Still Looking Good

Perhaps a bit over the top when it first hit the streets back in 2006, the CX-7's lines have matured well — especially considering that the compact-SUV field, with the possible exception of the Ford Escape, is looking more windswept by the year. The CX-7's oversized elements, from its flared fenders to its mustachioed air dam, create the illusion of an RX-8-turned-SUV. The 18-inch alloy wheels, which are standard across all trims, help maintain the image as well. I'm not so crazy about the frosted taillight effects, but they're minimally offensive.

At 184 inches long and nearly 74 inches wide, the CX-7 has a slightly larger footprint than most of its immediate competitors, and its 37.4-foot turning circle isn't particularly U-turn friendly — only the Volkswagen Tiguan (39.4 feet) and Saturn Vue (40.0) rate worse; the Subaru Forester (34.4), Toyota RAV4 (34.8) and Mitsubishi Outlander (34.8) require a lot less room.

    See also:

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    Dynamic Performance
    With the Mazda 2, Mazda evolved the athleticism that is inherent to the Mazda design DNA in pursuit of bold and diverse expression of movement. The basic form of the new Mazda 2 is characterized by ...

    Interior
    The CX-7 seats up to five. The dashboard features double-decker construction, with a large information display at the base of the windshield. Folding down the rear seats provides a nearly flat loa ...