If you want an SUV, but don’t care as much about the “utility” part as you do the “sport” features, you should take a look at what the 2012 Mazda CX-7 has to offer.
Key Features
With a turbo engine, you can enjoy some serious acceleration from this SUV. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean an uncomfortable ride or even that the quiet in the cabin will be disturbed. High-performance fans will also appreciate that this engine runs on regular gas.
Combine that power with all-wheel-drive and you have a very aggressive vehicle when you want one. Even if you don’t have the turbo engine, though, AWD is a nice feature.
Advanced keyless entry that includes a remote starting system is also a great addition. Just walk up to your SUV with the remote on you and it’ll unlock.
Changes in the 2012 Model
There were no major changes made to the 2012 Mazda CX-7.
What We Like
The 2012 Mazda CX-7 might have the nicest interior in its class. In fact, that may carry over to any vehicle in its price range. Choosing orange and using blue backlighting was a bold choice that definitely paid off.
If you want more cargo space, just fold the rear seats flat. It’s actually a lot easier than it sounds thanks to the 2012 CX-7’s easy-to-reach lever.
What Concerns Us
One major problem with the interior is how small the display screen is in the dashboard. It almost comes off like it was an afterthought.
While the price is great, part of that is because of the 4-cylinder engine. The other reason may be because you won’t be able to fit more than five people in it comfortably.
Available Models
Like a lot of Mazdas, this SUV comes in two model types: Touring and Sport. However, these categories can then be split into four: i SV, i Sport, s Touring and i Touring. All of these have a 2.5-liter engine, except the s Touring, which has a 2.3-liter engine.
The s Touring gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. The other three get 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.
However, the s Touring’s tank can hold 18.2 gallons, 1.8 more than the other models.
Major Recalls
One recall has been put out on the 2012 Mazda CX7. It was issued on 7/20/2015 and was in regards to the vehicle’s lower control arm.
In some cases, the control arm’s ball joints were exposed to constant dripping from a water leak. As a result, they would corrode and result in the driver being unable to steer.
Common Issues
If you get the standard engine, accelerating on the highway may feel like an ordeal.
