Now in its third year of production, the Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV receives only minor upgrades for 2009. All '09 CX-7 trims now come equipped with dual illuminated vanity mirrors and an MP3 auxiliary input jack for the audio system. The entry-level Sport trim gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as standard equipment for '09, as well as new optional dual heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver's seat. The high-end Grand Touring trim receives new exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror with Homelink, as well as minor interior finishing improvements. The mid-level Touring trim rolls into 2009 with no changes.

As it has since its debut, the five-passenger CX-7 rides on a unique platform designed to mix a sports car feel with SUV functionality. The CX-7 borrows many of its exterior elements from a number of Mazda and Ford vehicles, combining them in a aerodynamic design that most find stylish and contemporary. All three trims, including the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, come in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

A turbocharged 2.3-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder engine that produces 244 hp continues to drive all CX-7 trims. Overall, drivers and reviewers give the turbocharged engine good marks to its performance and responsiveness. Fuel economy remains a negative for many, however, with the CX-7 checking in at 17/23 mpg for front-wheel-drive trims with a six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission with sport shift, and 16/22 for all-wheel-drive trims with the same automatic transmission. The CX-7 runs on regular unleaded fuel, though Mazda recommends premium fuel for maximum performance.

For a mid-level crossover SUV, the CX-7 comes well-equipped and remains a good value for drivers, according to many reviewers. Standard features across the line include power windows and door locks, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, and illuminated keyless entry, as well as 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, antilock brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, and traction control. The mid-level Touring trim adds heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather-trimmed upholstery, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. At the top of the line, the Grand Touring trim adds xenon automatic on/off headlights, heated exterior mirrors, fog lamps, and leather seat upholstery with a sport seat stripe.

Despite its interior features, however, some drivers and reviewers detract points from the CX-7 for its interior, due to its lack of flexibility, cramped rear seat, mix of materials borrowed from other Mazdas, and controls that some find confusing. On the positive side, the CX-7 gets good marks for its many safety features. It received a five-star rating, the highest possible, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for frontal- and side-impact crashes, and a four-star rating for rollover resistance.