KansasCity.com's view

Seven-passenger crossover utility vehicles such as the Mazda CX-9 are filling the role once occupied by minivans.

For most young buyers, the word minivan is anathema. Young people grew up riding in their parents’ minivans, so owning one of their own is like buying mom’s car.

SUVs are the vehicle of choice for many, but lighter crossover vehicles are gaining popularity because of the high cost of gasoline and the unnecessary weight of truck-based SUVs. CUVs are unibody vehicles based on car platforms, and they’re more efficient and more maneuverable than big SUVs. Larger CUVs, such as the CX-9, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, are not much smaller than minivans, but their aggressive styling gives them a distinctly sporty appearance that disguises their size.

The CX-9’s chassis is derived from that of the Mazda 6, and the basic architecture and many components are shared with the Edge and MKX. The CX-9’s wheelbase is two inches longer than the Ford Edge’s. There are three trim levels. Prices start at $29,035 and top out near $37,000 for a loaded Grand Touring.

The CX-9 looks a great deal like the smaller CX-7, so much so, in fact, that it’s easy to get the two confused unless they are parked side by side.

The CX-9 has striking looks. The sharp nose, sloping windshield and tapered roofline contribute to a wedge-shaped profile that looks honed by the wind. Bulging rear fenders that look like powerful haunches cover fat tires. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inchers are optional. The Grand Touring model comes with the 20s.

Carefully executed styling details are evident throughout the vehicle. The taillights are trimmed with chrome, the rear hatch is convex, and the interior of the Touring model test car was a nice combination of woodgrain trim, satin-finished accents and piano black panels.

The Mazda’s door panels have curved ribs that mimic those of the center stack, and power window switches are mounted on the ribs.

The instrument panel is cool at night. The main gauges have red numbers highlighted by a ring of blue light. Blue LEDs light the door handles and cast a soft glow on the center console.

The CX-9 was tight, solid and quiet. The engine is Ford’s 3.5-liter V-6, and it’s rated at 263 horsepower. Accelerating onto crowded highways is easy, and the engine does its work with very little noise.

The six-speed automatic transmission is flawless, and the optional all-wheel-drive system goes about its business without a hint that it’s providing traction to all four wheels.

On the road, the CX-9 felt slightly ponderous for the first few miles, but its size felt smaller the longer I drove it. It was composed and quiet at highway speeds.

The CX-9 has a large, wide cabin. The second-row seat slides forward for easy access to the third seat. Sliding the second-row seat forward increases third-seat legroom.

The center console has a power outlet and a jack for an MP3 player.

The rear cargo area is substantial with the rear seat folded down. The top-hinged rear tailgate was relatively heavy to close.

Price The base price of the test car, an all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model, was $33,875. Options included a power sunroof and six-disc CD player. The sticker price was $36,955.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.