
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
If you'd rather not be seen in a minivan and think most crossovers are a snooze to drive, the 2012 Mazda CX-7 is a great alternative. |
The 2012 Acura RDX satisfies those who want more driving excitement, but it might leave luxury- or tech-hungry shoppers wanting. |
The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs. |
The 2012 Nissan Rogue's comfortable ride and versatile layout make it a good fit for a value-conscious small families--but it's far from exciting to drive. |
The 2012 Subaru Tribeca has excellent all-weather handling and top-notch safety, though it's fallen behind the curve in features and interior appointments. |
It's not particularly fun to drive, but the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan feels every bit like a premium crossover vehicle. |
MSRP From | |||||
$22,190 | $32,895 | $22,495 | $22,070 | $30,595 | $22,840 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 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 | |||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | 4 Door Sport Utility | 4 Door |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Continuously variable ratio | Automatic | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2012 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2012 Acura RDX | 2012 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2012 Honda CR-V | 2012 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2012 Nissan Rogue | 2012 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2012 Subaru Tribeca | 2012 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan |