Acceleration

Sport, manual	Class Average
5	5.6

Mazda 5 is responsive with the slick, easy-shifting manual transmission. No opportunity yet to test with the new 5-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

Sport, manual	Class Average
6	5.6

No opportunity to measure. The 5 uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Sport, manual	Class Average
6	6

The ride is firm but never unpleasant despite some jolting over sharp bumps and pavement seams. The car is nicely settled on wavy surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Sport, manual	Class Average
6	6

Mazda 5 is surprisingly sporty. Grip is good and body lean is modest in corners. The responsive steering provides fine road feel and a tight turning circle. Directional stability is very good even in strong crosswinds.

Quietness

Sport, manual	Class Average
4	6

The engine throbs at idle and is a bit noisy at full throttle, but it cruises quietly enough. Wind rush is modest at highway speeds, but coarse pavement induces audible tire thrum that resonates through the large, open interior.

Controls

Sport, manual	Class Average
6	6.3

Switchgear is simple and handy. The optional navigation system no longer pops up out of the top of the dashboard. It's now situated in the more traditional location in the middle of the dashboard stack above the climate controls.

Details

Sport, manual	Class Average
7	5.6

The stylish cabin belies Mazda 5's modest pricing with upscale soft-touch surfaces, metal-look accents, and sturdy fabrics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Sport, manual	Class Average
7	6.7

Occupants sit higher than in most cars, but visibility is not the best to right-rear or astern. The broad dashtop imparts a minivan feel. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and pump-handle seat-height adjuster help situate the driver. The firm seats have just enough lateral support, but very tall drivers wanted longer cushions and more rearward travel. Headroom is good for all.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Sport, manual	Class Average
7	5.2

Terrific 2nd-row headroom and legroom is abetted by the slide and recline adjustments, but some testers find the seats themselves too firm for best comfort. All agree that the 3rd row suits only small children, especially for foot space. The sliding doors provide outstanding entry and exit to the 2nd row but not to the 3rd row, which requires serious contortions.

Cargo Room

Sport, manual	Class Average
9	4.1

Large side and rear openings ease loading, but the liftgate barely clears six-footer heads. There is just grocery-bag space behind 3rd row, but all rear seats fold to make a nearly flat floor and can be arranged for a variety of spacious passenger or cargo loads. There is abundant small-item storage that includes hidden trays beneath the 2nd-row seats and rear cargo floor.

Value within Class

Sport, manual	Class Average
7	6.2

Mazda 5 earns a Recommended nod as a well-made, sensibly sized wagon that's sedan sporty, minivan versatile, and priced right. It also offers good fuel economy and outstanding room for four plus lots of stuff--four adults, a little cargo and, in the 3rd-row seats, two tykes.

Total Score

Sport, manual	Class Average
70	63.3

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74