TO THE POINTWhat’s New? The five-passenger CX-7 is an all-new performance SUV from Mazda, slotting in above the trucky Tribute and below the upcoming seven-passenger CX-9. Selling Points: Turbocharged engine, unSUV-like handling, plentitude of standard features Deal Breakers: Mediocre interior materials, uninspiring off-the-line acceleration Our Advice: There are plenty of midsize SUVs, but few can be legitimately called sporty. The 2007 Mazda CX-7 can. If that’s your bag, give it strong consideration, but think about giving the upcoming Acura RDX a go before buying.
Inside, the 2007 Mazda CX-7 borrows a leather-wrapped steering wheel from the MX-5 that includes controls for the radio. The gauge cluster is prominently displayed and ringed in silver, as are the instrument panel and shift knob. Piano black accents come with the upper trim levels, but all models get a display screen for the radio and climate controls above the instrument panel.