2012 Mazda MAZDA5 vs. Its Competition
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For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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With the other short-wheelbase minivans all gone, there really isn’t much competition for the 2012 Mazda5.
Of the compact crossovers, the one with the most minivan-like, cargo-versatile design is the Honda CR-V.
The CR-V is due for a complete redesign, as a late-introduction 2012 model.
Based on previous model year, the CR-V, while very safe and fuel-efficient (and comfortable), is by no means enjoyable to drive.
The Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen feels almost mid-size; plus, it handles well, and with the available TDI diesel engine it’s very fuel-efficient.
The new Toyota Prius v has hinged rear doors and only two rows of seating, but it feels very people-mover-focused like the Mazda5, also with a versatile seat-folding arrangement.
But the Prius v uses the same powertrain as the standard Prius, so it’s a bit more sluggish—and much more so than the Mazda5.
The Ford C-Max, slated to arrive sometime next year, will provide a spacious, tall-hatchback design as well, with a high-mpg hybrid powertrain; final U.S.
specs for this vehicle haven’t yet been announced, so check back for more details.
 2012 Mazda MAZDA5Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 Honda CR-VGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Toyota Prius VGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportwagenGet FREE Price Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||
| Meta Rating | |||
The nimble and fuel-efficient 2012 Mazda5 appeals to parents who don’t mind being seen in a minivan but don’t want to feel like they’re driving one. | The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs. | The 2012 Toyota V wagon offers all the classic Prius hybrid virtues--low-speed electric running, top-of-class fuel economy, and interior space--in a super-sized package that still offers remarkable gas mileage ratings. We think it will do very well among Prius owners with families who need the extra space for people and stuff. | The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen isn't exactly like its sedan counterpart--it's noticeably smaller but nicer inside. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $19,625 | $22,495 | $26,550 | $20,195 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I5 |
| EPA Class | |||
| 2WD Minivan | 2WD Sport Utility | Midsize Station Wagon | Small Station Wagons |
| Style Name | |||
| 4dr Wagon Man Sport | 2WD 5dr LX | 5dr Wagon Two (Natl) | 4dr Manual S |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| 5 Door Wagon | Sport Utility Vehicle | Wagon | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual |
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