New 2010 Mazda CX-7 is a Sporty SUV With Good Gas Mileage
The new 2010 Mazda CX-7 is all-new with a freshened exterior, new base engine and a polished interior. The vehicle enhancements build on what the Mazda SUV has done well in previous years - sporty performance and sleek looks - and ups the ante when it comes to overall value. Review specs, features and mpgs of the new 2010 Mazda CX-7 to determine if this is the right compact SUV for your needs.
New 2010 Mazda CX-7 Styling
With its bold, aggressive grill, wide-frame wheel arches and swooped-back roofline, the Mazda CX-7 is one of the prettiest compact SUVs on the road. The exterior upgrades to the new 2010 model increase this visual appeal, and do much to hint at the superior performance hiding under the hood.
Inside, the CX-7 offers an improvement in refinement over the previous model. While by no means a luxury vehicle, the Mazda SUV does manage to compete well in its class in terms of fit and finish. Front-passenger comfort is exceptional - a fact that helps make the CX-7 a good recommendation for longer road trips. However, the rear seat may prove a bit cramped for adults. If you need more room, then you'll likely be better served in a midsize SUV (such as the Mazda CX-9).
Standard features on the base CX-7 include air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power locks, power mirrors and stereo with CD player and MP3 player input. Three upper-tier models allow you to add a laundry list of features, including leather seats, heated seats, sunroof, auto climate control, keyless ignition and rear-seat entertainment system.
In terms of cargo room, the Mazda CX-7 sacrifices a bit of interior volume in favor of an aerodynamic exterior. Maximum cargo space with the rear seat folded flat comes in at 58.6 cubic feet. In comparison, class leaders such as the Honda CR-V offer interior real estate in the neighborhood of 73 cubic feet.
New 2010 Mazda CX-7 Performance
Performance is the big advantage of the Mazda CX-7. The base engine is one of the most powerful in its class, and comes in the form of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 161 horsepower. For a considerable boost in performance, car shoppers can opt for the more powerful turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine upgrade. Doing so results in an impressive 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Mazda CX-7 is average in its class. However, given the sporty performance, miles per gallon are pretty good. The base engine offers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (23 mpg combined). The turbocharged engine sips gas at a rate of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (21 mpg combined).
New 2010 Mazda CX-7 Safety
The 2010 CX-7 comes outfitted with an excellent mix of standard safety features. These features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control and traction control. Upgrade safety features include a backup camera and blind-spot monitoring system. In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-7 earned a top score of "Good."
New 2010 Mazda CX-7 Pricing
The new 2010 Mazda CX-7 comes with a starting price tag of $21,700. This figure is more than $2,000 less than the base 2009 model and helps make it more competitive with class leaders. If you want a more affordable compact SUV that offers superior fuel efficiency, then consider taking a look at the Hyundai Tucson. For maximum fuel efficiency in the compact SUV class, consider test-driving a Chevrolet Equinox or Ford Escape Hybrid. If you want a little more luxury in your SUV, then consider upgrading to the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan.