2011 Mazda CX-7 Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Mazda CX-7:

Its most immediately endearing quality is the steering response, which is direct, linear, and nicely weighted.

-- Automobile

Body roll is all but absent and the car's overall balance is just this side of neutral. The speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is razor sharp, with a solid on-center feel. Brake feel is excellent.

-- Car and Driver

Sporty performance and handling, stylish cabin design, solid build quality, eye-catching style.

-- Edmunds.com

The CX-7 has a remarkably energetic engine and an equally accommodating transmission, and it's available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

-- New Car Test Drive

What reviewers liked least about the Mazda CX-7:

The CX-7's below-the-windowline cargo space is reasonable, but its tapered greenhouse and sloping roofline cut into maximum capacity. If hauling stuff is your priority, you have a herd of more suitable SUVs to pick from.

-- Automobile

The shocks and spring rates have been tuned on the firm side, so ride quality is somewhat choppy over uneven surfaces. Road and engine noise are excessive at freeway speed.

-- Car and Driver

Mediocre fuel mileage, premium fuel requirement.

-- Edmunds.com

Mazda CX-7 Comparisons:

Toyota's RAV4 is the segment's reigning king, and the Nissan Murano has also filled the space admirably with a mix of handling characteristics and stylish Japanese looks similar to the CX-7. Mazda's entry tops the Murano due to its more stylish interior and much more engaging driving feel.

-- Cars.com

Best one-liner about the Mazda CX-7:

Plenty of room, adequate vroom, and yes, there is zoom-zoom. If you still haven't found a midsize crossover SUV that fits your lifestyle, Mazda has come up with the sporty alternative.

-- Edmunds.com

Mazda comes on the scene with one of the best-looking, best-performing crossovers I've tested to date....

-- Cars.com