Since the CX-7 was launched back in 2007, we feel that it offers good performance from its turbo 4-cylinder engine, but lacks the racy sound of a good V6, and isn’t really more fuel-efficient during spirited driving.
When Mazda announced last year that it was about to unleash a base model called the GX, and powered by a non-turbo inline-4, our initial thoughts were “wow, that’s gonna be slow”.
Wrong. The GX version of the CX-7 not only makes the best of its engine, but I’m left wondering if I prefer it over the turbocharged models. After all, many compact SUVs are becoming available with a gutsy inline-4 engine, so maybe it’s the thought of losing about 80 horses that gave us the presumption that the GX wouldn’t be enjoyable.
Equipped with a 16-valve, 2.5-litre engine, the base CX-7 offers 161 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Zero to 100 km/h sprints take 9.5 seconds, while the quarter mile takes 16.9 seconds at 130 km/h; that’s not blistering performance, but it’s one of those vehicles that feel quicker than it really is.
Fuel economy isn’t bad, either. Our average of 9.8 L/100 km ranks this CX-7 among the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs we’ve tested. Sorry, I meant crossover. Whatever.
The front-drive-only GX version obviously lacks the GS and GT’s bite around corners, mainly due to the more modest rubber wrapped around the standard 17-inch alloys. Still, it displays minimal body roll for this type of vehicle, and provides plenty of feedback through the steering wheel. Dynamically, the CX-7 is way better than a Tribute.
It also offers a comfortable ride and a silent drive; at 100 km/h the engine is spinning at 2,000 rpm. And here’s the thing: the 2.5-litre four’s sound seems less intrusive then the turbo 2.3-litre’s unexciting moan.
Interior space is decent in the CX-7, including in back; the fact that Mazda resisted the temptation to cram seven seats in the vehicle, like some other manufacturers have done in their compact SUVs and CUVs, helps. Cargo space is rated at 847 litres, which is a fair amount. Folding the 60/40-split seatback down, though, opens up to 1,659 litres of space which is pretty useful, but not as cavernous as in a Toyota RAV4, for example.
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| The CX-7 GX is a good all-around crossover, because it offers sporty looks and decent fuel economy. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |
When Mazda announced last year that it was about to unleash a base model called the GX, and powered by a non-turbo inline-4, our initial thoughts were “wow, that’s gonna be slow”.
Wrong. The GX version of the CX-7 not only makes the best of its engine, but I’m left wondering if I prefer it over the turbocharged models. After all, many compact SUVs are becoming available with a gutsy inline-4 engine, so maybe it’s the thought of losing about 80 horses that gave us the presumption that the GX wouldn’t be enjoyable.
Equipped with a 16-valve, 2.5-litre engine, the base CX-7 offers 161 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Zero to 100 km/h sprints take 9.5 seconds, while the quarter mile takes 16.9 seconds at 130 km/h; that’s not blistering performance, but it’s one of those vehicles that feel quicker than it really is.
Fuel economy isn’t bad, either. Our average of 9.8 L/100 km ranks this CX-7 among the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs we’ve tested. Sorry, I meant crossover. Whatever.
The front-drive-only GX version obviously lacks the GS and GT’s bite around corners, mainly due to the more modest rubber wrapped around the standard 17-inch alloys. Still, it displays minimal body roll for this type of vehicle, and provides plenty of feedback through the steering wheel. Dynamically, the CX-7 is way better than a Tribute.
It also offers a comfortable ride and a silent drive; at 100 km/h the engine is spinning at 2,000 rpm. And here’s the thing: the 2.5-litre four’s sound seems less intrusive then the turbo 2.3-litre’s unexciting moan.
Interior space is decent in the CX-7, including in back; the fact that Mazda resisted the temptation to cram seven seats in the vehicle, like some other manufacturers have done in their compact SUVs and CUVs, helps. Cargo space is rated at 847 litres, which is a fair amount. Folding the 60/40-split seatback down, though, opens up to 1,659 litres of space which is pretty useful, but not as cavernous as in a Toyota RAV4, for example.
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| Interior space is decent in the CX-7, including in back. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |