Against 323 other 4-cyl cars rated 2010–2012, the CX-7 trails their 26.2 mpg average by 4.2 mpg, about $279 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2007, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2010–2012), does 22.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.3L 4-cyl (2007–2009), 19.3: $298 a year apart.
Every Mazda CX-7 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20 / 27.3 | 2010–2012 | $1,692 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 17 / 22.7 | 2007–2009 | $1,990 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18 mpg, the Nissan Xterra 18 mpg and the Cadillac SRX 19.3 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2012 CX-7. The CX-7 is the cheapest of them to run: $388 a year less than the Jeep Liberty.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2010–2012 | +$279 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,367 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Mazda CX-7 gives up 7 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 20 in the city, $498 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (35%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the CX-7 changed over the years
The CX-7 peaked in 2011 at 23 mpg (20 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2008 at 19 — 4 mpg apart, or $351 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2012 car does 22. The biggest single-year change came in 2010: 20 to 23 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2011 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2010 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2009 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2008 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Mazda CX-7 — 2 engines across 2007–2012. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,367. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Mazda CX-7 get?
22 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2007 the CX-7 has averaged 21 mpg.
Is the 2012 CX-7 more efficient than the 2011?
No: 22 against 23 mpg combined, about $75 a year more to run.
Which CX-7 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 23 mpg combined (20 city, 27 highway).
Does the CX-7 get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
Yes: 22 mpg for the 2012 CX-7 against 18 for the 2012 Jeep Liberty, about $388 a year less to run.
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