Mazda Cx-7 problems
The Mazda CX-7 is a mid-size crossover SUV from Mazda, and is the production version of the MX-Crossport concept car. It was shown publicly for the first time at the 2006 LA Auto Show in January. Production officially began on February 20, 2006 in Mazda's Ujina #2 factory in Hiroshima, and went on sale in April 2006 as a 2007 model. The CX-7 was Mazda's first mid-size SUV since the Navajo was discontinued in 1994, although the CX-7 is considered more of a 'Soft Roader'.
The mid-size CX-7 was positioned below the larger three-row Mazda CX-9; the vehicles did not share platforms. Instead, it used the Ford C1 platform that underpinned the Ford Focus and Mazda3. The CX-7 was discontinued in August 2012 in favor of the new Mazda CX-5; as the compact CX-5 has similar interior space to the mid-size CX-7.
Specifications
Engine and transmission
Power comes from the same 2.3 L inline-4 MZR L3-VDT DISI engine used in the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 coupled with a six-speed Aisin F21 automatic transmission, and tuned to produce 244 hp or 182 kW (Australian model 175 kW) at 5000 rpm and 258 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque at a low 2500 rpm, 99% of the maximum torque is available to 5000 rpm.
The MZR 2.3L DISI turbo engine was retuned in the North American specification CX-7 to deliver torque at a lower rpm for less turbo lag off the line, at the cost of power. This was achieved thanks to a redesigned, smaller K04 turbocharger. United Kingdom specification CX-7s featured the same, larger K04 turbocharger and transmission found in the Mazdaspeed line.
Social links
Mazda Cx-7 model years
Common Mazda Cx-7 problems
Common Problems with the Mazda CX-7:
- Engine Misfires: Engine misfires can occur in the Mazda CX-7, which means that the engine is not getting enough fuel and/or spark. This can lead to bigger problems, such as an engine stall. To fix this issue, you can check the spark plugs to ensure they are in good condition, clean the fuel system for clogs or leaks, adjust the spark plug timing, or replace the fuel filter.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are another common problem with the Mazda CX-7. If you notice a lot of oil under your vehicle, there could be a leak. If not repaired, this can damage other parts of the engine. To fix this issue, you can replace the leaking parts, such as the oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, or valve cover gasket.
- Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger in the Mazda CX-7 is prone to failure, resulting in a lack of power and acceleration. If this part fails, there will most likely be white smoke coming from the exhaust. Replacing the turbocharger will fix the problem.
- Seat Trim Breaking: The clips on the trim between the base of the front seats and the floor are made of plastic and are easily broken. This can be fixed by replacing the trim.
- EGR Valve Failure: If the EGR (Exhaust Gas Re-circulation) valves fail, it can lead to a lack of power when accelerating. The EGR valve gets blocked up, causing poor performance and you may also see a blue/black smoke coming from the exhaust. It can also lead to poor engine idling. You can remove the EGR valve and clean it out to remove the carbon build up.
- Door Seal Fault: The door seals on the CX-7 are known for failing, causing a creaking noise from the front doors when the vehicle is in motion. You will need to replace the door seals to fix the problem.
By addressing these common problems with the Mazda CX-7, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid costly repairs in the future.
What is the major problem with the Mazda CX-7?
Common Problems with the Mazda CX-7
One of the most common problems is automatic transmission failure. If your CX-7's transmission isn't working properly, you won't be able to drive it. This can be a serious issue, but luckily, it's usually easy to fix. Another common problem is engine misfires.
Are Mazda CX-7 reliable?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 14% for the Mazda CX-7, compared to an average of 13% for midsize SUVs and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Do Mazda CX-7 have transmission problems?
Mazda CX-7 transmission problems often reveal themselves as grinding or being jumpy during accelerations, shifting delays, whistle-like noise coming from the engine, car shaking while driving, or a burning smell coming from underneath the hood.
Why did Mazda discontinue the CX-7?
A spokesman for the Japanese automaker Mazda has confirmed this week that the production of the CX-7 SUV has ended. There are basically two reasons why Mazda has reached this decision, the first one obviously being the low number of sales, while the other has to do with the success of the CX-5 and the larger CX-9.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Cx-7 years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Cx-7 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda Cx-7 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Cx-7 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Cx-7 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda Cx-7 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Cx-7 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Cx-7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cx-7 model years
A total of 24 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cx-7 model years
There were a total of 42 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cx-7 model years
There were a total of 20 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1123 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Cx-7 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Cx-7 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: JM3ER2BM7B0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I can not see at night. I have replaced the bulbs several times, and tried the most expensive bulbs. Nothing helps. You can only see with the high beams on, and that’s not safe for other drivers
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: JM3ER2CM1B0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Recall on air bag throwing metal
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
- VIN: JM3ER2B53B0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I called Mazda to report that my air bag warning light came on and they told me it had been replaced on Jan 8, 2019 and was not under recall. Not sure what to do as light stays on all the time while driving.
Mazda Cx-7 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-12
- VIN: JM3ER2W59A0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Mazda CX-7. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side and passenger’s side air bags independently deployed. There was no accident to cause the air bags to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Mazda Cx-7 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-01
- VIN: JM3ER2W54A0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Low beam headlamps are extremely dim. Have bought new replacement headlamps and are still very dim. Bought both replacement headlamp housings thinking wiring could be compromised but that didn't help either. Replacing headlamps is difficult due to having to remove either the front tires OR the front entire bumper assembly to switch out lamps. No fog lights are present on this model so makes driving at night very difficult. and unsafe.
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-14
- VIN: JM3ER2B52B0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The headlights are UNSAFE! Extremely dim. We have replaced the bulbs and gotten great LED lights but the issue is still there. Sometimes I feel like my lights aren’t even on but they are, I cannot see. Please can you fix this. They just keep getting worse. I would have to drive with high beams on just to be safe. I don’t drive at night in my car if I don’t absolutely need to because of this issue.
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-13
- VIN: JM3ER2B55B0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: During a rainy evening I could not see with the wipers on max speed and the headlights on low beam. I couldn't see the road unless a car was in front of me or I turn on my high beams. My son was in the car with me and several times I had to go at a crawling speed and still barely stayed on the road because of low visibilty. This has happened more than once and I feel unsafe driving now because I feel like I'm driving with no lights on at all these days without rain and rain makes it 10x worse.
Mazda Cx-7 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-01
- VIN: JM3ER2A54C0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: No matter the bulbs I use, the headlights are always dim. This is incredibly unsafe for night driving.
Mazda Cx-7 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-18
- VIN: JM3ER293670
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Mazda CX-7. The contact stated that the air conditioning system was inoperable, and the cabin air filter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor. The contact stated that her husband drove to the residence, and while parking the vehicle, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and determined that the air condition compressor clutch had seized, causing the compressor fuse to burn. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that older vehicles were not service at their location. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-22
- VIN: JM3ER2A53B0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Just bought this car used and the very first night I realized that the headlights are very very very dim. After online research, it seems this is a common issue with make model&year.
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-16
- VIN: JM3ER2C55B0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Low beam headlights are so poor that they barely illuminate the roadway when driving at night. I've replaced them with Sylvania Silverstar Max bulbs as well as tried LED bulbs and neither help. Makes the car almost worthless to drive at night due to the limited visibility. It has slowly gotten worse since my purchase of the vehicle in 2016.
Mazda Cx-7 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-20
- VIN: JM3ER4WL5A0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Recently got this car and am fixing it up. Vehicle's headlights function but are dysfunctional. Night driving is impossible as per nearly nonexistent illumination of roadway. Don't know how to fix/upgrade. Wanted to give this vehicle to my Florida student but now hesitate as Florida's roadways are not illuminated. Have seen many posts relative hereto, even when the vehicle was new. A manufacturer's recall should issue for new improved headlights. Please advise on a fix for this essential vehicular safety function .
Mazda Cx-7 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-10
- VIN: JM3ER2BM7C0
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: There is excessive rust on this MAZDA. We drive in NYC, and i believe due to the close proximity to the ocean this Mazda was not properly prepared.
Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-05
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-24
- VIN: JM3ER2A55B0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Transmission went out at 150,232 Also car has a lot blond spots
Mazda Cx-7 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-08
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-18
- VIN: Jm3er2wm7a0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Headlight to nowhere just started having horrible visibility it’s like if lights were off I change the bulbs several times LEDs H IDs factory bulbs still results no good
Latest 5 recalls Mazda Cx-7
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 29 recalls for different components of the Mazda Cx-7.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda Cx-7 2010
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-31
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.
- Model: Mazda Cx-7 2012
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-31
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.
- Model: Mazda Cx-7 2011
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-31
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.
- Model: Mazda Cx-7 2008
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-31
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.
- Model: Mazda Cx-7 2007
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-31
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.
Latest negative Mazda Cx-7 car reviews
Latest positive Mazda Cx-7 car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2012
Your first Mazda (Mazda3 s) was a great choice! It's wonderful to hear that you've continued to enjoy the Mazda experience and have even added to your collection with a 2011 Mazda3 s 2.5 and a 2011 Mazda CX-7 i touring. Your wife's love for the car is a testament to its quality and attention to detail. I'm glad to hear that you've had a positive experience with the non-turbo engine and haven't found it to be lacking in power. Thank you for sharing your Mazda story with us!
-
Vehicle year: 2012
It's great to hear that you've had your vehicle for almost 5 years and it's still running great! You've taken great care of it by replacing the tires and rear brakes and doing the oil changes. It's wonderful to hear that the vehicle handles well and has good gas mileage. Although some people may find the ride a little stiff, it's great to know that it handles so well. It's also great to hear that the vehicle has very few driver aids, and that you like that about it. The Bluetooth works well and the Bose stereo is fantastic. It's good to know that the recalls for the air bag and suspension were completed well by the dealer, and that you were given a loaner car when you had the tie rod ends replaced for the recall. It's also great to hear that you have another Mazda that you've had zero problems with. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
-
Vehicle year: 2012
I had to wait until April 2011 to get a CX-7i touring. However, it was worth the wait! I had rented a CX-7 turbo in Colorado several years ago and really enjoyed it, but the $20/day for gas was a bit steep. The CX-7i touring is a great alternative. I've taken it on several trips already, covering 1200 miles and several 300 mile journeys. It rides great and handles like a good sedan, with a very short turning circle which is really handy. In town, I'm getting 20-22 mpg, which is fantastic. Although I'm a bit disappointed in the highway mileage, which is only around 26, I'm hopeful that it will improve as I've only driven 2500 miles so far. I think the non-turbo motor has adequate pep for freeway cruising (70-75). I tested a CRV, RAV4 and several other alternatives (Escape for example), but in my view, the CX-7 is the better car.
-
Vehicle year: 2011
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your SUV! It sounds like it's been a reliable and comfortable ride for you.
-
Vehicle year: 2011
My wife and I were in the market for a new car and we were drawn to the stylish design of the cx7. We found the price to be reasonable for the quality of the car we were getting. We were pleased to discover that it was entirely built in Japan, where the people are known for their exceptional workmanship. After reading customer reviews, we were concerned about the turbo engine problems that some people had experienced, so we decided to opt for the standard engine instead. We have found that the standard engine performs well, averaging 24 mpg with mixed city and country road driving. The car drives solidly, although it can be slightly bumpy at times. After driving 15,000 miles, my main complaint is with the transmission. I find that it hesitates to downshift after slowing down, which can be frustrating. So far, we haven't had any major problems with the car. Our only regret is that the interior is a bit small for our family of four, but we understand that this is a trade-off for the decent fuel economy.
Are you having problems with your Mazda Cx-7?
Monte Lockman 2025-11-08
Vehicle year: 2007
I have experienced the same issue as many others with my car's Bad VVT causing timing chain stretch. Despite this happening at only 62k miles, Mazda is not taking responsibility for the issue. Fortunately, I was able to catch it before it caused further damage to the engine. While timing chains are expected to last longer, Mazda seems to treat this as a rare occurrence. Additionally, I found the turbo lag to be problematic. Initially, I believed it to be normal for a turbo, but after owning a TDI Jetta, I realized it was not even close. The lag followed by a sudden surge in power was almost comical. As time went on, my dissatisfaction with the car grew, and we eventually sold it for a new Subaru.
Laverne Conroy 2025-11-07
Vehicle year: 2007
At 43,000 miles, while driving at 30 miles an hour, I heard a loud pop and whine, and experienced a total loss of power. It seemed like I could only drive in 1st gear. I took my car to the dealership and they replaced the following: 1. Turbo charger, 2. Gasket for Turbo Charger, 3. Gasket for oil pipe, 4. Stud, 5. Surge Tank x 8 Stud, 6. Flange x 9 Nut, 7. Air & Fuel Sensor, 8. Fuel main Pipe, 9. Selenoid Valve. They confirmed my concern and performed a compression test and engine evaluation. The engine appears to not be internally damaged, but they found the turbo impeller rattling and sending engine oil into the exhaust system. They also found no oxygen sensor signal, so they replaced the turbo, oil lines, and oxygen sensor, as well as the fuel lines.
Sage Gibson 2025-10-29
Vehicle year: 2011
I have already established a series of form comments regarding A/C problems. It seems that the extremely loud banging that I experience when I first turn on the A/C in the morning is normal, or at least that is what Mazda field engineers told Reedman Toll when they were inspecting my car. When I wanted to further discuss the problem with Stephanie, a Mazda field representative at the '800' Mazda number, she agreed to record the conversation, but hung up immediately when I advised her that I would also be recording. To say that I am disappointed with the way Mazda is treating me as a customer is an understatement. I cannot recommend Mazda to anyone. They are not there for you!
Fletcher Boehm 2025-10-12
Vehicle year: 2012
I bought my CX-7 brand new in early 2012, after previously owning a Mazda 3 Grand Touring that I also purchased new in 2008. Unfortunately, I've been experiencing some issues with my CX-7 that are similar to what I experienced with my Mazda 3. The computer resets itself frequently, and Mazda has been unable to identify the problem. Additionally, the car has had issues with killing batteries, and the low beams burn out quite often, requiring me to replace them every two months on average. I've also had issues with a short in both headlights. The A/C has also been problematic, with frequent clogs that cause water to leak into the car and even reach the rear seat. The A/C compressor has failed multiple times, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It's been a frustrating experience, but I'm hopeful that Mazda can help me resolve these issues.
Toby Grant 2025-10-12
Vehicle year: 2011
I love the black cherry color of this car, it looks great both during the day and at night. As someone who is 5'9, I have to keep the seat all the way down and leaned back, but even then, my head almost hits the ceiling. While the seats are pretty comfortable, they may not be the best for long trips, but thankfully the heated seats help. However, the back seats are quite cramped and there is virtually no leg room. The headlights are not the best at night, so we have to turn on the brights which just look normal. Since owning the car, we have had to replace a few things such as the battery, interior light bulbs, both headlights, and the engine and cabin air filters. Thankfully, all of these were done for free due to recalls. The MPG on the highway is decent, but in town, it doesn't quite match up to what Mazda advertises. The AWD system is always on and there is no button to turn it off, which contributes to the lower MPG. However, this car handles deep snow on country roads like a champ!