As a front-wheel drive only vehicle, the Mazda5 is considered a minivan rather than a crossover utility vehicle, or CUV. Vans meet different expectations in our lives than CUVs and not only does the Mazda5 meet van expectations, it sets the bar in many areas of van driving.
Design is pretty standard in that the Mazda5 is a modified two-box design. It is well rounded with a bit of sculpting, but you get the idea. Up front, the fascia, headlamps, grille opening and Mazda badge all help define the van as part of the Mazda family. The same goes for the tail end treatment. The Mazda5 GT sports LED taillights and quite a distinctive Mazda layout.
Along the sides, Mazda had done what it can to make the van distinctive. The silhouette may be similar to others but window design and side trim layout let you know it is Mazda. In a small break with tradition, Mazda5 side doors are sliders rather than opening conventionally. Even without the power assist of larger and more expensive vans, the doors open and close easily.
Front doors are cut generously out of the side. At the bottom, the door opening is wide enough to slide your foot in without having to twist or turn it. Mid-way up, the door is wider to accommodate a large range of body sizes and shapes. Where the body goes, the head must follow and the door is tall enough that very few will have to duck to get in.
Once through the front door, you will notice that Mazda made seat height a priority. Not only can you pretty much just slide in, you are nearly perfectly positioned for a comfortable drive. The seat cushion height from the floor puts your legs at a comfortable angle when you put them on the brake and gas pedals. Going the other way, the seat cushion forms the basis of a very comfortable seat that holds you in place without being obvious about it.
Second-row seating is just about as comfortable as the front and nearly as spacious. I did find legroom could be a bit tight with real tall front-seat occupants. Seatback height was good and the headrests came up high enough to do a good job of providing protection.
If you are relegated to the third row, you have a bit less space than the other two rows and you had best be of at least average agility to be able to get into the seat. I mention this because I have seen some adults expect 70- and 80-year old parents to get in the third row, and I do not think that is right.
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| In a small break with tradition, Mazda5 side doors are sliders rather than opening conventionally. |
Design is pretty standard in that the Mazda5 is a modified two-box design. It is well rounded with a bit of sculpting, but you get the idea. Up front, the fascia, headlamps, grille opening and Mazda badge all help define the van as part of the Mazda family. The same goes for the tail end treatment. The Mazda5 GT sports LED taillights and quite a distinctive Mazda layout.
Along the sides, Mazda had done what it can to make the van distinctive. The silhouette may be similar to others but window design and side trim layout let you know it is Mazda. In a small break with tradition, Mazda5 side doors are sliders rather than opening conventionally. Even without the power assist of larger and more expensive vans, the doors open and close easily.
Front doors are cut generously out of the side. At the bottom, the door opening is wide enough to slide your foot in without having to twist or turn it. Mid-way up, the door is wider to accommodate a large range of body sizes and shapes. Where the body goes, the head must follow and the door is tall enough that very few will have to duck to get in.
Once through the front door, you will notice that Mazda made seat height a priority. Not only can you pretty much just slide in, you are nearly perfectly positioned for a comfortable drive. The seat cushion height from the floor puts your legs at a comfortable angle when you put them on the brake and gas pedals. Going the other way, the seat cushion forms the basis of a very comfortable seat that holds you in place without being obvious about it.
Second-row seating is just about as comfortable as the front and nearly as spacious. I did find legroom could be a bit tight with real tall front-seat occupants. Seatback height was good and the headrests came up high enough to do a good job of providing protection.
If you are relegated to the third row, you have a bit less space than the other two rows and you had best be of at least average agility to be able to get into the seat. I mention this because I have seen some adults expect 70- and 80-year old parents to get in the third row, and I do not think that is right.
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| Folding the third row for grocery space is fine. |