Initial Quality—In the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study, the Mazda CX-7 ranked 12th out of 25 compact multi-activity vehicles.
 
Performance and Design—In the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study, the Mazda CX-7 ranked 2nd among the 25 compact multi-activity vehicles.

Predicted Reliability—The Mazda CX-7 is too new to have been included in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. However, based upon the performance of all Mazda models during the past three years in both Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability studies, the Mazda CX-7’s predicted reliability score is 4 out of 5.

Fuel Economy— EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2008 Mazda CX-7 are 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the 2WD version and 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the 4WD model. During our test drive, a Mazda CX-7 with 2WD averaged 19.7 mpg.

Safety—The Mazda CX-7 earns the best 5-star crash test ratings for the driver and front passenger in a frontal impact and for front and rear seating positions in a side impact. It receives a 4-star rollover rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Mazda CX-7 a Good rating in frontal and side impact tests, but the CX-7 earns a Marginal rating for rear impact protection.

Environment—According to the EPA, the 2008 Mazda CX-7 with 2WD consumes 18 barrels of petroleum per year, while the 4WD version consumes 19 barrels per year. This results in a carbon footprint rating of 9.6 tons of CO2 output per year for the 2WD model and 10.2 tons of CO2 output per year for the 4WD version. The Mazda CX-7’s national air pollution score is 6 out of 10, with 10 being the best. In California and New England, its air pollution score also is 6.

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