2010 Mazda 5: Road Test
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Our road test for the 2010 Mazda 5 includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Mazda 5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Mazda 5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Mazda 5 help you decide if a 2010 Mazda 5 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Sport, manual | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Mazda 5 is responsive with the slick, easy-shifting manual transmission. Same goes for the automatic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Sport, manual | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing a Mazda 5 with automatic transmission averaged 24.1 mpg. The 5 uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Sport, manual | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
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 | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
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 | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
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 | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Switchgear is simple and handy. The optional navigation system no longer pops up out of the top of the dashboard. It's situated in the more traditional location in the middle of the dashboard stack above the climate controls.
DETAILS
| Sport, manual | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Functional cabin uses price-appropriate materials. Hard-plastic surfaces are tempered somewhat by rich graining and good overall assembly quality.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Sport, manual | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
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 will want longer cushions and more rearward travel. Headroom is good for all.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Sport, manual | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Terrific 2nd-row headroom and good legroom 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 | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 4.2 |
Large side and rear openings ease loading, but the liftgate barely clears the heads of six-footers. There is just grocery-bag space behind the 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 | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6 |
Mazda 5 deserves consideration as a well-made, sensibly sized wagon that's sedan sporty, minivan versatile, and priced right. This solid choice 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 | Grand Touring, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 67 | 69 | 61.3 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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