Model Strengths:

Sporty looks; excellent sedan-like handling and braking; handsome, practical design; excellent federal crash test scores

Model Overview

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 is offered in four different trims: the brand new base i SV trim, i Sport, the s Touring and the s Grand Touring trim. The i SV and the i Sport come standard with Mazda's 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, 161 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. The base engine is mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with Sport Shift. The s Touring and s Grand Touring trims come with a sportier 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that offers 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The i SV and i Sport come standard with front wheel drive, while the s Touring and s Grand Touring get all-wheel drive standard. Standard safety features across the lineup include four wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, a full array of airbags that include front, side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring, rollover protection and Dynamic Stability Control. Highlights of the CX-7 include available 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, a Multi Information Display with rearview camera (standard on Grand Touring), Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System, driver's seat-position memory, a 4-way power front passenger's seat, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, blind spot monitoring system, navigation and rain-sensing wipers. The s Touring adds standard 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, heated and power seats, driver lumbar, a retractable cargo cover and a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound premium audio system. The top-of-the-line s Grand Touring trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, HID auto-on headlights, fog lights, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, electroluminescent gauges, navigation system, alarm, sunroof, leather seats with seat memory and rear parking aid.

Model Changes

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 offers 3 models in a total of 7 versions: The i SV base model and i Sport are available with front wheel drive only; the Touring edition can now be ordered in 5 versions: A new front-wheel drive i Touring, a front-wheel and all wheel-drive s Touring, and the luxurious s Grand Touring. Mazda's 161-horsepower MZR competition-developed, naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine is standard for the entire range, but a 244 horsepower 2.3L turbocharged engine is optional on the upper trim levels. On the outside, the CX-7 shows a more sporting character with a dramatic new front fascia, a more aerodynamic roof line design, sleek and sharp lines that go from bumper to bumper and more powerful and pronounced wheel wells that are accented by a newly designed grille and redesigned rear and trunk. Inside, the new-for-2011 i Touring offers a host of luxury appointments including leather trim, Multi Informational Display with rearview camera, Bose stereo and satellite radio.

Model Value

Introduced in 2006, the CX-7 was Mazda's first foray into the crossover SUV market and was designed on an original platform. The Mazda CX-7 slots between the smaller Tribute and larger CX-9. Since its debut, the CX-7 has gained in popularity and competes directly with Honda's CR-V, Toyota's RAV4 and Nissan's Murano. With the new choice of two engines and multiple trims, the CX-7 keeps the Mazda tradition of performance and practicality alive and running. MSRP for the i SV starts at $21,900, with the luxury s Grand Touring beginning at only $31,640.