Mazda CX-9s a superb all-round hauler;

10/07/2008 22:54. Shhhh. The sound you don't hear right now is one reason the Mazda CX-9 now rates as one of my favourite all-time haulers.

Call it an SUV, call it a crossover, call it a truck -- as Car and Driver and the Detroit International Auto Show do - no matter what you call it, the CX-9 is an exceptional vehicle.

This seven-passenger hauler, available with either front-wheel or all-wheel- drive, is the bigger sibling of the sporty CX-7 Mazda introduced a couple of years ago.

It has the hauling capability and cargo capacity of a minivan, but a guy won't look dorky driving one. On the contrary, the CX-9 is one of the most stylish vehicles on the road. And it's exceptionally quiet at any speed, which is one of the biggest impressions this vehicle made on me.

It may sit high like an SUV and ride... // Brantford Expositor