
The 2015 Mazda 5 manages to evade direct competition, as it's really the only smaller-than-a-minivan van on the market.
Closest in size is Ford's new longer Transit Connect Wagon; the Transit uses forward-swinging rear doors instead of the Mazda's sliders, but in all other aspects it's very similar, as it's also car-based and drives nicely for it.
Ford also offers the C-Max, which shares some its architectural roots with the Mazda 5, but is offered only in hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid forms.
It's also a bit stubbier than the Mazda 5, offering just two rows of seats.
The C-Max has an almost direct analog in Toyota's Prius V, a taller, wagon-like version of the Prius liftback; the Toyota aims for economy over enjoyment, though, so it's a trade-off compared to the Mazda.
And of course there are still full-size minivans, the leader among them still being the Dodge Grand Caravan in terms of value and packaging efficiency.
The Dodge also has its Chrysler own & Country sibling and there are good vans from Honda and Toyota these days as well.
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Quick Specs | |||
The 2015 Mazda 5 has good road manners and clean styling, but its flexibility is undercut by poor safety ratings. |
The 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan is the evolved version of the original minivan, supplying the useful features and clever touches at a very good value. |
With their stylish interiors and perky driving feel, the 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi are somewhat sportier alternatives to the Toyota Prius lineup. |
The 2014 Toyota Prius V combines a spacious interior with excellent real-world gas mileage but it can feel underpowered when heavily loaded. |
MSRP From | |||
$21,240 | $21,795 | $24,170 | $26,750 |
Gas Mileage | |||
21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 |
EPA Class | |||
2WD Minivans | 2WD Minivans | Large Cars | Mid-Size Station Wagon |
Style Name | |||
4-Door Wagon Automatic Sport | 4-Door Wagon American Value Pkg | 5-Door HB SE | 5-Door Wagon Two (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
6 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Wagon | Passenger Van | Hatchback | Wagon |
Transmission | |||
Automatic w/OD | Multi-Speed Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2015 Mazda MAZDA5 vs. 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan | 2015 Mazda MAZDA5 vs. 2015 Ford C-Max | 2015 Mazda MAZDA5 vs. 2014 Toyota Prius V |