When Mazda debuted the MX-Crossport concept at the North American International Auto show of 2005, it did so with a vision of expanding its identity to include a powerful crossover SUV among its brands. The resulting product: Mazda CX-7. The CX-7 was introduced to the public at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show as the company’s reintroduction into the mid-size SUV segment. Production lasted from 2007 to 2012, and was succeeded by the smaller and efficient CX-5.

The MX-Crossport concept was designed by Chief Designer Iwao Koizumi at Mazda’s studio in Hiroshima, Japan, and combined features from the RX-8 sports car with the practicality of sports-utility vehicles. The result is an SUV that was beyond its contemporaries. The developments to the design ended with the CX-7: a sporty vehicle that carried highly functional interiors. The CX-7 used the Mazda6 platform, including suspension and transmission systems. For an SUV, the CX-7 was quite capable as an off-roader with impressive rear-wheel traction and a powerful engine.

In 2010, the CX-7 underwent a facelift in conjunction with Mazda’s other brands: the RX-8, MX-5 and the Mazda 3. Interior and exterior features were replaced and added to the original, including front and rear fascia and technology upgrades.