The 2010 Mazda CX-7 is spending a week with the Autos Examiner. (photos by Brady Holt)
When Mazda launched the stylish CX-7 in 2007, the SUV came only with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that did not offer especially zippy performance and quickly burned through premium fuel.
That engine is still around, on up-level CX-7s -- including all models with all-wheel-drive -- though it's seen its gas mileage work its way steadily upward to an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon in mixed driving with front-wheel-drive.
But for 2010, Mazda rolled out another option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that beats even the upgraded turbo by two miles per gallon and let Mazda drop the CX-7's base price by nearly $2,500.
Does the oft-ignored CX-7 deserve another look? A week motoring around in the mid-level 2.5-liter i Sport model will answer that.
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Introduction
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: 7,319
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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