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Up until recently, the only vehicles truly capable of carrying seven adults or lots of cargo were minivans, traditional full-size SUVs and passenger vans. However, a new crop of crossover SUVs (sometimes referred to as CUVs) has recently been introduced that provides the space of a large SUV, respectable fuel economy and handling, and exterior styling that doesn’t immediately scream “diapers!” One of the latest seven-passenger crossovers to become available is the Mazda CX-9.

The CX-9 combines a spacious interior that can be lavishly appointed along with the sporty handling characteristics that Mazdas are known for. Though the CX-9 shares its basic architecture and engine with the Ford Edge, the Mazda CX-9 feels much better executed with superior driving dynamics and a more athletic feel, despite its larger size.

Current Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. All are powered by a 3.5-liter V6. It produces 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque and is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

Safety features are well represented on the CX-9 with nearly every desirable technology standard, including antilock brakes, traction control, stability control and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors. A rear backup camera is included as part of the optional navigation system.

To call the Sport trim a base model would be an injustice, since it is very well equipped with items like air-conditioning, power windows, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, keyless entry, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Stepping up to the Mazda CX-9 Touring trim gets you standard heated and powered front seats, leather upholstery and a second-row center armrest with additional storage. The Grand Touring model includes 20-inch alloy chrome wheels, xenon HID headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, three-position memory for the driver seat, electroluminescent gauges, blue LED indirect lighting and keyless start. Notable options include a Bose stereo, a navigation system with a backup camera, a towing package, a moonroof, a power rear hatch and a rear DVD entertainment system.

Seven-passenger seating is standard on all CX-9s. The prospect of hauling around seven people can be daunting, but this crossover SUV’s roomy third row can hold actual adults. To be honest, the CX-9 is much more pleasant with only five people. But if you want to fill it up, this Mazda’s third row is more than a glorified rumble seat. Access to the rear is relatively painless thanks to an easy-to-use latch that lets you slide past the second row into the back. With the second- and third rows folded flat, the CX-9 can carry 101 cubic feet of cargo.

On the road, we’ve found that the Mazda CX-9 is fun to drive. The carlike unibody feels torsionally rigid, and the four-wheel independent suspension is tuned for sporting responses, with minimal body roll and controlled ride motions. Steering feel is likewise involving and enjoyable. But the CX-9’s stiff-legged response to those speed bumps in the supermarket parking lot isn’t very kind to those sitting in the third row. And there’s some road noise from the tires as well.

The steering is surprisingly responsive and the effort is weighted just right. A small, sporty steering wheel keeps you involved and adds to your hands-on enjoyment. And the standard tilt-telescoping feature makes sure that both the big and the small will feel comfortable behind the wheel.

Past Mazda CX-9 models

The CX-9 was introduced for the 2007 model year. The power rear hatch feature on the Grand Touring model was unavailable at launch and was a late availability option, so it may be hard to find on 2007 models.