Mazda introduced the CX-7 into the world of affordable and compact crossover sports utility vehicles in 2007, and most experts agreed that the vehicle was a bit ahead of its time and set a high bar with its sleek looks and zippy performance. The funny thing is, five years later many of its competitors are in some ways still trying to catch the CX-7, another of the Mazdas that lives up to the “Zoom Zoom” label bestowed upon the automaker by the advertising folks.

The 2012 Mazda CX-7, like its predecessors, draws praise for its snappy appearance and its sporty approach and handling out on the road, and reviewers regularly note that it’s more fun to drive than an SUV probably has a right to be.

When crossovers first made the scene, some manufacturers concentrated on making sure they retained the chops that made the vehicles ready and able to get off the road when asked. Mazda, figuring the ability to go offroading was but a small and seldom-used part of the equation, worried more about making the CX-7 roadworthy and fun.

Freshened for 2011 and changed little for 2012, the 2012 Mazda CX-7 continues to fill that bill.

The CX-7 offers a couple of engine options and several trim levels, starting with the base SV and climbing up through the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring editions.

Trims designated with an "i” get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed sport automatic transmission that’s good for 161 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque. The “s” CX-7s come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed sport automatic transmission that bumps the numbers up to 244 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The sport automatic transmission includes a manual shift mode to grant the driver more control.

Most reviewers feel the 2.5-liter is engine enough, especially for getting around town, but the 2.3 certainly ups the sportiness and fun factor of the CX-7, though some complain of a pronounced turbo lag when accelerating, and the turbo fun comes at a cost in fuel mileage. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gets 20 mpg city/28 highway. The turbocharged version, which is available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as well as front-wheel drive (FWD), gets 18/24 with FWD and 17/21 with AWD.

For all the style and performance marks the five-passenger 2012 Mazda CX-7 receives from the experts, it does get points subtracted in other areas.

Some suggest it seems designed for younger parents who are entering the crossover market kicking and screaming. Reluctant to give up their sporty rides, they get a sporty crossover that has limited space in back for riders as well as cargo and is not as family friendly or as comfortable a ride as competitors such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V.

The Mazda CX-7’s towing capacity numbers are less than impressive at 1,500 pounds with the 2.5-liter and 2,000 with the turbocharged 2.3.

The interior of the 2012 Mazda CX-7 tends to draw mixed reviews. Experts generally like the upright driving position, but not the low position of the backseat that leads to legroom issues. Some appreciate the design of the dashboard but have a problem with hard plastics and the quality of some materials.

Stepping up from the base SV and Sport trims, the 2012 Mazda CX-7 Touring gets leather upholstery. The Grand Touring adds a moonroof, navigation system, automatic climate control and other goodies.

The 2012 Mazda CX-7 features traction and stability control, four-wheel ABS and a wide array of airbags. The 2012 version has not yet gone through government or insurance industry crash tests. It scored well in its most recent tests for side and front impact, but did receive a grade of Marginal from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its roof test.