Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Mazda 5 Grand Touring FWD. It seats six (6) and has good cargo area with fold down rear seating stowed. If your family is larger a full size minivan would be better if your budget allows more.
General Information: Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 95%; Engine and transmission – Japan.
Assembly – Hiroshima, Japan Class – Minivan Cars from Mazda – CX-5, CX-9, Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, MX-5 Miata.
Handling & Performance:
Smooth was an impression that lasted all week of testing. Power is good with no complaints here even though some would disagree.
Styling:
Typical of most of the competition but Minivans are not as popular as the SUV that is the bestselling of automobile designs.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Well priced, affordable, seating for six.
Conveniences and comfort:
Some of my pet peeves as you may recall include visors that don’t do much of what they should. That is true of this Mazda and I’m guessing most people would agree and thus the company should make them extend for better coverage on the side windows. Second: the radio steering wheel volume control is appreciated but it announces the change in volume with an irritating beep. . . to me anyway.
Third: the voice recognition feature that would be nice if it worked well enough. However, this is the case with almost all models and makes that I have tested and so I just accept the voice recognition technology just isn’t there yet.
And lastly to leave on a positive note, the standard features listing below is broad and all is great stuff.
Consumer Recommendations:
Mazda is one of the best for low maintenance cost from my experience in my automotive repair shop. However there is a lot of information on several categories of data at Kelley Blue Book. Here is a link to research such things as the 10 most fuel efficient cars under $25,000; or most affordable cars of 2015. http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/awards-best-cars-and-top-10-lists/2000006743/
Recognized Competition:
Mazda 5 Grand Touring FWD $25,000, Dodge Grand Caravan $22,000, Chrysler Town and Country $32,000, Honda Odyssey $30,000, Toyota Sienna $29,000.
Good News:
Well priced, abundant standard features and good fuel economy.
Bad News:
Visors too short, poor voice recognition and annoying beep in adjusting radio volume.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 157 horsepower 4-cylinder VVT (variable valve timing) engine, 5-speed auto transmission, front wheel drive, 17” alloy wheels, variable rain sensing front wipers, rear wiper with washer, 5-6 passenger seating, 2nd row capitan chairs with underseat storage and fold out table with storage and dual cup holders, 50/50 fold down 3rd row seats, leather trimmed seating, steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, covered rear cargo storage, trip computer, anti theft alarm system and engine immobilizer, rear back up sensors, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brakes with EBD (electornic brake force distribution), dynamic stability control and traction control systems, front and side curtain airbags, power steering, independent suspension, auto headlights, fog lights, rear liftgate spoiler, climate control with 2nd row cool air vents, AM/FM/CD 6-speaker audio with Sirius satellite radio, USB audio input, bluetooth hands free phone and audio system, power windows and locks, power moonroof, remote keyless entry, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and tire pressure monitor.
Gas Stats:
$3.39/ Gal avg. February 28, 2015sw
for more information.
21 City and 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $24,770