
The Mazda CX-7 now effectively has two sets of rivals.
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 CR-V is one of the best vehicles in the compact crossover class, with a very roomy and refined interior, but it’s not an exciting driving experience.
The new base four-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox has been redesigned with much-improved noise isolation, along with attractive interior materials, and it deserves another look.
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 four and attractive interior.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 remains a good compromise vehicle for small families—especially if you want a driving experience that's closer to that of a sport sedan and can't be seen in a minivan. |
The 2011 Acura RDX is delightfully frisky and nimble, but it doesn't feel as lavish as other luxury crossovers. |
The 2011 Honda CR-V is homely, as well as unexciting to drive; yet it's a great minivan alternative on many counts—appealing to practical shoppers with a roomy, versatile interior and top safety ratings. |
The 2011 Nissan Rogue has a good feature set and great packaging for small-family use, but its performance and details aren't always delightful. |
With the 2011 Subaru Tribeca, first-class safety credentials and excellent all-weather handling ensure your precious ones are looked after, but if you need more than five seats, we suggest going with a bigger vehicle. |
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan feels refined and sophisticated, but it's not especially rewarding to drive. |
MSRP From | |||||
$21,990 | $32,895 | $21,895 | $21,460 | $30,495 | $23,720 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility | FWD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door i SV | FWD 4-Door | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door S | 4-Door 3.6R Premium | 2WD 4-Door Manual S |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | 4 Door Sport Utility | 4 Door |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Continuously variable ratio | Automatic | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2011 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2011 Acura RDX | 2011 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2011 Honda CR-V | 2011 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2011 Nissan Rogue | 2011 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2011 Subaru Tribeca | 2011 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan |