Vehicle Overview

The CX-7 five-seat crossover is priced between the Tribute and the larger CX-9 crossover in the Mazda lineup. The CX-7 was designed to deliver the utility of a small SUV and the driving experience of a passenger car. Its competitors include the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano in one regard, but the CX-7's sporty nature and wagonlike shape also liken it to the Volkswagen Tiguan and Infiniti EX35.

New for 2011
New for 2011 is an "i" Touring model powered by a 161-horsepower four-cylinder engine. This trim level includes a power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, leather trim, a rearview camera and a power moonroof.

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    Ride & Handling
    The Mazda5's steering response is designed to engage the driver. A turn of the wheel delivers a quick change of direction, and there's a fair amount of feedback. The suspension is on the firm side ...

    Interior
    For its exterior size, the CX-9's cabin is a bit snug. Its passenger volume is 139 cubic feet, which is smaller than the seven-seat Highlander (146 cubic feet), the Traverse (154 cubic feet), the ...

    Interior
    The Tribute still has seating for five, and there's a center console storage compartment that Mazda says is big enough to hold a laptop. The rear seat is split 60/40, and the Tribute has just shy ...