Mazda CX-7: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide

Last updated August 4, 2026

Mazda CX-7

The Mazda CX-7 is a five-seat midsize crossover SUV known for sharper steering and a more athletic feel than many everyday SUVs. Sold in the U.S. from 2007 through 2012, it pairs useful passenger and cargo space with distinctive styling.

The CX-7 was Mazda’s sporty take on a practical crossover. Throughout its single generation, it aimed to give drivers an elevated seating position and SUV usefulness without dull road manners. Early versions centered on a strong turbo engine, while the 2010 refresh added a simpler 2.5-liter engine and more accessible i trims.

Strengths

  • Its responsive steering and athletic road manners make it feel livelier than a typical everyday SUV.
  • The cabin seats five and offers useful carrying space, with 58.6 cubic feet of cargo room in 2012.
  • The 2010 refresh improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and updated the interior and exterior styling.
  • The turbocharged s trims provide noticeably stronger performance than the simpler 2.5-liter i models.
  • Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive were both represented in the 2012 lineup.

Who it's for

The CX-7 fits a used-SUV shopper who needs room for five and everyday cargo but still enjoys responsive steering. The non-turbo i models suit drivers who value simplicity, while the turbocharged s models are better for someone who wants stronger acceleration.

Mazda CX-7 lineup

Since the 2010 refresh, the i SV and i Sport have served as the simpler, front-wheel-drive entries with the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine. Pick the i Touring if you want that engine with a more upscale cabin; it joined the lineup in 2011 with features such as leather, heated front seats, and a moonroof. The s Touring is the step for stronger turbocharged performance, while the s Grand Touring places that engine at the top of the trim ladder. Earlier CX-7s used a Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring ladder, and all were turbocharged.

Which Mazda CX-7 trim should I buy?

Mazda CX-7 generations

From 2009 to 2012, the CX-7 spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2007.

1st Generation (2007–2012)

The CX-7 had one generation. Earlier versions used a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, while the 2010 refresh brought revised styling and cabin updates plus non-turbo 2.5-liter front-wheel-drive models.

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1st Generation (2007–2012) Mazda CX-7
2012

The five-trim lineup carried over. This was the CX-7’s final U.S. model year.

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2011Trim changes

The i Touring trim joined the lineup as a better-equipped non-turbo model with leather, heated front seats, a moonroof, upgraded audio, and a rearview camera.

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2010Mid-cycle update

Mazda refreshed the exterior and cabin, strengthened the body, added sound insulation, and introduced non-turbo 2.5-liter front-wheel-drive i models.

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2009

The design, turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, six-speed automatic, and three-trim lineup carried over. Small cabin and air-conditioning updates were added.

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What's new by year

See what changed in a specific model year of the Mazda CX-7.

2012 Mazda CX-72011 Mazda CX-72010 Mazda CX-72009 Mazda CX-7

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda CX-7 a three-row SUV?

No. The Mazda CX-7 is a two-row crossover with five seats and four doors. It suits shoppers who need more room and a higher seating position than a car offers but do not need a third row.

What is the Mazda CX-7 known for?

The Mazda CX-7 is known for sharp steering and a more athletic feel than many small crossovers of its era. Its distinctive styling and strong turbo engine also help separate it from more comfort-focused rivals.

Who is the Mazda CX-7 a good fit for?

The Mazda CX-7 fits someone who wants five-seat SUV usefulness without giving up responsive road manners. It has up to 58.6 cubic feet of cargo room, while the turbo versions put more emphasis on quick acceleration.

Does the Mazda CX-7 come as a hybrid?

No. The Mazda CX-7 uses gasoline engines only. Depending on the year and trim, it has either a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a stronger turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder.

What engines does the Mazda CX-7 use?

Early CX-7 models used a 244-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The refreshed lineup added a non-turbo 2.5-liter engine for the i trims, while the s trims retained the stronger turbo engine.

Does the Mazda CX-7 have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The CX-7 lineup included both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. In the later lineup, the non-turbo i models were front-wheel drive, so verify the drivetrain on the individual used vehicle you are considering.

How many generations of the Mazda CX-7 were sold in the U.S.?

The Mazda CX-7 had one U.S. generation, covering the 2007 through 2012 model years. It received a substantial refresh during that run, but it was never redesigned into a second generation before U.S. sales ended.

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