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Need a minivan but prefer an SUV? A new generation of full-size crossovers bridges the gap between family-friendly accommodations and rugged sportiness.

Mazda CX-9 is the latest crossover to fill the niche of roomy vehicles with sedanlike drivability and improved gas mileage over big truck-based sport utilities.

The look blends a go-anywhere, do-anything style with the reality of a competent and roomy people mover. Drivers averse to the domesticity of minivan driving should find comfort here.

CX-9 is the largest Mazda ever, powered by the biggest Mazda engine ever, with seating for seven wrapped in a stylishly streamlined body. Although an enormous SUV might seem contrary to Mazda’s usual role as a maker of sporty cars, including the MX-5 Miata roadster and the swift RX-8, the engineers have managed to instill a spark of Mazda’s sporty handling even in this 4,300-pound behemoth.

The steering is light but responsive, the suspension is firm and the brakes are effective. Engine power is decent, with good spark off the line, although the CX-9’s significant heft blunts acceleration and hill climbing.

CX-9 follows the smaller, sportier CX-7 crossover, which seats five and is powered by a turbocharged four. The look is similar enough that they can be confused, until you compare the greater length and girth of CX-9.

Mazda designers paid great attention to detail, with handsome chrome highlights on the body and a nicely finished interior that’s attractive and well-organized. The Grand Touring test model included leather seats and trim.

The interior is tight with all seats occupied, even though all positions slide fore and aft to vary legroom. The third seat should be reserved for kids.

Mazda CX-9

Vehicle type: Seven-passenger, four-door SUV crossover, front-wheel drive.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, 249 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 113.2 inches.

Overall length: 199.8 inches.

Curb weight: 4,312 pounds.

EPA rating: 18 city, 24 highway.

Highs: Good drivability, nice styling, well-designed gauges and controls.

Lows: Too-light steering, cramped rear seating, limited cargo area with rear seat up.

PRICING

Base price: $32,675.

Price as tested: $38,760.

OPTIONS

* Entertainment system with 11-speaker Bose surround sound, six-disc CD and rear DVD player, $2,560.

* Satellite radio, $430.

* Navigation system, rear-view camera and power rear hatch, $2,500.

* Shipping, $595.

THE LOWDOWN

Performance: The 3.5-liter V-6 is notably smooth and refined, with enough guts to make this hefty vehicle feel capable in traffic and relaxed on the highway. The six-speed automatic is flawless.

Drivability: The suspension is firm but compliant, without a hint of harshness, yet stiff enough to make CX-9 seem nimble in urban driving. But roll a little too hard into a curve, and all that weight starts to push. Electronic dynamic stability control, roll stability control, traction control and antilock brakes keep you out of trouble. CX-9 comes in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, and the test car was the former. There was some torque steer, though not too bad. The steering is sharply responsive, although too light for a vehicle this size.

Styling: This is a good-looking craft, following the trend in crossover styling but setting itself apart with attractive details. The 20-inch spoke alloy wheels on the tester helped sharpen the look.

Interior: The top-drawer Grand Touring model came loaded with amenities, making it seem like a luxury vehicle. All the fixtures look top-quality and work well. As a seven-seater, CX-9 gets cramped. Front-seat space is excellent, and the center aisle is good, but that rear seat is tight. Cargo space behind the third seat is small, although that seat flops down easily.

Bottom line: A very nice family vehicle from a company that has been producing a strong lineup of interesting vehicles and gives even this big boy a sporty spin.