Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

CX-7 gets a big brother early in calendar 2007. Called CX-9, it looks much the same, but comes with 3-row seating on a longer 113.2-inch wheelbase. There's a lone powerteam comprising a 3.5-liter V6 with around 250 hp and a new 6-speed automatic transmission paired with either front drive or all-wheel drive. In fact, CX-9 is Mazda's version of the upcoming Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX (nee Aviator). Mazda will offer Sport, Touring and top-line Grand Touring models with standard front torso side airbags, curtain side airbags with rollover sensors, stability/traction control and ABS brakes. Grand Tourings roll on 20-inch wheels, other models on 18s. Seating is in a 2-3-2 format with a 60/40 2nd-row bench seat and a 50/50 3rd-row bench, both of which fold flat for cargo. The middle seat moves fore/aft to favor passenger or cargo space and also has reclining backrests. Mazda claims 17.2 cu ft of cargo volume behind the 3rd-row seat. More information will be released closer to the on-sale date, so keep checking back with us for the latest.