The Mazda CX-7's observed mileage beat the 26.1 mpg recorded by its trip computer. (photo by Brady Holt)
When Mazda introduced a new engine on its CX-7 SUV, improved fuel economy was one of its key advantages.
EPA ratings of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway are competitive on this two-wheel-drive SUV, and the CX-7 delivered on those numbers during a week with the Autos Examiner.
The tested CX-7 drank 12.5 gallons over 333 miles, working out to 26.6 miles per gallon in a mixture of city, suburban and highway driving.
This does fall a bit short of the other compact SUVs that have spent an extended time with this reviewer; the Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester each cracked 27, and both had all-wheel-drive. (Not that the cars were driven in repeatable conditions -- these figures are entirely unscientific, just for curiosity's sake.)
Interestingly, although cars' trip computers are often accused of displaying unrealistically low fuel consumption, manual calculations revealed better mileage than the 26.1 in reported.
More details about the CX-7 -- including how it drives, what it's like inside, and how it handles cargo -- are coming soon.
Vehicle tested: 2010 Mazda CX-7
Vehicle base price (MSRP): $21,550
Version tested: i Sport
Version base price (MSRP): $22,340
Vehicle price as tested (MSRP): $25,540
Estimated transaction price as tested: $23,221
Odometer reading, beginning of test: 7,084
Odometer reading, as of this writing: 7,418
Test vehicle provided by: Mazda North America
Key specifications:
Length: 184.3 inches
Width: 73.7 inches
Height: 64.8 inches
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Weight: 3,496 pounds
Cargo volume behind rear seat: 29.9 cubic feet
Cargo volume behind front seats: 58.6 cubic feet
Turning radius: 18.7 feet
Engine (as tested): 2.5-liter I4 with 161 horsepower
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
EPA city mileage: 20 miles per gallon
EPA highway mileage: 28 miles per gallon
EPA overall mileage: 23 miles per gallon
Observed mileage during test: 26.6 miles per gallon
For more information: Mazda website
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