The Mazda CX-9 is presented as a substitute for a sport utility vehicle or a minivan, and Mazda has made sure it looks like neither.

The CX-9 is not a longer version of the five-seat CX-7, as one might speculate. The structures of the CX-7 and CX-9 are not related. And the mechanical underpinnings are different. They are entirely different vehicles.

The Mazda CX-9 shares its basic structure with the five-passenger Ford Edge, although the Mazda is longer, by 2 inches of wheelbase and 14 inches overall. In fact, the CX-9 is the largest Mazda ever. Its overall length of just over 200 inches makes it nearly a foot longer than the Toyota Highlander or Nissan Murano. What is perhaps most surprising about the CX-9 is that it doesn't look big from the outside.

The CX-9's new nose features a version of the five-point grille that is now used on most Mazdas. There is also an upper grille with a huge Mazda insignia. The face now has sharper, more dramatic lines that aren't really better looking. The windshield is sharply raked, leading to a roof that arches, crests and then slides back and down. One surprise is a pronounced bulge in the tailgate, like an old-fashioned bustle. It is a neat trick that adds a little extra storage capacity. Along the sides, the fenders feature prominent flares.

Safety researchers say the strength of the vehicle's body is also crucial in providing protection in a side-impact crash. Mazda took this into consideration, providing B-pillars that are extra wide and strong. (The B-pillar is the second roof pillar back from the windshield, which uses the A-pillar.)

Interior

For 2010, Mazda has made some minor interior changes to give it a more upscale appearance. Piano black insets have been added to the steering wheel, while chrome accents have been added to the instrument panel, A/C controls, automatic transmission lever knob, vent louver knobs, inner door handles, and door trim. Mazda also says the fabric and leather seating surfaces are now of a higher quality. The result is an attractive design that is nice but not entirely upscale. The CX-9's dashboard and door panels are, after all, mostly plastic with only a few soft-touch surfaces.

All the driving controls stay in the same positions, which is good because they are simple and easy to use. Storage includes a relatively small center bin, now with a split lid, a small cubby at the base of the center console, and relatively thin storage compartments on the front doors.

Buyers have a choice of black or beige upholstery, and the latter makes the interior seem brighter and roomier. The look is appealing, and nothing about it says boring family transportation.

The CX-9's step-in height makes entry easy for shorter drivers, yet the seating position is as high as in most SUVs, which provides a good look down the road. However, average to taller folks will have to duck out of the way of the front pillars when entering because the windshield is so sharply raked. There is plenty of head room, though.

The CX-9 has a surprising amount of room inside. Carrying seven people means two up front, three in the second row and two in the hind quarters. One tester, at 6-feet, 4-inches, could be comfortable in the driver's seat, then move back to the second row and still find enough legroom. That second row, incidentally, is split 60/40, and either side moves fore and aft almost five inches. That allows a nice amount of flexibility for carrying people and cargo of different sizes. Second-row legroom is good if the seat is set halfway through its range or farther back.

With the second row set halfway back, we climbed into the third row and found adequate legroom there, too. Head room is tight, though, as anyone over about 5-foot, 8-inches will rub their heads on the roof. To get to the third row one grabs a handle built into the top of the second-row seat and pulls. That releases the seat and slides it forward. The opening is smallish, in part because the wheel arch intrudes, but with a wiggle and a twist an adult can reach the third row without a severe loss of dignity.

Mazda says there is 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row upright. That's not much more than the trunk of a mid-size sedan, and to use it all would require piling luggage up to the roof, blocking the rearward view. Nevertheless 17.2 cubic feet gives the CX-9 a significant advantage over, say, the Toyota Highlander, which has 10.3 cubic feet behind its third row, and 2.5 inches less legroom in the third row. To carry more stuff and fewer people, the Mazda's third row (a 50/50 split) can be lowered by pulling a strap. Gravity does the work. With both sides down the result is 48.4 cubic feet of space. Getting the seat back up requires pulling the same strap, which isn't a problem because it's easy to reach.

The second row can also be folded down easily. However, it doesn't create a completely flat cargo area. There is a slight uphill slant. With both rear rows folded, though, there is a cavernous 100.7 cubic feet of space. You wouldn't know it looking at the CX-9 from the outside.

One thing the very tall person (6-foot 4-inch, in my case) will quickly learn is that the tailgate when open does not have a 6-foot 4-inch clearance. There is nothing like a good rap on the forehead to brighten the day.