2012 Mazda CX-7: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Mazda CX-7 had no major changes from 2011. Its main significance is that it was the CX-7’s final U.S. model year before Mazda shifted its focus to the newer CX-5.
About the 2012 Mazda CX-7
1st generation (2007-2012), final U.S. model year
Mazda positioned the CX-7 as a crossover with more sports-car flavor than the typical small SUV. Its main draw was sharper steering and a more athletic feel than many rivals, plus a choice between a simpler 2.5-liter engine and a much stronger turbo engine in the s trims. In the market, it served buyers who wanted SUV space and a higher seating position without giving up responsive road manners and distinctive styling.
The 2012 CX-7 ranged from straightforward, front-wheel-drive i models to quicker turbocharged s trims. The i Touring paired the non-turbo engine with leather seats, heated front seats, a moonroof, and a rearview camera, while the s Grand Touring added a 244-hp turbo engine, navigation, xenon headlights, and 19-inch wheels.
2012 Mazda CX-7 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 5-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 5-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 5-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SptShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 161 hp | 161 hp | 244 hp | 244 hp |
| Torque | 161 lb-ft | 161 lb-ft | 161 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.6 cu-ft | 58.6 cu-ft | 58.6 cu-ft | 58.6 cu-ft | 58.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Mazda CX-7 compared with the 2011 model?
No major product changes were made for 2012. The five-trim lineup, two engine choices, styling, safety equipment, body structure, and trim-dependent technology carried over from 2011.
Was 2012 the final year for the Mazda CX-7?
Yes. The 2012 CX-7 was the model’s final U.S. model year, closing out the first generation before Mazda shifted its attention to the newer CX-5.
Did the 2012 Mazda CX-7 get a new engine?
No. The i SV, i Sport, and i Touring retained a 161-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the s Touring and s Grand Touring kept a 244-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder.
Which 2012 Mazda CX-7 trims have the turbocharged engine?
The 2012 s Touring and s Grand Touring have the 244-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The three i trims use the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine with a 5-speed automatic.
Did the 2012 Mazda CX-7 add new safety or technology features?
No lineup-wide safety or technology features were added for 2012. Bluetooth, a rearview camera, navigation, and premium audio remained tied to particular trims rather than becoming standard across the range.