Mazda CX-7

• Overall rating: 4 stars
• Adult occupation score: 76%
• Child protection score: 79%
• Pedestrian protection: 43%
• Safety assist: 71%

Adult Occupant
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. The driver and passenger were well protected in most areas but structures in the dashboard posed a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of both front-seat passengers.

In the side barrier test, the Mazda CX-7 scored maximum points. In the more severe side pole test, dummy readings of rib deflections indicated weak protection of the chest. The seat and head restraint provided poor protection against whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.

Child Occupant
Based on dummy readings in the frontal and side impact tests, the CX-7 scored maximum points for its protection of the 18-month dummy. Forward movement of the head of the three-year dummy, sat in a forward facing seat, was not excessive.

In the side impact, both child dummies were properly contained by their respective restraints. The passenger airbag cannot be disabled to allow a rearward-facing child restraint to be used in that seating position, and the label warning of the dangers of doing so is not sufficiently clear.

Pedestrian
While the bumper scored maximum points for its protection of pedestrians' legs, the bonnet provided predominantly poor protection in the areas likely to be struck by an adult's head.

Safety Assist
Electronic stability control is standard equipment on the CX-7, along with a seatbelt reminder system for the driver and front passenger seats.