The CX-7 was unveiled at the 2007 LA auto show. The CX-7 represented Mazda's first foray into the booming crossover SUV market. For 2008 the CX-7 slots between the smaller Tribute and flagship CX-9. Unlike its SUV siblings the CX-7 was designed on an original Mazda platform. The CX-9 shares its platform with the Mazda6, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKZ, while the tribute is based on Ford's Escape SUV. Many of the components of the CX-7 make it look like a Mazda melting pot. The front half of the suspension came from the now extinct MPV minivan, while the rear half came from the Mazda5 microvan. The power plant for the CX-7 is shared with the MazdaSPEED3 while many of the all wheel drive components came from last year's MazdaSPEED6. The CX-7 is set squarely against the best Japan has to offer - Honda's CR-V, Toyota's Rav4, and Nissan's Murano. Other competition comes from the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The CX-7 has a long list of standard safety features including Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and brake force distribution, front side and side curtain airbags, as well as tire pressure monitoring and traction control systems. Front wheel drive is standard on the CX-7 and all trim levels have an all wheel drive option available. The CX-7 is powered by a 2.3 liter turbo-charged inline four cylinder engine mated to a silky smooth six speed automatic transmission. Like other Mazda models the automatic transmission is equipped with a sport shift mode which allows the driver to select gears manually. The 16-valve turbocharged motor is good for 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Mazda offers three trim levels for the CX-7. There's nothing base about the entry level "Sport" trim which is equipped with 18" Alloy wheels, keyless entry, steering wheel audio controls, and an optional power driver's seat. An extra $1,750 spent on the Touring model will bring a leather trimmed interior, power driver's seat, and heated front seats. The top of the line Grand Touring trim rewards its owner with amenities such as automatic climate control, auto-leveling Xenon headlamps, and heated body-colored mirrors. There are two option groups available for the 2008. The moonroof and Bose package brings a power moonroof and 9-speaker Bose stereo equipped with a six disc CD changer. Springing for the Technology Package brings all of the aforementioned features plus DVD navigation, a backup camera, and a remote start function.