Another mid size SUV is incoming, 2023 Mazda CX-7 is in the works. Mazda has recently been enjoying a lot of success with its creations. The SUV segment is huge and there is a lot of potential. And the CX-7 is there to win the competition. Mazda is splitting the difference between their CX-5 and CX-9. This model is supposedly more luxurious than the CX-5 but not as large as the CX-9. It is of course a name forgotten by many.
The last time Mazda sold a CX-7 was in 2012. Due to increasing competition and some bad redesign ideas, the sales plummeted and the model was discontinued. But Mazda is looking to turn things around this time. They have gone back to the drawing board and made some good ideas come true. Building up on recent success with their other SUVs they want to do good on the CX-7 as well. It will most certainly feature a hybrid powertrain, reportedly one from Toyota. It is not unheard of that manufacturers borrow powertrains from their competition.
Let us dive deep into the review and see what the new 2023 Mazda CX-7 could look like when it finally rolls off the production track.
2023 Mazda CX-7 Interior
On the inside there should be no reusing old parts from the previous CX-7. Mazda needs to make the cabin quite stylish and functional to win the competition for the best mid size SUV. The new 2023 Mazda CX-7 seats five people with plenty of legroom and headroom to spare. There will be no third row, for now. However this is a popular option nowadays and we can see Mazda adding a third row in an interior trim in the future. Seating has to be better from its predecessor. So putting some extra cushioning should be done.
Comfort is important for passengers as anything less than perfect could make the drive less enjoyable. Also lumbar support needs to be improved. No one likes having a stiff back after a long drive and having trouble getting out of it. Heated and ventilated seats are common nowadays so we don’t see a problem with having this feature as standard. Instrument panel could be bedazzled with some chrome or perhaps wooden accents. Additions like this would improve the luxury feel and make this feel like a first class ride.
The infotainment system should be no less than 13 inches. This would allow the back row of passengers to join in on the fun. There should not be a lot of buttons on the panel to give it a minimalistic look. However on the steering wheel this could be useful as to keep the driver’s attention focused on the road. Also the dashboard should be all digital. This would enable drivers to track everything they need with ease. Also this is 2022 after all and it would be a great step towards the future. Panoramic roof is a nice feature to have. Perhaps it can be electrochromic so you can turn it opaque with a press of a button.
The connectivity is all standard and more than one might need. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Bluetooth and WIFI hotspot in the cabin. Hands free driving is all the hype at the moment. We know that it has been successfully made and used by Ford and GMC. But we are still uncertain if Mazda made their own. Having a feature like this would enable drivers to relax but not sleep behind the wheel. It could take them down pre mapped roads and would probably come as a standard feature. Ambient lighting is preferable, that way passengers can set the mood during their rides.
Safety Features
There are many safety features in the new 2023 Mazda CX-7. Lane change alert, pedestrian detection, automatic braking and many more. Of course you get the standard cameras and sensors that make parking seem like a breeze.
Sleek and Modern Exterior
The new 2023 Mazda CX-7 will probably resemble its cousins. The CX-5 and the CX-9. It will probably feature a sleek and modern body design with curves. This makes it ergonomic and aerodynamic. In turn this decreases wind resistance and improves fuel economy. Designing the SUV this way also helps it with steering and overall drive feel. Ride height shouldn’t be too tall, since this is not an off-roading SUV. On the front we can expect a headlight design of a circular shape. Using the latest LED technology of course.
The front grille will be aluminum mesh that lets air under the hood. This negates all overheating issues, if there were any to begin with. Speaking of the hood, it has that protruding sporty look, that is much sought after. Wheels are 20 inches standard and are lightweight alloy. This also shaves off weight, which in turn improves power to weight ratio and makes the SUV more powerful and gives it better performance. No beefy off roading tires are planned. Perhaps that can happen on a special trim of the CX-7.
2023 Mazda CX-7 Engine Rumors
There isn’t a lot of official information about the powertrain offer. But we can speculate that it will be a hybrid powertrain borrowed from Toyota. Perhaps an inline six gasoline engine coupled with a couple of electric motors. Or maybe a 2.5 liter with a plug in hybrid technology. Systems like these easily produce over 300 horsepower, which is more than enough to move the not so big CX-7 around.
Eight speed automatic transmission is probable. There is a new platform, which would enable both rear and all wheel drives. This platform also greatly improves overall drive and performance. All electric CX-7 is also possible. Hopefully with a driving range no less than 300 miles.
Price and Release Date
There is no official date as of yet for release of the 2023 Mazda CX-7, but we presume it will arrive sometime next year. The price of the new SUV could starts around $30.000.