2008 Mazda CX-7 Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 52 CX-7 reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 has received excellent scores in federal government crash tests. It features a comprehensive array of safety equipment, including side curtain air bags and electronic stability control.
The 2008 CX-7 scores exceptionally well, receiving a top score of five stars for both frontal and side crashes. It gets a rollover rating of four stars in both the FWD or AWD versions. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the CX-7 top scores of "Good" in frontal offset and side impact tests, but a lower score of "Marginal" for rear protection.
Test drivers have expressed concern, however, about impaired front visibility due to the sharp design of the CX-7's windshield.
Accident Avoidance
The new CX-7 comes standard with several accident-avoidance systems, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. DSC automatically applies one or more brakes and adjusts engine power output to reduce understeer or oversteer, while TCS decreases power to the wheels to reduce loss of tire grip. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is also standard.
While the Technology Package includes a rearview camera for better visibility while reversing, most problems have to do with front visibility due to the CX-7's sporty styling. The Arizona Republic says that "the thick pillars supporting that steep windshield are an annoying obstruction to driver vision." Similarly, Newsday reports that the steeply raked windshield "inevitably impairs visibility during turns, when the sharply angled front roof support posts get in the way." However, noting the driver's high seating position, the Sacramento Bee writes, "Down-the-road vision is excellent. Only the tallest 18-wheelers directly in front of you can block your vision."
Crash Protection
The CX-7 features a comprehensive set of air bags, including dual front air bags, front side-impact air bags, and front and rear side-impact air curtains with rollover protection. In addition, there are front safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters.
