Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012) Review

Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012) At A Glance

3/5

+Sharp styling, handles extremely well for a 4x4, smart and comfortable interior, much more economical 2.2-litre diesel version from 2009.

-2.3 petrol turbo thirsty and in high CO2 based VED bracket (£540pa). No seven seat option. Diesel has comparatively low towing weight of 1800kg

Insurance Groups are between 32–33
On average it achieves 93% of the official MPG figure

The CX-7 is marketed as a blend of off-roader, family car and sports car, offering plenty of space and a decent drive. It's a car that's in the same mould as the Nissan Murano and BMW X3.

It went on sale in 2007, but went largely unnoticed, as it only came with a thirsty 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It was the same engine that was used in the high-performance Mazda 6 MPS and could manage just 28mpg. It wasn't popular and as a result was sold at often huge discounts.

That all changed in 2009 when Mazda dropped the petrol and brought-in an excellent 2.2-litre diesel. The CX-7's best bits -the swoopy shape, great on-the-road characteristics and comfortable cabin - were kept, but with far more reasonable fuel economy. Other changes since the diesel was introduced include a fresher look to the front-end and a useful blind spot indicator system which warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot on the motorway.

Mazda CX-7 2.3 Turbo Petrol 2007 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Mazda CX-7 (2007 – 2012)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

93%

Real MPG

19–43 mpg

MPGs submitted

95

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What's the best small off-roader?

"I need a compact 4x4 with good fuel economy and lots of ground clearance for bumpy tracks. Good boot space would also be a plus. I'm thinking of buying a Toyota Urban Cruiser but would value your opinion. "
The Toyota Urban Cruiser was a slightly oddball car when it was new and time hasn't exactly been kind to it. On the plus side, it's quite a versatile car and ought to be very reliable. The Mazda CX-7 is a much bigger car and the 2.2-litre diesel engine isn't known for its reliability. We'd recommend a petrol Toyota RAV4 or Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Can I convert my Mazda CX-7 to LPG?

"I wonder if a petrol driven Mazda CX-7 2008 engine is compatible with a liquid natural gas system installation? Does the engine serve well after the installation? "
We are not aware of any specific reliability issues with converting a CX-7 to LPG. However, as we understand it a number of converters aren't willing to do one on a CX-7 because it is a direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Traditionally these don't respond as well to LPG conversions as much as a low-stress large capacity engine. Sadly the biggest problem you will face these days is finding an LPG filling station, as numbers are reducing every month.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

Replacing Land Rover Discovery Sport - what do you recommend?

"I want to replace my wife's Land Rover Discovery Sport. We are interested in a plug-in hybrid. We owned a Mazda CX-7 for many years and are very interested in the new Mazda CX-60, as it offers the size we need and comes with a high-spec interior. Would you recommend this new model or any alternatives?"
The CX-60 would be a very good buy overall, although we've only driven a pre-production model so far. We'd also recommend looking at the latest Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrids, as well as the Ford Kuga PHEV. All of these offer pretty well-finished cabins but if you want an even higher spec cabin why not check out the BMW X3 30e and Volvo XC60 T6. Both have been around for a few years now and may be some good deals to be found.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

My 2009 Mazda CX-7 has covered 60,000 miles - am I likely to run into issues with the timing chain?

"I've just discovered that the 2009 Mazda CX-7 I've owned for over 6 years has a timing chain rather than cam belt. It's covered 60,000 miles and I'm now worried that issues with the chain, the VVT or turbo are highly likely. Is it possible to check the state of my engine or is it time to sell? "
Presumably the 2.4 petrol? If the oil and filter have been changed regularly you shouldn't have any trouble with the chain. But it would be a very wise precaution to replace the turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes because they can get blocked with carbonised oil, starving the turbo of lubrication and cooling.
Answered by Honest John
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