2013 Mazda 5

The third generation Mazda 5 debuted at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, and has been named the 2013 minivan of the year by Autobyte.com. Following a complete redesign in 2010, the 2013 Mazda 5 now sports an attractive and efficient compact design, a surprisingly spacious interior – with available seating for 7 and nearly 45 cubic feet of possible cargo space – and a sporty suspension and precise steering. With an eager 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine that provides better-than-average fuel economy for a minivan, the Mazda 5 also offers an advantage many minivans cannot boast: It handles like a car, and with Mazda’s trademark zoom zoom, it’s fun to drive.

Engine specifications

The 2013 Mazda 5’s 4-cylinder engine produces 157 horsepower and a workable 163 pound feet of torque, and in performance testing, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds. The Mazda 5 comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission, which provides 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The available Sport trim, which comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, returns 21 mpg city and the same highway fuel rating as the automatic.

Styling

The 2013 Mazda 5 is a 7-passenger compact minivan, sporting an athletic-looking exterior design, three rows of seating, and a smaller size than most of today’s not-so-mini minivans. The 5’s smaller size gives it easier maneuverability in tight spaces, and the layout of the interior delivers versatility that is not found in sedans or hatchbacks. The front seats and second row captain’s chairs slide and recline, and there is even a convenient optional center table that can be snapped in between the second row seats and then easily removed for access to back row seating. The third row seating consists of 50/50 split folding seats, which can be folded down to provide a surprising 44.4 cubic feet of cargo space. All passenger seating is easily accessible via two convenient full-sized sliding rear doors.

From the driver’s perspective, the dash layout is sleek, easy to use, and modern, and gives the feel of driving a car rather than a van. Materials throughout the interior cabin space are high-quality and good looking, giving it a more comfortable feel than many utilitarian minivans offer.

Driving Impressions

The 2013 Mazda 5 drives like a tall sport wagon with additional cargo space. The 5 sets itself apart from other minivans by blending utility with urban maneuverability. Whether driving on narrow roads or in crowded parking lots, drivers will appreciate the Mazda 5’s agility, great visibility, and tight turning circle. The steering is precise and tactile, and the suspension provides a comfortable ride, reducing the effect of bumps and corners experienced by passengers in many larger minivans. Even without a lot of horsepower, engine responses are eager and Mazda’s zoom zoom acceleration is smooth and effortless.

The 2013 Mazda 5 minivan is a great choice as a large family vehicle or a multi-commuter vehicle. It blends the best attributes of a comfortable family sedan with the utility and cargo space of a van, and is a strong contender in the minivan market. Although there is space for 7 passengers, the Mazda 5 provides a driving experience more like that of some 5-passenger hatchback vehicles. A spacious, comfortable cabin and starting MSRP of $20,940 furthers the 2013 Mazda 5’s appeal. If you want an automobile with good fuel economy, enough seating for 7 passengers and cargo space to boot, and both urban maneuverability and a fun ride, the Mazda 5 has everything you are looking for.

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