2012 Mazda CX-7 vs. Its Competition

By Bengt Halvorson

Bengt Halvorson

Deputy Editor BIO

Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

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Feb 20, 2012

A few years ago, the Mazda CX-7 was about the only crossover that dared stray away from the rugged look, but there are now a number of vehicles that have this focus.

Competing with the turbo models, the Acura RDX is a performance-oriented crossover that also packs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and a suspension that's tuned for sporty handling, and it’s probably the closest rival to the CX-7.

There’s more usable backseat space in the RDX, and its powertrain feels and sounds more refined.

The RDX also has a more advanced all-wheel-drive system that is harder to fluster in brisk driving on curvy roads.

The Subaru Tribeca lands somewhere in between; it has quirky styling inside, sharp handling, and a surprisingly fun-to-drive feel on the road, thanks to the responsive flat-six engine, while the Tiguan is bound to attract some shoppers due to its responsive turbo.

Competing with the bargain-priced 2.5-liter "i" models are the Nissan Rogue, the Honda CR-V, and new four-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox, among others, while the turbo CX-7 takes on the Subaru Tribeca, Volkswagen Tiguan, and perhaps even Acura RDX.

The Rogue has less of a performance emphasis; it exhibits a more laid-back personality, and the driving experience is a little more isolated (and numbed).

It can allow quite a bit of road noise inside, but the backseat is more spacious.

The base four-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox has been redesigned with much-improved noise isolation, along with attractive interior materials, and it deserves another look.

The CR-V has been completely redesigned for 2012, with improved fuel economy and refinement, and it's one of the best vehicles in the compact crossover class; but its driving experience remains unexciting.

four and attractive interior.