Mazda CX-7 vs Volvo XC70. A matter of chance

Mazda CX-7 vs Volvo XC70: An Unexpected Comparison

At first glance, what could these two cars possibly have in common besides all-wheel drive? We thought exactly the same until we accidentally glanced at the technical specifications of both vehicles lying on the table before us.

Volvo XC70 — $57,000
Mazda CX-7 — $46,670

Two technical passports, lost among a pile of other papers, became the starting point of this test. Had they not been side by side, it would hardly have occurred to us to pit such philosophically different cars against each other. But there were too many coincidences in the dry figures: power, dynamics, dimensions — everything pointed to these cars being worth comparing. And when it turned out that their ground clearance was almost identical, we were finally convinced of the idea. All that remained was to wait for a sunny day. And it came.

You must admit, a sandy beach surrounded by ice hummocks looks unusual. Equally strange was the proximity of the new Volvo XC70 and Mazda CX-7. The difference in classes is immediately obvious. The Swede is a union of a luxurious estate and an SUV. The Japanese car is a reminder that an off-road platform can also be combined with a sporty character. Which manufacturer did this better, and which approach would prove preferable, was what we had to find out. Especially since both companies undertook such an experiment for the first time: the current XC70 is built on the platform of the flagship S80 sedan, while the CX-7 is the first crossover in Mazda's history.

The latter fact had no impact on build quality. But who exactly the creators of the CX-7 were targeting is still not entirely clear — even six months after sales began. It's obvious the car was intended for the widest audience, regardless of age or gender. However, judging by our observations, it's most often young women behind the wheel of this crossover. Why the CX-7 doesn't appeal to men is a mystery. Perhaps they find it lacking in brutality. Or strictness. There's plenty of muscle in the body, but clearly not enough masculine essence. The car turned out somehow too glamorous. Beautiful, but seemingly unreal — like a model from a glossy magazine cover.

The XC70 is much more understandable in this regard. One glance is enough to realize who and how will drive it. A solid car is clearly intended for a solid person. Solidness is the leitmotif running through the entire appearance of the car, from bumper to tail. Power, dynamics, and that very exclusivity inherent in almost all models of the brand are strung on it like pearls. Although, to be completely honest, there are details in the Swede's appearance that you want to forgive but can't. I'm talking about the ridiculous silver inserts near the front fog lights and rear reflectors. Without them, there would be nothing to criticize about the exterior. However, you forget about this oversight as soon as you find yourself in the cabin. Everything here is solid and serious, as befits a premium car. Leather, metal, plastic — exactly enough to emphasize the car's character and show respect for the buyer.

The CX-7 takes a different approach. Even though the interior doesn't contradict the exterior, you can feel the manufacturer flirting with the customer. There's something ostentatious, contrived in the design. However, overall it looks very decent, and the multi-tiered front panel adds interest to the interior. The only thing that bothers is the abundance of metal framing the center console. It also seemed strange that in such a large and, most importantly, expensive car, the climate control is not dual-zone, and there are no pockets for small items in the rear doors. That's disappointing for a car aimed at an active lifestyle. The glove box is also small. Only the central armrest can boast a spacious box.

The XC70 has no such problems. There are pockets in all doors, the glove box is roomy, and there's plenty of space in the armrest. As for ergonomics, Mazda and Volvo are surprisingly similar — everything is intuitive and logical. But personally, I preferred the driver's seating position in the CX-7. It's more upright, which helps better sense the car's dimensions. And although the hood is not visible in either car, maneuvering in tight spaces is somehow more pleasant in the Japanese car. The CX-7 also pleased with the fact that even when covered in mud from head to toe, you can get in without soiling your trousers: the doors overlap the sills, keeping them always clean. Not so with the XC70 — getting into the cabin without touching the sill is difficult. The culprit is the wide plastic protection that wraps around the body. But functionally, it's certainly preferable. Trousers can be washed, but straightening the body is a much more troublesome matter. The CX-7 has no such protection at all.

On light off-road, both cars feel excellent. The Japanese car has slightly better geometric off-road capability — it's shorter and has a shorter wheelbase. But the XC70 has a hill descent control system. However, if off the asphalt the difference between the cars was minimal, on the highway the difference in concepts made itself fully known. The CX-7 truly behaves like an athlete. It's stiffer, sharper, and slightly noisier than its opponent, and therefore more exciting. In it, you want to squeeze every drop out of the engine, revving it to a ringing note, and enjoy how the car grips the road even on terrible surfaces. The XC70 is softer, quieter, and more relaxed — as relaxed as a secret agent at a formal dinner can be. It's stately and even slightly carefree, but it's all a facade — internally, the car is always ready for action.

Mazda CX-7

Andrey Myazin
Age: 45. Occupation: Editor-in-Chief of a magazine. Driving experience: 25 years. Personal car: Mazda CX-7

The first crossover in Mazda's history. In our market, it's available in Touring and Sport trims, with the latter being the top version. However, even the base version can't be called modest: it includes 6 airbags, full power accessories, climate control, as well as ABS, TSC, and DST systems.

Driving. Despite its off-road nature, the car is still more geared towards highways. On them, it feels like a fish in water.

Interior. Spacious and comfortable, but the lack of small item storage is disappointing.

Comfort. At an acceptable level, but sound insulation is clearly insufficient.

Safety. The base includes everything needed to feel protected in almost any road situation.

Price. Acceptable.

Volvo XC70

Oleg Kalaushin
Age: 38. Occupation: Automotive journalist. Driving experience: 20 years. Personal car: Renault Logan

In 1996, the XC70 became the progenitor of raised estate cars. The current generation is already the third for this beloved car. The main difference of the 2007 XC70 from its predecessor is the new platform borrowed from the Volvo S80, which can rightfully be considered a premium-class representative.

Driving. The greatest pleasure comes from fast but measured driving. However, if desired, you can also have some fun.

Interior. Spacious and functional. It doesn't shine with refinements, but it brings satisfaction from what you see.

Comfort. At a decent level and matches the tasks assigned to the car. Moreover, it can be significantly improved thanks to a rich list of options.

Safety. Safety and Volvo have long been synonymous.

Technical Data

Dimensions and Weight

Performance

Construction

Conclusion

Can the Mazda CX-7 crossover and the "passable" Volvo XC70 wagon be considered equivalent alternatives? More likely yes than no. Any theory is tested by practice, and it is practice that has shown: in the end, these cars are practically no different. And if there are any differences, they are so insignificant that when choosing, you can safely ignore them — at least in this situation. Especially since their price tags are comparable. So all that remains is to trust your own preferences and choose with your heart.