Review and specifications
2012 Mazda 5
An underappreciated gem, the Mazda5 has a wide range of attributes, unmatched by any other vehicle on the market. Sliding side doors and seats for six make it an alternative for larger and more-expensive minivans and SUVs. Lots of windows provide a good view out and the tidy footprint aids maneuverability and parking. Nimble and agile handling means it doesn't sacrifice being fun-to-drive either. Further, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Still, there are some downsides. The four-cylinder engine can be overtaxed on hills, or with a full load. Higher noise levels can make it feel less substantial than some larger alternatives. Unlike larger minivans or three-row SUVs; you can't fit six adults and luggage in the Mazda5. If you want cargo space, you're limited to carrying four people.
- Market value
- $4,850
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 6
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- minivan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 5-speed
- Category
- Minivans 3-row
- Generation began
- 2012
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $4,850
- Retail value range
- $4,675 - $5,150
- Original MSRP range
- $19,625 - $24,025
- Trade-in range
- $1,880 - $2,315
Ratings
- Road test score
- 83/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 4/5
- Would buy again
- 75%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 21 MPG
- EPA highway
- 28 MPG
- EPA combined
- 24 MPG
- Tested city
- 15 MPG
- Tested highway
- 34 MPG
- Tested overall
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,675
- Cruising range
- 370 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.4 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 9.6 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 139 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 54 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 181 in
- Width
- 69 in
- Height
- 64 in
- Wheelbase
- 108 in
- Weight
- 3,495 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,020 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 6 people
- Front head room
- 4 in
- Front leg room
- 41 in
- Rear head room
- 4.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 29 in
- Cargo volume
- 39 cu ft
- Luggage
- 0+1+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 1/5
- Driving
- 3/5
- Styling
- 2/5
- Value
- 4/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 5/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Mazda
<p>Over time, Mazdas are known to be affordable, fun to drive, and good-looking inside and out. Many of its small crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports' recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. However, its new midsized SUVs have not lived up to the brand’s reliability reputation. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an inexpensive pre-owned car. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades prior, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 2613 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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