Representing the midlevel entry for this new front-wheel-drive crossover, the 2007 Mazda CX-9 Touring adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and heated side mirrors, and power front seats to standard equipment. It also includes hands-free Bluetooth in the mix. The crossover seats seven in three rows, with a 60/40 split-folding second row that reclines and moves back and forth 5 inches, and a 50/50 split-folding rear bench. With both rows folded flat, the 2007 CX-9 Touring can hold 100 cubic feet. With both rows of back seats up, that number drops to 17.2. The cargo area comes with tiedowns, with the option to add a net and cargo cover. The rear window has an intermittent wiper, but does not open separately from the liftgate. A roof rack is also optional.

Riding on an independent Macpherson strut front and multilink rear sport suspension, the 2007 CX-9 Touring uses 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires to grip the road. A 24-valve, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and 6-speed sport-shifting automatic put out 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. Towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds with the optional trailer hitch, and fuel economy averages 18/24 mpg. The crossover does earn the highest crash test scores, thanks to a long list of safety equipment. The Touring adds automatic headlights to a list that already includes 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows (with front passenger deactivation), front and rear stabilizer bars, and traction and stability control with rollover mitigation. A tire monitor is also standard. Options add an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rearview camera.

The Touring's leather upholstery extends to the steering wheel and shifter, with alloy accents on the dash. Power windows, locks, and mirrors, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, remote entry, and a CD/MP3 player are all standard. The 2007 CX-9 Touring also offers tilt and telescopic steering, front and rear climate control, front and rear intermittent wipers, a tachometer and temperature readout, and a front power outlet. A rear spoiler adds a dash of sporty flair to the exterior. Moving up to the Touring gets you an extra option - a navigation system. This joins other options, such as a DVD player, satellite radio, and 6-CD changer Bose sound system. Also available are a power sunroof, remote start, a security system, and a power liftgate.