Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007

SUV Under $35,000

Winner: 2007 Mazda CX-9

Mazda's CX-9, the company's largest vehicle ever, is a crossover that combines sleek styling with available all-wheel drive and quite a bit of zoom-zoom. But unlike its little brother, the honorably mentioned CX-7, it also packs a third-row seat, which is becoming a must-have feature for family vehicles. The CX-9 is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 263 horsepower. Front- or all-wheel drive is managed by a well-sorted six-speed automatic transmission with shifts that are smooth and positive. Available in three trim levels, it never stickers for above $34,000. As always, Mazda turns up the dial on driving fun, and this year's winner is no exception to that rule.

Honorable Mention: 2007 Mazda CX-7

Want a little more zip and a little less space than this year's winner? Try Mazda's turbocharged CX-7 that has many of the 9's features but with a lower price tag and no third-row seat. Combining design cues from the MX-5 Miata and RX-8, this crossover provides plenty of cargo room and an all-wheel-drive option. The 2.3-liter inline-4, shared with the Mazdaspeed 6, is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while its handling benefits from fully independent suspension and ventilated disc brakes at all four corners. Its sporty cabin design, with its buttoned-down handling, tight steering, rapid acceleration and strong brakes, almost make one forget this is a family car.