Mazda MAZDA5: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide

It is a compact minivan, though its smaller size and car-like feel can make it seem more like a tall wagon. It has three seating rows and dual sliding rear doors, but it is easier to park than a full-size minivan.

The Mazda5 seats six. It uses two seats in each row, with captain’s chairs in the second row and a two-person third row.

It is known for fitting three rows and sliding rear doors into a compact vehicle. Its smaller footprint and car-like handling distinguish it from a full-size minivan.

Yes, especially for a smaller family that values easy parking and sliding-door access. The six-seat cabin works well for passengers, while the folding third row adds flexibility when more cargo room is needed.

It can work if six seats are enough and compact dimensions matter more than maximum space. Its third row and cargo area are smaller than a full-size van’s, so larger families or frequent heavy packers may find it limiting.

No. The U.S. Mazda5 covered here is gas-powered; the later generation uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

No. The U.S. Mazda5 uses front-wheel drive, which sends power to the front wheels.

The first U.S. generation ran through 2010. After a one-year gap, a redesigned Mazda5 arrived for 2012 with new styling, a new cabin, a larger 2.5-liter engine, and revised steering and suspension. The 2015 model was the final U.S. version.