Mazda has been selling cars for 38 years and decided for 2008 to enter the already crowded but popular mid-size sport utility market with the 3-row, 7-passenger crossover CX-9, offering a clear choice beyond the 5-passenger CX-7. Mazda consciously retained some of the same styling cues in the CX-9 as in the CX-7 but notes with its nearly five inch longer wheelbase, the CX-9 has its own personality, including generous passenger and cargo space and a more powerful engine. There are three trims, Sport, Touring and top-of-the-line Grand Touring. All come with the same engine with choices between all-wheel or front wheel drive transmissions. Our tester was front-wheel drive Touring, which handled extremely well in turns on highway ramps and at low speeds with its tight steering radius. An independent suspension system – coil springs in the front and multi-link in the rear – meshed with unibody construction combines to provide a smooth ride. Braking felt confident, even in emergency stops, and dynamic stability and traction control are standard. Even at higher rpm’s, the interior remains quieter than many of its competitors, helped by acoustical foam strategically placed to reduce intrusion of noise from the underbody into the vehicle. Versatility, one of the strong points of any SUV, is top-notch with the third row seat folding 50-50 flat to nearly triple cargo space to 47.5 cubic feet, even before dropping the 60/40-split second row seats. Passengers enjoy ample leg and headroom, even adults relegated to the third row, due to five inches of fore-and-aft slide by the second row seats. Access to the third row, using the sliding seat, is ample – easier than many larger SUV’s. Design-wise, the CX-9 has a raised beltline, a sharply raked windshield, muscular-looking flared fenders over 18-inch wheels and a sleek bumper-to-bumper profile. Inside, leather seats are standard and seats comfortable with driver positioning easy due to a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and eight-way power and heated driver’s seat. Gauges are easy to read, except in sunlight while wearing sunglasses, and audio/climate controls easy to reach and manipulate. Visibility to the rear is hindered with third-row seats and headrests up. Interior safety includes all seating rows side air bags with rollover protection, side-impact beams, front and rear crumple zones and roll stability control. A Bluetooth hands-free phone connection is standard.