2013 Mazda 5 Review
2013 Mazda 5 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Easy to park and maneuver
- sharp handling
- affordable price
- easy third-row access.
Cons
- Seats only six
- missing some popular minivan options
- slow acceleration
- fuel economy not much better than that of full-size minivans.
What’s new
All 2013 Mazda 5 models now get a USB/iPod connection, and no longer offer a six-disc CD changer.
Edmunds says
The sporty 2013 Mazda 5 is just right for folks who don't need the size or space of a full-size minivan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$161/mo for 5 Sport
5 Sport
vs
$177/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Vehicle overview
Traditional minivans keep getting bigger, and for smaller families that don't need such vast acreage, the 2013 Mazda 5 splits the difference. Completely redesigned last year, the Mazda 5 remains a mini-minivan for those with modest needs, with two seats in each of its three rows as opposed to the seven- or eight-passenger configurations of full-size vans. If you seldom ferry more than five passengers, there's a good chance you'll simply enjoy the nearly 45 cubic feet of cargo space offered by keeping the third row semi-permanently folded.
The Mazda 5 offers another advantage that can't be understated: It's pretty fun to drive. Some automakers may boast that their minivan handles like a car, but with a sporty suspension and precise steering, the Mazda 5 actually does. This holds true whether you're taking the road less traveled or just navigating the strip mall parking lot. And its humble size makes the 5 easier to maneuver through tight spaces and slot into compact parking spots.
But the 2013 Mazda 5 isn't for everyone. Larger families will need more space, especially when bikes, bags and pets are included. And while the 5 offers an eager four-cylinder engine, there's something to be said for V6 power, especially in hilly terrain or with a full passenger load. The 5 also lacks certain features common on today's minivans, including power-sliding doors, sunshades and factory-installed navigation and entertainment systems. Given that, the 5 works best as a niche -- yet still very appealing -- alternative to mainstream vans like the 2013 Honda Odyssey and 2013 Toyota Sienna.
Performance & mpg
Every 2013 Mazda 5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the Sport, while a five-speed automatic is optional on the Sport and standard on everything else.
In Edmunds performance testing, a 5 Grand Touring accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds -- slower than most typical minivans and many compact SUVs. A Mazda 5 with the manual transmission returns an estimated 21 mpg city/28 highway and 24 mpg combined. The automatic transmission does 1 mpg better in city driving.
Safety
Every Mazda 5 comes with standard stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the 5 came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet -- a few feet longer than average.
Driving
The 2013 Mazda 5 deftly blends utility with agility and urban maneuverability. Impressive visibility and a tight turning circle make swift work of narrow roads and parking lots. The 5's ride is not overly firm, but the suspension doesn't soak up bumps like a full-size minivan. That said, body roll is well contained so passengers riding with an enthusiastic driver won't find themselves sliding and swaying in their seats. Think of the Mazda 5 more as a tall sport wagon with extra room.
If there's any compromise on the Mazda 5's balance sheet, it's the four-cylinder engine. Although it has enough power for day-to-day errands, acceleration is still pretty pokey, especially on hills or when fully loaded. Neither does the 2.5-liter offer much better fuel economy than V6-powered full-size vans.
Interior
The Mazda 5 is obviously smaller than what passes for a minivan today, but it still packs plenty of interior versatility. Comfortable second-row captain's chairs slide and recline, while the passenger-side seat features a nifty fold-out center table/storage net that can snap into place between the seats, then be stowed away later to create a walk-through to the third row.
Up front, the dash layout looks sleek, simple and modern, with the exception of a dash panel heavy with audio control buttons. But controls are easy to reach and use, which helps the 5 feel much more like a regular car from behind the wheel. The front seats provide respectable comfort, though taller folks may wish for more rearward seat travel.
Aided by wide sliding door openings, the Mazda 5's third row offers easier access than just about any three-row crossover we can think of. The 50/50-split-folding seats are best suited to kids, however. With just 30.5 inches of legroom back there, close quarters and a sloping roof consuming headroom, adult passengers won't stifle their grumbles for long (the second row, by comparison, offers 9 inches more legroom).
Though the Mazda 5 may truly represent a "mini" van, it doesn't lack cargo volume. Folding the third-row seats yields 44.4 cubic feet of room, while dropping the second row increases that to 97.7 cubic feet -- just 10 cubes shy of the full-size Nissan Quest's total cargo capacity.
2013 Mazda 5 models
The 2013 Mazda 5 is a three-row, six-passenger compact minivan available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The base Sport comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control (with rear vents and fan controls), a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.
The 5 Touring adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a trip computer and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. The optional Moonroof & Audio package adds a sunroof and satellite radio to the Touring. This package comes standard on the 5 Grand Touring, which also gets automatic xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, driver lumbar adjustment, heated front seats, leather upholstery and satellite radio.
The Mazda 5 also offers several options including remote ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rear-seat entertainment system and a Garmin portable navigation system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Mazda 5.
5 star(63%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Sporty Mini' Minivan w/Zoom-Zoom appeal!
mikeyg616, 02/28/2011
2012 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
i did so much research on the perfect family hauler without breaking the bank&also not looking like i 'gave up'&was so happy to find the new 5!it has everything i was looking for to transport my family of 4,we chose the upgraded 'touring model which adds fogs,spoiler side skirts 17' rims nicer grill &leather wheel,power is surprisingly good w/ smooth tranny & good mpg!turning radius is … great!the seats are really comfy,the dual slide doors are light and easy to use for wifey w kiddies!pass/cargo room is also more then adequate,this mpv is a hot seller in Europe and only car in its class that got rave reviews..much better ad easier then suv w 3rd row,i highly recommend,we love our 2012 5!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Fantastic vehicle
troyohchatter, 12/21/2013
2012 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
The specs tell the story of a very average vehicle.
Average power, MPG, etc.
But just drive it.
Handles great, the seating position is ideal, the automatic drivetrain is near perfect, even for a guy that prefers a manual, and it can seat six adults in a pinch (front and middle rows move up a notch).
The vehicle is tight as a drum, low noise level, and overall is tighter than the last … Honda we had, a 2003 CR-V.
I have no idea why anyone with kids would want doors that are not sliders.
Sliding doors do not hit other cars in parking lots and allow easy access to child seats.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best people hauler for the money
roth4fun, 04/15/2011
2012 Mazda 5 Touring 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
My wife and I shopped around for a month trying to find a replacement for our aging Odyssey.
Wanted better gas mileage, room for 6, and best value for the money stayng in the low to mid $20k range.
We found that in the Mazda 5. Was the first we test drove and the one we bought.
Considered RAV-4 with 3rd row, Sedona with 3rd row, Dodge Journey, Odyssey, Traverse, Equinox, and others.
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Love my M5
jdooleyvt, 04/23/2012
2012 Mazda 5 Sport 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
We've spent about 10 months with our Mazda5 already.
We have two daughters under the age of two.
The car seats, strollers, diaper bags and other bulky kid stuff all fits in the Mazda 5 without any issue.
This car is simply a blast to drive.
It is easy to forget that you are driving a vehicle with sliding doors.
Loading the girls into the back seat is easy and once they start opening the … doors themselves I don't have to worry about them putting a dent in another car in the parking lot.
This car is perfect size for a family of four and the extra seats are a great option.
In mostly city driving I get about 25-26 mpg on a longer trip it gets over 30 mpg.
My best is over 35 mpg.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Mazda 5, so we've included reviews for other years of the 5 since its last redesign.
2013 5 Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP | $19,940 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $161/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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