2008 Mazda CX-7 Review

Mazda's CX-7 hopes to capture buyers who want the versatility of a crossover SUV with all the athleticism of a sporty machine.

New for 2007, the CX-7 remains unchanged for the 2008 model year. CX-7 is a family hauler with the DNA of a sports car.

Using the innovative MX-Crossport concept shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show for inspiration, the CX-7 is an attractive crossover with much appeal.

Looking at CX-7's profile, you see a windshield (sloped at 66-degrees) that appears more aerodynamic than many sports cars. I like CX-7's aggressively rising belt line, curved roof and prominent fender arches.

The Mazda-signature styling cues are immediately recognizable and they make you want to hop inside the CX-7 and take it for a spin.

The cabin is very spacious and provides seating for five. The overall sporty theme of the exterior is carried over inside, too. And there are plenty of places to store your items. I especially like the large, lockable center console that's big enough to swallow a laptop computer.

At the top of the center pod, there's a high-mounted digital display that shows the time, radio station, and climate settings. However, I found it difficult to read on sunny days as the glare washed over it.

I also noticed a bit more engine noise inside the cabin than I like. And I even made note of how loud my tester's windshield wiper motor was while driving in the rain with the radio turned off. Still, CX-7 is a likable family hauler.

CX-7 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The CX-7 Sport comes well-equipped while the Touring model adds leather-trimmed seats, and the top-of-the-line Grand Touring adds even more.

All CX-7s are powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine that makes 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

CX-7's engine is a slightly modified version of the one found in the highly acclaimed MazdaSpeed 6 sport sedan. While the boosted four-cylinder engine is very lively and power comes in quickly, premium fuel is required and CX-7 is not miserly when it comes to fuel consumption.

All CX-7s feature a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Power is directed to either the front wheels (FWD), or all four wheels (AWD).

When ordered with AWD, the CX-7 features Mazda's Active Torque-Split system, which uses a computer-controlled coupling integrated with the rear differential to deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels on demand.

This system is very good at keeping CX-7 under control while driving along slippery pavement, but it's not engineered for off-roading.

Acceleration is very good, even with a full load of passengers. CX-7's turbocharged four-cylinder engine feels much more like a V-6. There's no noticeable turbo lag whether you're launching from a dead stop, or passing slower moving traffic on the highway.

I enjoyed the sporty feel and athletic performance of my 2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD tester.

I should note that anti-lock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags come standard on all trim levels. Also, the 2008 Mazda CX-7 attained a 5-star crash rating for front and side impacts.

Overall, the CX-7 is an attractive and versatile family hauler. Pricing for the CX-7 Sport (FWD) starts at $23,750. The top-of-the-line Grand Touring AWD is priced at $28,000.

2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD 

Engine: 2.3-liter (244 hp) turbocharged I4 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drive type: AWD

Fuel economy: 16 city/22 highway

Base price: $28,000

As tested: $30,688 (including $595 for destination)

Web site: www.mazdausa.com