The big zoom-zoom.

Byline: Tito F. Hermoso

Nissan Murano, Honda Pilot, Subaru Tribeca, Hyundai Veracruz, Mitsubishi Endeavor: How many have you seen on the streets over the past two years? Not many. But it's a different story in the US market. Next to the compact crossover SUV, the midsize crossover is one of the fastest proliferating segments. With demand for heavy truck-based SUVs in rapid decline but with market tastes still expecting spacious seating capacities, car manufacturers have been turning their midsized car platforms into taller SUVs; hence, the Mazda CX-9.

With a name like CX - from the coefficient of aerodynamic friction in engineer speak or wind drag - it should not …