Mazda's unique family transporter, Mazda5 is smaller and more maneuverable than a conventional minivan and seats six passengers in three rows. While it doesn't measure up to other vans when it comes to cargo space, the Mazda5 offers superior efficiency and might even bring a smile to your face with its spunky road manners.
What's New For 2015
A manual transmission is no longer available.
Choosing Your Mazda Mazda5
The Mazda5's interior is clearly on the cozy side, but it's full of clever ideas, not the least of which is the 2+2+2 seating arrangement. The second-row captain's chairs slide and recline, and a center table with integrated storage net folds out between them when called upon. You get wide manual-sliding doors on each side, so accessing the third row is never a chore. With the two rows folded, cargo capacity tops out at 98 cubic feet, about what you would get in a midsize crossover. Compared to a regular minivans, the Mazda5 feels downright sporty and is certainly more manageable in urban environments.
The sole engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 157 horsepower, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission (the manual is no more). This setup takes the Mazda5 from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and delivers 24 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
As before, you have a choice of Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels:
A rear video entertainment is available on all models, as are remote start and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Mazda5 is expected to retire at the end of 2015 if not sooner, so it's your last chance to get one fresh off the showroom floor. We've always believed the Touring and Grand Touring models offer better overall value than the Sport, and most buyers agree if sales are any indication.