2015 Mazda 5

Pros: Spacious body design provides excellent passenger and cargo versatility; compact platform and well-tuned steering provide great maneuverability; surprisingly fun-to-drive character

Cons: The 3rd-row seats are sized for small children; front seat legroom is stingy; road and wind noise can become pronounced in highway driving

CG Says: Mazda’s unique “mini minivan” loses its available manual transmission for 2015, but is otherwise unchanged for its swan-song year. Part midsize car, part minivan, the Mazda 5 is an unusual vehicle. The 5 borrows elements of its basic design from the previous-generation Mazda 3 compact car. The 5, though, is like a minivan in that it has two sliding rear side doors, and it can seat up to 6 passengers via flip-up 3rd-row seats. The Mazda 5 strikes a wonderful balance of versatility, driving enjoyment, and value for money. Large families and those who need heavy-duty hauling capability will want to look elsewhere. For everyone else, don’t let the fact that this wagon looks like a “mini minivan” dissuade you from putting the 5 on your shopping list.

The Facts
Class Midsize Car
Body Style(s) Minivan
Passenger Count 6
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mazda
Nation of Manufacture Japan
Base Prices Sport: $21,240
Touring: $22,370
Grand Touring: $24,770

Base Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
157
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
21
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
28

2013 Mazda5
2015 Mazda 5
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