Should You Take the Mazda CX-7 Off-Road Off-Road?

The Mazda CX-7 Off Road can help you on some rockier terrain, but it should mostly be used for on-road adventures.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The most recent model of the Mazda
CX-7
Off Road, last manufactured in 2011, combines both the practical off-roading capability of a four wheel drive with the sporty handling of a smaller car. 
Not all off-road vehicles are created equal. Some are goliaths that seem to hop over rocky terrain without breaking a sweat, and some are unexpected underdogs, beloved because they can always get you to your favorite weekend camping spot safe and sound. No matter what, it’s always good to have a bit of power at your disposal in less-than-ideal driving circumstances.  
To help you figure out which off-road car is best for you,
Jerry
, the
super app
designed to save you money on
car insurance
, has created a guide to the Mazda CX-7 Off Road: the S Touring trim. We’ll go over everything from ground clearance to torque, along with a few other vehicle options that rank near the CX-7. 
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Can the Mazda CX-7 Off Road go off road?

Yes—but there are some limitations for this small but mighty crossover. Many agree that its off-road vehicle status really only applies to soft roading rather than more intense terrain.
The MSRP of the CX-7 started at $22,995, although the fact that it hasn’t been made since 2011 means you can find a used model for significantly less. With a sleek look to match its smooth and agile handling, good ground clearance, and available turbo engine, this reasonably priced car is perfect for those who need something for enjoyable on-road action and the occasional adventure. 
Here are some of the other key specs for the CX-7: 

Ground clearance

If you’re going to take your ride on bumpy roads, you’re going to have to look for one with better-than-average ground clearance. The Mazda CX-7 Off Road has you covered here, with a minimum ground clearance of 8.1 inches.  
While the ideal ground clearance is between 8.8 and 10.8 inches, anything over 8 is likely to be able to handle rougher terrain. There are quite a few other off-road vehicles available if you’re looking for higher ground clearance in your off-roader, though keep in mind that this may come at the cost of stability.

Torque

The most powerful vehicles for off-road treks offer low-end torque. This means they offer high amounts of torque at a lower rpm. After all, when you’re out there blazing trails, you’ll want more power than speed. 
The Mazda CX-7 Off Road has two options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder 161 lb-ft of torque @ 3500 rpm; and an optional 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 258 lb-ft of torque @ 2500 rpm. While the low number of revolutions per minute is good for keeping your engine from working too hard as you crawl over rocky terrain, you should still exercise caution with a CX-7.

Tires

The standard tires on a Mazda CX-7 Off Road are P215/70HR17 all-season tires. That means they are great for driving in nearly all weather conditions, including light snow. 
However, they are not all-terrain tires, which is an important distinction to make. All-terrain tires are designed for both paved roads and unpaved roads, keeping you steady in all conditions. While the Mazda offers stability on-road all year-round, don’t count on these tires to get you over dunes or ditches. 

Drivetrain

The standard drivetrain on every trim of the Mazda CX-7 is front-wheel drive. However, if you’re going to be taking this vehicle into any other terrain, you’ll want to be sure to opt for the active-torque-split-all-wheel drive available only on the S Touring and I Touring trims

Angles

Now let's talk about angles. Specifically, the most important when it comes to off-roading: the approach angle and departure angle: 
  • Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference 
  • Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
The Mazda CX-7’s 20.1 degree approach angle and 24.9 degree departure angle make it a better fit for highway driving than mountain climbing. 

Off-road rating: Rough and ready

According to
Jerry’s
highly-sophisticated DIRT rating system, explained in the table below, we’ve graded the CX-7 on its off-road readiness.
Rating
Meaning
Description
D
Don’t Try It
Vehicles better suited to highway conditions
I
In a Pinch
Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances
R
Rough and Ready
Vehicles designed for casual off-roading
T
Trail Boss
True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain
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The Mazda CX-7’s off road capabilities earn it an I rating: If you need it to get you through some bumpy or winding roads, it’ll likely do the job and make you proud. It’s more suited for daily highway driving and the occasional back street or dirt road, but it can help you out in a pinch. 

The best off-road alternatives to the Mazda CX-7 Off Road

The Mazda CX-7 is perfect if you’re looking for a smooth ride and comfortable cabin that can occasionally take you off the beaten path. But, if you’re looking for something solely for off-road adventures, you’re better off looking elsewhere. 
Here are the best alternatives to the Mazda CX-7 Off Road:
Alternative
Model
Price
Description
Best affordable alternative
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
$22,250
For a similar price, you can opt for the 2011 Genesis Coupe, which offers a more fuel efficient ride that reaches up to 30 mpg on the highway.
Best alternative V6 engine
2011 Dodge Journey
$22,245
With a stronger V6 engine and a standard all-wheel drive, the Dodge Journey looks and feels the part of an off-road SUV.
Best alternative for off-roading
2015 Mazda CX-9
$29,985
With a sportier ride and its I-Activ all-wheel-drive system, this might be the perfect fit for Mazda lovers looking for an off-road option.
MORE: Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

On the road and off, make sure to keep yourself covered with the right car insurance policy. That’s where
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