Sport utility vehicles haven't died. They've just crossed over.

With high pump prices putting full-size trucks in peril, automakers are shifting to crossovers that bear the bodies of SUVs on the platforms of popular sedans.

The crossover formula delivers excellent ride and handling, better fuel economy than you typically find in an SUV and the option of front or all-wheel-drive. Some call the crossover simply the modern station wagon. And the pricing is extremely competitive, running generally from the low $20,000 to the mid-$30,000 range.

The crowd of crossovers is growing quickly.

One of the newest entrants is the Mazda CX-9, a full-size model introduced in the 2007 model year with seating for seven in luxurious surroundings loaded with safety and entertainment features.

The CX-9 made such an impression at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit that the press named it Truck of the Year, even though it's not technically a truck. The runner-up was Mazda's smaller sibling, the CX-7. Further laurels came from Motor Trend magazine, which named the CX-9 its 2008 Sport Utility of the Year.

Buyers will find CX-9's three trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring --offered in front-drive or all-wheel drive for about $1,300 more. Prices range from $29,400 for the front-drive sport to $34,655 for the all-wheel-drive Grand Touring version.

For 2008, Mazda pumped up the V6 engine to 3.7 liters generating 273 horsepower. That's 10 horses stronger than the inaugural engine.

Also new this year is the optional Blind Spot Monitoring System and a Backup Camera System. Available on Grand Touring models, the Blind Spot Monitoring system monitors both sides of the vehicle to the rear and warns the driver about potential hazards.

Although crossovers naturally appeal to parents of young children, the sportiness of the CX-9 should attract any buyers who need flexibility in an attractive package.

Riding on a 113.2-inch wheelbase that ranks as one of the longest in the category, the CX-9 is designed for easy access to all three rows of seating. The 60-40 split second row seats three, with a reclining backrest and about five inches to slide backward or forward.

Access to the third row is eased by nearly 26 inches of access space between the folded second-row seat and the third roof pillar. The third row can fold in a 50-50 split and leaves a healthy 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, even when the third row is occupied. Both second- and third-row seats fold flat for extra cargo capacity.

Releasing the second row seat to enter the third row requires one motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward. A strap attached behind the third row seat's backrest is a release and a handle to pull the seat back into position.

The CX-9 impressed my informal focus group as unusually luxurious for a Mazda. Some mistook it for a Lexus or Infiniti at first glance.

The curvaceous body features a five-point grille and wide bumper. A horizontal chrome streak bejewels the front grille bar and a trapezoid chrome exhaust pipe decorates the tail. Windows are designed for good views in all seating positions.

The interior follows a cylindrical theme with metallic-looking trim and indirect blue illumination for a soothing, sophisticated mood. I love what automotive designers are doing with interior lighting these days.

Large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls are embedded in the ergonomically pleasing dash.

Safety features are state-of-the-art, including front, side and head-curtain air bags across all three rows. The active safety features are terrific, including anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and traction control.

The CX-9's front headrests are designed with new features to reduce neck injuries if the vehicle is rear-ended.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded CX-9 the highest five-star ratings in frontal and side impact crashes. The front-drive and AWD versions received four-star rollover resistance ratings.

On the road, the performance of the CX-9 was brisk, with torque flowing through a six-speed transmission. In tight curves, I kept expecting a bit of wallow and roll, but there was hardly any worth mentioning.

While the CX-9 gets pretty decent gas mileage, fuel economy remains one of its weakest selling points. Under the new EPA standard, you can expect to travel 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on the highway.