Crossovers, as they're called, have become the hottest segment in the auto industry. They combine the practicality of a truck-based sport utility vehicle with the agility, smoothness and fuel economy of a car. Just as important, they avoid the stigma that comes with a minivan or station wagon. The CX-7 competes with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, among others.

The CX-7 fits into Mazda's zoom-zoom mold: sporty but functional; roomy but svelte; snappy but comfortable. It has a surprisingly powerful, fairly frugal, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with a state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission motivating a sporty-looking and sporty-handling, five-passenger vehicle that will haul nearly as much stuff as it does people.

The CX-7 starts at less than $24,000 for a front-wheel-drive version. A well-equipped, nicely featured, all-wheel-drive model goes for less than $30,000; and the top model with every option box checked comes in under $35,000. Though a bit pricier than the prime opposition, the CX-7 excels in ride and handling and offers a navigation system.