2013 Mazda MAZDA5

Arriving on the scene in 2006 and receiving its first overhaul in 2012, the MAZDA5 is still one of those clandestine vehicles most consumers don’t realize exists.  Mazda spends no money to advertise it and it’s the 2^nd lowest volume seller in their lineup after the Miata.  But for those who have come to know the MAZDA5, it’s an affordable mini-van alternative with cleverness on its mind. 

            Identical in length, dimensionally you can think of it as a Ford Transit Connect with a normal roofline.  It has dual, manual sliding doors that reveal its 2+2+2 seating configuration.  The third row seats split and fold flat when not in use, a necessity when carrying cargo is the job at hand.  And the 2^nd row seats slide easily out of the way so the kids, or even tolerant adults, can reach the back.  They also have these nifty storage areas beneath the seat bottoms, one of which can stow this console bin when not in use.  The seats also slide and recline providing more comfort and flexibility, but what they don’t do is fully get out of the way when all you’re concerned with is transporting lots of stuff.  When the third row is up a few grocery bags is all that’ll fit. 

            With its low step-in height and intuitively designed driver’s space, the MAZDA5 is an easy get in and go kind of vehicle.  The leather seats are particularly agreeable and are heated on this top of the line Grand Touring model, visibility is all-around clear and there are some new features this year such as a USB port, rear backup sensors and outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators.  Glaring oversights indeed.  2 different, dealer-installed Garmin navi units are offered but not having a true factory solution is out of touch.

            Perhaps just as quirky as the MAZDA5 itself is the company’s quick retreat on its styling.  Mazda touted the flow design language called Nagare for years and it finally appeared on the restyled 2012 MAZDA5.  But it’s a one and done for Nagare as Mazda has quickly moved onto their new KODO look, so owning this MAZDA5 is like owning a little piece of Mazda history.  The consensus this week on the van’s appearance was largely negative .

            The downside however is that its 2.5-liter engine and 5-speed auto can only manage 22mpg city/28mpg highway, a 1mpg improvement in the city number over last year.  For some perspective, its highway fuel economy is the same as the much larger V6-powered Honda Odyssey so there’s definitely room for improvement.  The cabin is also on the noisy side though I appreciate Mazda sending me a tester with real snow tires. 

            Loaded, this 2013 MAZDA5 Grand Touring stickers for a very reasonable $25,620 and there are a multitude of port and dealer installed accessories available, like surfboard and bike carriers, to expand its usefulness.  So let your friends and neighbors know that if they’re not quite ready for a mini-van, that Mazda makes something worth checking out.