2009 Mazda CX7 SUV Features And Prices | Sport Grand Touring Models

The 2009 Mazda CX7 offers some legitimate driving fun to a somewhat ho hum segment. With its agile performance abilities, a four-cylinder turbo engine that drives like a V6, solid build quality, sleek design lines and strong safety ratings, the CX7 has quite a bit going for it.

The 2009 CX7 most definitely adds a sporty edge to the midsize crossover SUV segment that usually emphasizes practicality. There's just no doubt, due to the influence of Mazda's RX-8 and Miata sports cars, that the CX7 stands out as the class leader when it comes to performance and handling capabilities.

That said, it accomplished this with a bit of sacrifice to the practicality some consumers look for in a smaller SUV. But those looking for performance over utility, or for those hesitant to give up their more athletic sedans for a family SUV, the CX7 is worth some serious consideration.

The heart and soul of the 2009 CX7 is its one available engine: a turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder that's basically the same as that used in the Mazdaspeed 3 sport hatchback. As you would expect, its 244 horsepower output results in brisk, if not fuel-efficent, acceleration. The bottom line, however, is that none of its competitors can match the CX-7's high level of performance.

Standard Features And Options:

The 2009 Mazda CX7 is classified as a midsize five-passenger crossover SUV and is offered in three trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

Standard features on the already well-equipped base Sport model includes 18 inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, a six-way manual adjustable driver seat and a stereo system with a CD player and MP3 capability.

The midlevel Touring model has all of the above, plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat, and a retractable cargo cover.

The uplevel Grand Touring model adds heated exterior mirrors, xenon headlights, an upgraded gauge cluster, automatic headlights, special leather upholstery, and automatic climate control.

The optional 1MC Package is available on all models and includes a sunroof and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system with Bose surround-sound, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio and Bluetooth.

A power seat option that also includes heated front seats is available on the Sport model.

There's also a Technology Package that includes the 1MC Package features, plus voice-activated touchscreen navigation, a back-up camera, keyless start, and keyless entry. Other stand-alone options include a back-up camera (in the rearview mirror) as well as the Aero Package which includes a rear spoiler and front air dam.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive CX-7 is the turbocharged direct-injection 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability.

And while the CX7 does come in AWD form, it's not designed to go off road, so there is no low-range gearing. The AWD system normally sends 100% of the engine's power to the front wheels. When a loss of traction occurs, up to 50% of the engine power is then automatically sent to the rear wheels.

Even with a loaded AWD Grand Touring model weighing nearly two tons, the CX7 can still accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds. Braking ability is also impressive, stopping fade-free from 60 mph in just 113 feet.

All this performance, however, comes at a price of below average fuel efficiency. The EPA gas mileage rating for the 2009 CX7 AWD comes in at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway. Two-wheel drive models are rated at 17 mpg city and 23 highway.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all new CX7 models include antiock disc brakes (ABS), stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Although not yet tested, in government crash tests, the 2008 Mazda CX7 scored perfect five-star ratings across the board for both driver and passenger protection in both frontal and side-impact collisions.

Interior:

The sleek, modern look of the CX7 carries over to the inside as well with its very attractive layout, high build quality and user-friendly features. The sporty three-spoke steering wheel is similar to the one in the Miata. And the gauge cluster is similar to that found in the RX-8. It's definitely a more visually stimulating design than one might expect from most crossover SUVs.

In terms of space, even with all five seats occupied, there's still comfortable hip and headroom. In the rear, however, legroom can get a bit tight for the six-footers. Storage capacity is also a bit smaller than many of its competitors, coming in at about 30 cubic feet behind the second row. With the rear seats folded, maximum cargo capacity is boosted to 58.6 cubic feet.

Drive:

When it comes to handling and performance, the 2009 CX7 lives up the company's "zoom-zoom" slogan. There's just a surprising amount of torque and the steering is nicely responsive. While the CX7 rides firmer than most competitors, it's a trade-off for its more athletic performance.

(Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Mazda Prices:

Following months of declines, Mazda reported another sales decline of a whopping 44.6% last month versus 2008 levels, evidence of a continuing weak economy and an especially weak car buying trend.

Mazda desparately needs to move the cars sitting on dealer lots, so there's some good deals to be had right now in this very soft car market.

How To Buy A New Mazda CX7 At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 CX7, here's a technique that will show you the best way to buy one at or below invoice, especially given the current slow economic environment.)

Price:

2009 Mazda CX7 Crossover SUV:

Sport, FWD: listed retail price: $23,900, invoice price: $22,365
Sport, AWD: listed retail price: $25,600, invoice price: $23,950

Touring, FWD: listed retail price: $25,800, invoice price: $24,137
Touring, AWD: listed retail price: $27,500, invoice price: $25,722

Grand Touring, FWD: listed retail price: $26,700, invoice price: $24,976
Grand Touring, AWD: listed retail price: $28,400, invoice price: $26,561

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2009 Mazda CX7 Features And Prices