Consumers sometimes confuse the stylistically similar 2009 Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9, assuming they are the same vehicle sold in different sizes. This is not the case, as they are constructed upon different vehicle platforms and use different powertrains. The Mazda CX-7 is the smaller of the two, a compact crossover SUV that seats five passengers when necessary and four if comfort is a priority. Mazda’s advertising tagline is “zoom-zoom,” so it is not surprising that the CX-7 is engineered for fun driving, with its suspension, steering, brakes, and powertrain optimized for energetic performance. It is built on a unique platform based on the Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 but with bits and pieces of the RX-8 and previous-generation Mazda 6 tossed into the recipe. The CX-7 debuted for the 2007 model year, and gets minor enhancements for 2009.

Here is what changed on the 2009 Mazda CX-7:
•Improved air conditioning performance
•New standard features include MP3-play capability, auxiliary input jack, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, passenger side seatback map pocket, locking glove box, center console storage with rubber tray insert
•CX-7 Sport gets standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
•CX-7 Sport model can be equipped with new option package including heated front seats and a power driver’s seat
•CX-7 Grand Touring gets standard auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink programmable transmitter, turn signal indicators integrated into sideview mirror housings, silver fog lamp trim, high-gloss painted alloy wheels
•Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Sirius satellite radio are now part of the Technology option package and the Moonroof/Bose Audio option package
•Models with optional all-wheel drive have an “AWD” badge

The 2009 Mazda CX-7 is available in three trim levels with front-wheel or all-wheel drive: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Choosing the Touring model adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a cargo cover. Select the CX-7 Grand Touring for added standard features like heated sideview mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, automatic Xenon HID headlights, fog lights, chrome door handles, high-gloss painted wheels, unique interior trim accents, automatic climate control, electroluminescent gauges and blue indirect cabin lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Homelink programmable transmitter, piano-black trim accents on the steering wheel, a compass, and an exterior temperature display.

Options are typically bundled into packages or sold as accessories through the Mazda dealer. The Sport model can be equipped with a package that includes a power driver’s seat and heated front seats. All three versions of the Mazda CX-7 can be equipped with a Moonroof/Bose Audio package including a power moonroof, a Bose Centerpoint surround sound audio system with a six-disc CD changer, and Sirius satellite radio with a free six-month subscription, Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Available exclusively on the CX-7 Grand Touring is the Technology package, which includes the Moonroof/Bose Audio package plus a voice-activated, touch screen navigation system, a rearview reversing camera, and Mazda’s keyless entry and start system. Dealer-installed accessories include remote engine starting, splash guards, trailer towing equipment, a rearview mirror with an integrated reversing camera monitor, cargo storage solutions, and other features.

Mechanically, the Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 244 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 258 ft.-lbs. of torque at 2500 rpm running on premium unleaded fuel. Power is put to the ground through the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Mazda, along with BMW, is unique in the industry for providing manually-shifted transmissions where the driver taps the selector up to engage a downshift, and down to engage an upshift. When prepped for towing, the CX-7 can tug a trailer weighing up to 2,000 pounds.

Mazda includes several safety features as standard equipment. The CX-7 is equipped with dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Additionally, every CX-7 includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, traction control, and stability control.

J.D. Power and Associates says the Mazda CX-7 competes against other compact multi-activity vehicles, a long list containing many choices. A selection of models from the crossover arena include the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot, Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.