Fairfield-Echo

If I was in the market for a midsize sport-utility vehicle — I'm not, but if I was — the decision could not be more complicated.

That's how good the field is out there.

The rise of so-called crossover vehicles has helped a segment flourish. A few weeks ago I spent time in a Hyundai Veracruz, which surprised me in a positive fashion in so many different ways.

This week, it's the Mazda CX-9's turn. Again, the results are exceptional. This seven-passenger vehicle was introduced as a 2007 model but has really hit its stride in 2008 with its selection as Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year.

Similar to the related Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the CX-9 has made a little jump with a bigger engine, a 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 that replaces a 3.5-liter V-6 that produced

263 hp. Hey, every bit counts. The engine comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and operates well in any kind of getting around. The road manners are excellent, too, even though the CX-9 weighs more than 4,500 pounds.

Only EPA fuel ratings of 15 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway might be a downer, but that's in the ballpark with its competitors.

CX-9s come in three trims (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring) with each having either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 2WD Sport starts at $29,400, Touring models begin at $31,615 and Grand Touring at $33,355. All-wheel drive in each trim costs $1,300 more.

All CX-9 models are nicely equipped with the sort of power equipment you would expect, as well as tri-zone automatic climate controls, steering wheel radio controls, split/folding rear seats, rear spoiler and alloy wheels.

Standard safety equipment includes an antiskid system with rollover sensor, antilock brakes, traction control, front side airbags, curtain side airbags with rollover deployment and tire-pressure monitor. Touring models get leather upholstery, power heated front seats, heated mirrors and wireless cell phone link. The Grand Touring adds driver-side memory, keyless access and starting, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, Xenon headlights and 20-inch tires in place of 18-inch tires.

With second-row seats that slide fore and aft, passengers are able to be accommodated nearly as well as those up front, where supportive buckets are found. There is good cargo space with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat and 100.7 cubic feet when the second- and third-row seats are folded.

Two well-appointed option packages dressed up our test vehicle. The Assistance Package ($2,500) included a navigation system with voice recognition, rearview camera and power liftgate. Note that the navigation system requires some toggling back and forth with the sound system for adjustments. The Moonroof and Bose Package ($1,760) included power moonroof (!), and upgraded Bose sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Other add-ons were Sirius satellite radio ($430), new-for-2008 blind spot monitoring system ($200), special paint ($200) and cargo net ($40). The delivery charges pushed the final sticker to just more than $40K.

To do yourself justice when looking for a midsize SUV, you might need to be more than a one-stop shopper. A stop worthy of consideration, though, is to see the Mazda CX-9.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.