Also in the 2007 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
Mazda B-Series Road Test
3.
4.
Our road test for the 2007 Mazda B-Series includes a full evaluation of the
2007 Mazda B-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2007 Mazda B-Series, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2007 Mazda B-Series help you decide if a 2007 Mazda B-Series is right for
you.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
5 |
Only V6 models made available for test so far. They have fine power at all speeds and mesh nicely with the automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 4 |
3 |
3.8 |
Similar test Ranger 4WD SuperCabs with 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 12.9-14.4 mpg in mix of city/highway driving; comparable B-Series will be similar. EPA fuel-economy estimates for 2WDs are 2-3 mpg better. Expect little difference with 3.0 V6. Four-cyl models should average low- to mid-20s. Ford and Mazda recommend regular-grade fuel for all engines.
Ride Quality
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 3 |
3 |
4.6 |
Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads, but absorb big bumps fairly well.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 3 |
3 |
3.9 |
Corners with stable feel, moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering. Good directional stability.
Quietness
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 3 |
3 |
4.5 |
Not quite as car-quiet as Dodge Dakota, but better isolated from engine, wind, and road noise than most compact trucks. V6s are smooth.
Controls
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5.9 |
Convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, good-quality interior materials.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 3 |
4 |
5.3 |
Good head and leg room, but three adults are a tight squeeze, and entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4WD and 2WD Dual Sport models.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 0 |
1 |
2.9 |
Cab Plus 4's rear half-doors aid entry/exit, but the back-seat area itself is best left to toddlers or cargo. Regular cab has slightly more seat travel, seatback recline than rivals.
Cargo Room
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 1 |
3 |
4.1 |
Regular cab has better-than-average behind-seat space. Extendeds carry lots of stuff. Dual rear doors are nice, but don't open independently of the fronts, making loading difficult in confined spaces.
Value within Class
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 4 |
5 |
6 |
Every compact-pickup competitor benefits from much newer designs, but the B-Series and Ford Ranger remain viable choices that are often discounted. Note, though, that Rangers offer more popular features than the Mazdas--and through many more dealerships.
Total Score
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. |
B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto. |
Class Average |
| 31 |
35 |
46 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score |
|
31 |
| Average Score |
|
46 |
| High Score |
|
60 |
Also in the 2007 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
Mazda B-Series Road Test
3.
4.