FEATURES | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The rest of the controls are backlit in red and organized close at hand, with a shared display mounted separately high atop the dash.
Edmunds
At only 4.1 inches diagonally, however, the navigation and rearview camera screen is quite small and harder to see than most systems.
MSN Autos
interior is well sorted out, with the controls for radio, heat, etc. all easy to operate
AutoWeek
The AWD weighs as much as 505 pounds more than the FWD
USA Today
If you're interested in the more affordable CX-7 'i' models, you won't be dealing with what feels like a base-model vehicle. Equipment for the base SV and Sport includes 17-inch alloy wheels instead of the 18- and 19-inch designs in the 's' versions, and turbocharged Touring and Grand Touring models do pick up other detail extras like turn-signal-integrated mirrors and chrome-finish door handles. However if you want leather upholstery, you will have to step up to the Touring. And for 2011, you don't have to step up to the turbo engine in order to get the Touring trim; there's a new 'i' Touring model.
Top Grand Touring trims include automatic climate control, a SmartKey entry system, a moonroof, heated mirrors, the nav system, rain-sensing wipers, and xenon HID headlamps. All models but the base SV come with a Bluetooth hands-free interface—Bluetooth streaming audio is also offered—and for the first time, the top-of-the-line Grand Touring picks up a Blind Spot Monitoring System.
For the upper trims, a top-notch Bose Centerpoint audio system is optional, as well as a touch-screen, voice-activated navigation system.
Conclusion
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 looks like a strong value and comes well-equipped whether you go for the base SV or lavish Grand Touring.