but annoying body jiggle on rippled surfaces at highway speeds, and some testers say wavy surfaces generate too much up-and-down body motion.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4 |
CX-7 is less car-like than advertised but is agile for an SUV of this size and weight, abetted by fine steering and a well-planted feel. Its turning radius is also impressively tight. The antiskid system activated on one test CX-7 even in fairly low-effort cornering. Impressive brake response and control. Turbocharged models have slightly sportier moves, but the handling benefit is not worth the trade-off for a stiffer ride.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
The main problem here is engine drone, regardless of model. The 2.5-liter engine sound coarse, and the turbocharged motor whines while accelerating. Other noise sources are fairly well squelched.
CONTROLS
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Testers agree the gauges are stylish but are divided on whether they're easy to read. Some testers also dislike the Touring and Grand Touring's red night lighting. CX-7, like other Mazda's we've tested, has two instrument backlight settings, governed by a button on the dash cluster. In low light and foggy conditions, the "day" mode renders the display too bright, while the "night" mode is too dim. A dashtop display puts audio and climate readouts away from the controls. Standard steering-wheel audio switches are a plus because the main array takes time to learn. Not so the large, simple knobs for climate functions. The navigation system is easy to program.
DETAILS
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Cabin decor matches CX-7 pricing, but it's let down by a few budget-grade plastics and unconvincing silver paint that passes for metal accents. One model tested suffered from a dashboard rattle when driving over rippled pavement.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Abundant legroom for all, but taller folks might want more head clearance. The seats are well-bolstered, but some of our testers feel they don't rise high enough for an optimal driving position. Despite its curvy styling, visibility is quite good all around. High-ride stance makes step-in a bit steep.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Legroom is tight with the front seats set far back. The front passenger seat doesn't slide as far back as the driver's, leaving slightly more right-rear knee space. Good toe clearance, but the seat cushion contour forces some riders into a slight knees-up posture.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Beats most like-sized SUVs for space behind the rear seat, but total space is small by class standards. Loading is hampered by a high deck. The cargo bay has two nice touches: A reversible carpeted/plastic rear floor panel, and easy-to-reach releases that make lowering the standard 60/40 rear seatbacks a quick operation, but they don't fold flat. Laptop-size center console bin and integral door cupholders are also nice, but CX-7 cabin needs more spaces for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
CX-7 emphasizes sport over utility and ride comfort to stand out in a crowded market segment. The available turbo 4-cylinder engine is neither as fuel-efficient as one might expect nor as smoothly powerful as it ought to be. Unfortunately, it's the only engine you can get if you want all-wheel drive. Our nod goes to the front-drive "i" model. Its normally aspirated engine delivers adequate power and decent fuel economy. It's also the least-expensive version, yet is available with most of the luxury-oriented features of its turbocharged stablemates.
Total Score
| 2WD i Sport | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 61 | 60 | 55.9 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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