🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: CX-7 Year: 2012 Market Segment: Compact Crossover SUV Generation Generation: First Generation (ER) Codes Chassis Code: ER 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Mazda CX-7 (2012) is positioned as a sporty and stylish compact crossover SUV, often appealing to buyers looking for driving dynamics more akin to a car than a traditional SUV. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competes with vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Nissan Murano, often differentiated by its sportier handling and available turbocharged engine. Key Features Key Features: Sport-tuned suspension, available turbocharged engine, stylish exterior design, and a driver-focused interior. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Comprehensive Service and Repair Page Count Page Count: Extensive (specific number not provided, but described as complete OE material) Manual Type Manual Type: Software-based Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Online Access (Web Browser Compatible) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine, Drivetrain (FWD/AWD), Brakes, Suspension, Steering, HVAC, Electrical System, Body and Chassis, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Interior Components, Exterior Components Procedures Included Procedures Included: Routine Maintenance, Inspections, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Component Removal and Installation, Adjustments, Repair Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications Technical Depth Technical Depth: In-depth Technical Procedures, Diagnostic Flowcharts, Torque Specifications, Component Datasets, OE-level Repair Information 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Web-based application accessible via internet browser Print Quality Print Quality: N/A (Online Content) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Online Content) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Online Content) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 2.5L DOHC I4 (Naturally Aspirated) Optional Engine Optional Engine: 2.3L DOHC MZR DISI Turbo I4 (Turbocharged) Performance 2.5L Horsepower: 171 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 172 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Performance 2.3L Turbo Horsepower: 244 hp @ 5000 rpm Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm Fuel System Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Bore X Stroke 2.5L Bore X Stroke: 87.5 mm x 100.0 mm Bore X Stroke 2.3L Turbo Bore X Stroke: 87.5 mm x 94.0 mm Compression Ratio 2.5L Compression Ratio: 9.7:1 Compression Ratio 2.3L Turbo Compression Ratio: 8.7:1 Engine Code 2.5L Engine Code: L5-VE Engine Code 2.3L Turbo Engine Code: L3-VDT 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard: 5-Speed Automatic (with Activematic) Optional Transmission Optional: 6-Speed Manual (available on specific trims/engines, less common in North America for 2012) Features Transmission Features: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional. Sport mode for enhanced throttle response. Transmission Fluid Type Transmission Fluid Type: Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Length: 180.5 inches (4585 mm) Exterior Width Width: 71.7 inches (1820 mm) Exterior Height Height: 63.0 inches (1600 mm) Wheelbase Wheelbase: 106.3 inches (2700 mm) Ground Clearance Ground Clearance: 7.0 inches (178 mm) Curb Weight Fwd Curb Weight FWD: Approximately 3500-3650 lbs (1588-1656 kg) Curb Weight Awd Curb Weight AWD: Approximately 3700-3850 lbs (1678-1746 kg) Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: Approx. 29.9 cu ft (847 L) Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded: Approx. 63.2 cu ft (1789 L) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: 4/5 stars (for AWD models) IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (for models with specific side curtain airbag configurations) Active Features Active Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Passive Features Passive Features: Front-seat airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags for front and rear occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Available Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Available rearview camera, parking sensors. Connectivity Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming on equipped models. USB input for audio playback. Climate Control Climate Control Type: Manual climate control or available automatic climate control. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult manual for severe conditions. Service Intervals Tires Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) Service Intervals Brakes Brake Inspection Interval: Inspect at every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) service interval. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Engine Oil Specification: SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified) Fluid Specifications Coolant Coolant Specification: Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 3 Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid Power Steering Fluid Specification: Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent. Known Issues Known Issues: Potential for turbocharger failure on earlier models (less common on 2012 models with the 2.5L), occasional issues with the infotainment system, and possible exhaust manifold cracks on some older turbocharged variants. Turbocharged models can be sensitive to oil quality and maintenance. Part Number Oil Filter 2.5L Oil...
The Mazda CX-7 (2012) is positioned as a sporty and stylish compact crossover SUV, often appealing to buyers looking for driving dynamics more akin to a car than a traditional SUV.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Nissan Murano, often differentiated by its sportier handling and available turbocharged engine.
Key Features
Key Features:
Sport-tuned suspension, available turbocharged engine, stylish exterior design, and a driver-focused interior.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Page Count
Page Count:
Extensive (specific number not provided, but described as complete OE material)
Web-based application accessible via internet browser
Print Quality
Print Quality:
N/A (Online Content)
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Online Content)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Online Content)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
2.5L DOHC I4 (Naturally Aspirated)
Optional Engine
Optional Engine:
2.3L DOHC MZR DISI Turbo I4 (Turbocharged)
Performance 2.5L
Horsepower:
171 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
172 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Performance 2.3L Turbo
Horsepower:
244 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
270 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Bore X Stroke 2.5L
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Bore X Stroke 2.3L Turbo
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 94.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2.5L
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Compression Ratio 2.3L Turbo
Compression Ratio:
8.7:1
Engine Code 2.5L
Engine Code:
L5-VE
Engine Code 2.3L Turbo
Engine Code:
L3-VDT
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Standard:
5-Speed Automatic (with Activematic)
Optional
Transmission Optional:
6-Speed Manual (available on specific trims/engines, less common in North America for 2012)
Features
Transmission Features:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional. Sport mode for enhanced throttle response.
Transmission Fluid Type
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Length
Length:
180.5 inches (4585 mm)
Exterior Width
Width:
71.7 inches (1820 mm)
Exterior Height
Height:
63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Ground Clearance
Ground Clearance:
7.0 inches (178 mm)
Curb Weight Fwd
Curb Weight FWD:
Approximately 3500-3650 lbs (1588-1656 kg)
Curb Weight Awd
Curb Weight AWD:
Approximately 3700-3850 lbs (1678-1746 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 29.9 cu ft (847 L)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approx. 63.2 cu ft (1789 L)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4/5 stars (for AWD models)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models with specific side curtain airbag configurations)
Active Features
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Front-seat airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Available Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Available rearview camera, parking sensors.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming on equipped models. USB input for audio playback.
Climate Control
Climate Control Type:
Manual climate control or available automatic climate control.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals Oil
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult manual for severe conditions.
Service Intervals Tires
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Service Intervals Brakes
Brake Inspection Interval:
Inspect at every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) service interval.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent.
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Potential for turbocharger failure on earlier models (less common on 2012 models with the 2.5L), occasional issues with the infotainment system, and possible exhaust manifold cracks on some older turbocharged variants. Turbocharged models can be sensitive to oil quality and maintenance.
Part Number Oil Filter 2.5L
Oil Filter Part Number 2.5L:
Example: Mazda B6Y1-14-302 (verify with VIN)
Part Number Air Filter 2.5L
Air Filter Part Number 2.5L:
Example: Mazda L3P7-13-215 (verify with VIN)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and engaging vehicles, often focusing on Jinba-Ittai ('horse and rider as one') driving philosophy, which translates to responsive handling.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The CX-7 was introduced in 2006 as Mazda's first mid-size crossover. The 2012 model represents the facelifted version of the first generation, featuring updated styling and minor mechanical refinements. The turbocharged engine was largely phased out by this point for many markets in favor of the more fuel-efficient 2.5L naturally aspirated engine.
Production
Production Location:
Mazda's Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The CX-7 has historically been praised for its driving dynamics and stylish design, often outperforming competitors in subjective handling tests. It received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its respective model years.