2007 Mazda CX-7

2007 Mazda CX-7: Luxury has its price

Mon, Oct 22nd 2007

From an outsider’s point of view, there’s really nothing not to like about the Mazda CX-7. The small crossover SUV is stylish, sporty and offers a look that is so unique it is sure to turn heads wherever you drive. The CX-7 comes with a luxurious leather interior that is comfortable and stylish, and is available with a turbo engine that will blow any other SUV out of the starting blocks.

However, from a dog person’s viewpoint, there’s a lot to be desired with the CX-7. The stylish design includes a slanted – or tapered, as Mazda calls it -- rear roof that looks good on paper, but plays havoc with travelers trying to fit in crates for even medium-sized dogs.

On the plus side, if you are content using a doggie seat harness, you will find that the cargo floor of the CX-7 is longer than most crossovers, with approximately 70 inches of flat load surface and a lip to prevent items from slipping and sliding forward. With the rear seats in use, the cargo area spans 39 inches to the rear. There’s even a reversible trunk board that offers mud-proof plastic side for easy cleaning.

Driving the CX-7 is a pleasure. Not only is this crossbreed car/SUV comfortable, but it also packs a plentiful punch, with a turbo that makes you forget you are driving a four-cylinder engine that will produce a hefty, 244 horsepower using premium fuel.

The full-time all-wheel-drive provides added safety on wet roadways, but you won’t want to do any serious off-roading in the CX-7 because it sits so low to the ground that sizable bumps will result in bottoming out.

The coolest feature I found was the high-definition backup camera that details even the smallest leaf or twig as you roll rearward. One may question the necessity of the $4,000 technology package option, since the CX-7 already has decent sightlines. But dog owners will appreciate the security of knowing they are never in danger of surprising a snoozing pooch just beyond the tailgate. For that reason alone, CX-7 is worth the total price tag of $33,000.

-- Keith Turner, The Family Car.