Though some may feel that the CX-9 looks a bit too much like the CX-7, Mazda designers would tell you that they tried to avoid the utilitarian look that defines many of today’s crossovers. Instead, smoothly flowing front fender and hood contours, a steeply angled front windshield, flared wheel arches, window swaths framed by chrome and a subtly declining front-to-rear roofline create a poised- but aggressive- stance. The front fascia brings familiar Mazda visual cues, such as the pentagonal grille and slim headlights. A chrome accent strip above the grille is mirrored out back by a chrome piece atop the license plate frame. Semi-clear plastic taillights mimic the Lexus RX, while trapezoidal dual exhaust outlets are a stylish touch. Standard 18-inch and available 20-inch wheels suggest muscularity and performance.