2010 Mazda 5: Road Test
2010 Mazda 5 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $17,995 - $23,005
- Invoice: $16,865 - $21,536
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mazda 5
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
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.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
The 5 is quite responsive from a stop and in around-town driving. It's reasonably peppy on the highway as well, though passing maneuvers require plenty of throttle input. The manual transmission has smooth shift and clutch action. Using the automatic transmission's manual-shift gate helps squeeze out a bit more go and makes the 5 feel even sportier.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Mazda 5 models with the automatic transmission averaged 24.1-27.7 mpg, all very good results. The 5 uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
The ride is firm but never unpleasant, with some wheel patter over rough pavement. The car is nicely settled on wavy surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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 | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
The engine throbs at idle and is a bit noisy at full throttle, but it cruises quietly enough. Wind rush is prominent at highway speeds, particularly when the available sunroof is open. Coarse pavement induces audible tire thrum that resonates through the large, open interior.
CONTROLS
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Most switchgear is simple and handy. The optional navigation integrates some audio but no climate controls. It's fairly easy to program.
DETAILS
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
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 | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Occupants sit higher than in most cars. 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. The broad dashtop imparts a minivan feel and provides excellent visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
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 | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 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. A console tray and cupholder flips out from under the passenger-side 2nd-row seat bottom, a very nice convenience.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Sport, manual | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6 | 6.5 |
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 | Touring, automatic | Grand Touring w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 69 | 66 | 62.3 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Midsize Cars
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
