2008 Mazda CX-7 Features Review

July 5, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

All three trim levels can be improved with additional options
Edmunds

[It's] surprising that our Mazda didn't display outside temperature or fuel economy
Car and Driver

frosted plastic taillights that exhibit an expensive air
Cars.com

With three trim levels, all available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a lengthy standard equipment list, the 2008 Mazda CX-7 will meet most buyers' wants and needs.

The Mazda 2008's base trim is called Sport and starts off, according to Edmunds, with "18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-way power driver seat, cruise control, and a CD player." The midlevel Touring trim "adds leather, an eight-way power driver seat and front seat heaters." The top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim "features xenon headlights, heated exterior mirrors, an upgraded gauge cluster, automatic headlights, automatic climate control and distinct leather upholstery." On this 2008 Mazda, all trims feature "a sporty-three spoke steering wheel and a cabin air filter."

ConsumerGuide lists as standard on the 2008 Mazda CX-7 Sport trim in addition to the above: "cruise control, remote keyless entry, variable wipers (front and rear), rear defogger, floormats, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, and a rear spoiler." Touring models also feature "driver seat lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a cargo cover." In addition, Grand Touring models are equipped with "an outside temperature indicator and automatic headlights."

Many options exist for the 2008 Mazda CX-7, including "a sunroof and Bose stereo system grouped as a separate package or included in the Technology package which also features a navigation system, keyless ignition and a rear park-assist system with a rearview camera," according to Edmunds, who notes that a popular preferred package on this 2008 Mazda "consists of a cargo net, cargo tray, retracting cargo cover and a rear-bumper step plate." Also optional, according to ConsumerGuide, are "remote engine start, an automatic day/night rearview mirror, and a Class II tow-hitch receiver." Mazda 2008 CX-7s are limited to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Sirius Satellite Radio with a complementary six-month subscription is optional, says Car and Driver, who finds it surprising that their 2008 Mazda CX-7 AWD Touring "didn't display outside temperature or fuel economy." Had they opted for the 2008 Mazda Grand Touring-trimmed CX-7, the temperature display would have been standard.

Conclusion

The base 2008 Mazda CX-7 has plenty of standard features and some high-tech options.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:All three trim levels can be improved with additional optionsEdmunds[It's] surprising that our Mazda didn't display outside temperature or fuel economyCar and Driverfrosted plastic taillights that exhibit an expensive airCars.com With three trim levels, all available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a lengthy standard equipment list, the 2008 Mazda CX-7 will meet most buyers' wants and needs. The Mazda 2008's base trim is called Sport and starts off, according to Edmunds, with "18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-way power driver seat, cruise control, and a CD player." The midlevel Touring trim "adds leather, an eight-way power driver seat and front seat heaters." The top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim "features xenon headlights, heated exterior mirrors, an upgraded gauge cluster, automatic headlights, automatic climate control and distinct leather upholstery." On this 2008 Mazda, all trims feature "a sporty-three spoke steering wheel and a cabin air filter." ConsumerGuide lists as standard on the 2008 Mazda CX-7 Sport trim in addition to the above: "cruise control, remote keyless entry, variable wipers (front and rear), rear defogger, floormats, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, and a rear spoiler." Touring models also feature "driver seat lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a cargo cover." In addition, Grand Touring models are equipped with "an outside temperature indicator and automatic headlights." Many options exist for the 2008 Mazda CX-7, including "a sunroof and Bose stereo system grouped as a separate package or included in the Technology package which also features a navigation system, keyless ignition and a rear park-assist system with a rearview camera," according to Edmunds, who notes that a popular preferred package on this 2008 Mazda "consists of a cargo net, cargo tray, retracting cargo cover and a rear-bumper step plate." Also optional, according to ConsumerGuide, are "remote engine start, an automatic day/night rearview mirror, and a Class II tow-hitch receiver." Mazda 2008 CX-7s are limited to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. Sirius Satellite Radio with a complementary six-month subscription is optional, says Car and Driver, who finds it surprising that their 2008 Mazda CX-7 AWD Touring "didn't display outside temperature or fuel economy." Had they opted for the 2008 Mazda Grand Touring-trimmed CX-7, the temperature display would have been standard. ConclusionThe base 2008 Mazda CX-7 has plenty of standard features and some high-tech options. 2008 MAZDA CX-7 STYLING | [9 out of 10] Edmunds: "attention-grabbing styling" Cars.com: "a bold design statement all around" Car and Driver: "appeals to people who want something that looks sporty" For this Mazda , 2008 CX-7s carry over the same styling from their 2007 introduction: ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The CX-7's closest rival is probably the Acura RDX, a performance-oriented crossover that also packs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and a suspension that's tuned for sporty handling. But the RDX's interior feels plusher yet sporty, there's more usable backseat space, and its powertrain feels and sounds more refined, with a bit less harshness and better responsiveness at part-throttle than the CX-7's engine. The RDX also has a more advanced all-wheel-drive system that is harder to fluster in brisk driving on curvy roads. The EX35 is a new competitor to the 2008 Mazda CX-7, with an excellent interior design and sharp handling, but its interior is also somewhat cramped. The BMW X3 offers a similar package, though its six-cylinder powertrains are more refined and sophisticated; however, the X3's interior trails the competition in appearance and materials. As a wild card, there's also the Subaru Tribeca, with quirky styling inside, sharp handling, and a surprisingly fun-to-drive feel on the road, thanks to the responsive flat-six engine. But what's the CX-7's biggest advantage? Its price is thousands lower than any of these rivals.

Next Steps:

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See the Mazda CX-7 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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