It’s not officially so, but the C in CX-7 could stand for “crossover” because if there’s anything that not anything—not a car, not a van, not an SUV—it’s this particular vehicle. Although it’s based on a car platform, as all good crossovers are, the Mazda CX-7 is no ersatz SUV. We’ll posit, however, that the CX-7 is heavy on the “sport” with at least as much utility as most SUVs.

How many other SUVs…OK, crossovers…have forged crankshafts and connecting rods? OK, a couple of German crossovers, perhaps, but definitely not in this price category. It could be argued that the CX-7 is a class of one, and in its class, teacher’s pet.

 Climb aboard and see what we mean. Read the authentic carbuzzard.com 2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD new car review, then tell us what you think.