Just as the Ford Escape shares its platform with the Mazda Tribute so is the Ford Edge akin to its Mazda counterpart, the CX-9. While each share underpinnings, the Mazda models win hands down in the curb appeal category.

The second year crossover CX-9 is no exception as it combines compelling looks with practical features. It gets more power from a boosted V-6 engine that produces 10 more ponies and offers a unique option that will help those nasty blind spots.

Its 4,500 pounds is concealed in a nicely wrapped exterior design but is a contributing factor to poor fuel economy. During test week the CX-9 averaged 17 m.p.g. in combined highway and city driving.

The CX-9 combines third row seating for seven and second-row seats that slide and recline. Both seats fold to almost flat for lots of cargo hauling. The Grand Touring model test car included navigation and rear camera screen as part of a GT package.

A similarly priced $2,500 option package includes an 11-speaker Bose entertainment system that provides concert hall sound.

An AC outlet is available and works well for powering laptops on the road. Power up the hands-free Bluetooth cell phone connection and the CX-9 is ready for mobile office communications on and off the road.

I found the interior roomy with large comfortable seats, easy to reach controls and well-placed gauges. No traditional key is used for this car. Instead a credit-card sized plastic transmitter nearby allows for keyless start and entry.

Acceleration is smooth and power is delivered in ample fashion. The Grand Touring model was equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels with P--rated tires that provided a firm grip in all road conditions.

Offered as an option for the CX-9 this year, a blind spot monitoring system could win the award for the best use of a $200 option. Blind spots are those portions to the rear that are hard to see due to rear pillar design on some cars and trucks.

To offset this design, Mazda engineers built a BSM system that illuminates bright amber lights on the left or right outside door mirror when a vehicle comes into range from behind. Radar sensors are mounted inside the rear bumper and are activated when the car is in forward gears at speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour.

An additional audio warning beep sounds when the turn signal lever is activated on the side where an object is spotted -- a nice safety feature that is helpful when changing lanes. Mazda includes a disclaimer to keep the human factor involved while driving. It warns not to not rely solely on the detection system while changing lanes. Mazda also notes that sensors will not detect human, animal or static objects such as fencing, so I guess this means drivers should steer clear of farm fields and crowded places. It seems every car manufacturer is entering the crossover-size market. The size, not quite as big as an SUV but bigger than a station wagon, offers the in-between driver a pleasant compromise. The CX-9 offers a distinctive choice. It competes for market share with the Buick Enclave CXL, $34,805; GMC Arcadia SLT, $38,280; Saturn Outlook XR, $32,670 and Toyota Highlander Limited, $32,700.

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