Derived from the MX-Crossport concept, the CX-7 was a midsize crossover that blended SUV capabilities with the agility of a sporty car, managing to provide a fun ride.
The exterior design resembles some of the RX-8’s styling cues, with prominent front fenders and a five-pointed grille specific to the Mazda’s models.

Inside the Cabin, the CX-7 offered a unique instrument panel with a “double-roof” structure. The materials used were of good quality and the controls were intuitively placed.

Roomy enough, both the front and the rear passengers could enjoy longer journeys.

Power came from a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produced 244 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque even from lower rpm. The powerplant was mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. One of the downsides of the 2.3-liter unit was the fuel consumption that was rather high.

Safety was one of the CX-7 strong points, with ABS, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control. Customers could choose from a front-wheel-drive system or the Mazda’s Active Torque-Split All-wheel-drive system.

The trunk size didn’t disappoint the buyers looking for enough space to store their luggages when going on vacation.

The CX-7 was a strong competitors to the Nissan Murano and the BMW X3.

The thirsty engine was later replaced by a 2.2-liter diesel unit in 2009.