You have a family, which means you probably need a somewhat large vehicle to cart around the kids and their stuff. I know what you’re thinking: a minivan or an SUV are the logical solution. Think again. Mazda’s redesigned-for-2012 5 offers lots of cargo and passenger versatility with a much smaller footprint than traditional family haulers. Consumer Guide places the 5 in the midsize-car class, but its taller ride height and sliding side doors mean it’s more like a mini minivan.

First unveiled in 2005, the 5 is based on the compact Mazda 3 platform.  It received a styling update for model-year 2008 and a redesign for 2012. The 2012 Mazda 5 lineup reprises base Sport, mid-level Touring, and top-line Grand Touring trim levels. Only one engine is available: a new 157-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, also borrowed from the 3. It replaces a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. Sport versions have a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on that model and standard on the Touring and Grand Touring is a 5-speed automatic.

More Information 2012 Mazda 5 Review and Prices All New Mazda Reviews First Spin: 2012 Mazda 5 Vehicle Class Buying Guides All Long-Term Test Cars

The Consumer Guide staff recently welcomed a 2012 Mazda 5 Touring to our extended-use test fleet, and we'll evaluate it over the course of the next year. This mini minivan will be put to the test as an every-day consumer would drive it: commuting to work, carting around family and groceries, and taking it on long trips. Can a vehicle that takes up less space than a minivan and uses less gas than an SUV do the job of both?

About CG’s Test 2012 Mazda 5

Our Touring test vehicle’s base price of $21,195 includes traction control/antiskid system, dual front airbags, front-side airbags, curtain-side airbags, ABS with brake assist, automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, driver-seat height adjustment, center console, power mirrors/windows/door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless cell-phone link, fog lights, and a rear spoiler.

Options on our “Clear Water Blue” 5 include a rear bumper guard and the Moonroof and Audio Package (power moonroof, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and Sirius Satellite Radio), bringing the as-tested price to $23,180.

Initial Impressions

So far, we’re averaging 24.5 mpg over 517 city and highway miles, which is in line with the EPA’s 21/28 mpg figures. Though the 5’s 4-cylinder is good on gas, it only provides adequate power for passing and merging. In terms of driving dynamics, however, the 5’s more fun to drive than you’d expect--a direct result of its Mazda 3 lineage. It retains a measure of the 3’s sporty character and is definitely more nimble than any minivan on the road. Most agree that it offers a nice blend of car-like steering and handling with SUV-like ride height.

We are unanimous in our praise of the 5’s cargo and passenger flexibility. It makes excellent use of its 180.5-inch overall length with various seating and storage configurations. The van seats 6 passengers on three rows of seats, with the 3rd row easily folding to create more cargo space. The 2nd row also folds, leaving a nearly flat load floor across both rows of seats. For passenger entry/exit, the sliding doors mean the opening to the 2nd row is huge and the 2nd row slides forward, easing access to the 3rd row.

Clever storage options inside the cabin abound:  the bottom cushions of the 2nd-row seats flip up to reveal hidden compartments. Another favorite is a stowable console tray that hides under the passenger-side seat and flips up between the 2nd-row seats.

Though we agree that the old saying “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” resonates strongly with this car, there’s no way to overlook 5’s bold exterior styling. Put simply, the 5 is weird looking. Its wedgy, mini-minivan silhouette and angular lines make it stand out. In fact, there’s really nothing on the road like it. As one editor explained, “the swoopy ‘Nagare’ (Mazda’s design language) styling might be a bit too much for some conservative shoppers.”  

Another gripe is the 5’s lack of cargo room when it’s filled to capacity with passengers. If all three rows of seats are in use, only a tiny space behind the 3rd row is open for cargo storage--only a couple small bags of groceries will fit here.

Legroom for taller drivers is also a problem. Those over 6’2”will likely find themselves uncomfortable in the driver seat.  Even with the seat pushed as far back as it’ll go, one taller driver’s knees were too close to the dash and his shins were nearly touching the lower section of the dashboard.

All in all though, we’re 5 fans. If you can overlook its styling quirks and you’re willing to think outside the minivan, the 5 may be just right for you. As one tester summed, 5 has “plenty of power, decent space for a small family, and the refinement chops to make long drives painless--what's not to love? Even the prices are small(ish.)” Check back with us to follow the Mazda 5’s long-term road-test report during the year.