Mazda 5 vs. MPV

604MPV · Newbie Joined: 27 Jun 2006 Posts: 11

Hi,

We're thinking about replacing our '02 MPV with a 1st generation Mazda 5 GT.

One of my concerns about downsizing is the loss of space; something we've always loved about the MPV.

Noticed a few members here have owned both and just wondering what your impressions are between the two. Is there anything you miss about the MPV or what stands out with the 5?

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated!

Cheers!

Manitoba MPV · Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 6:51 pm Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

Hi 604 -

Good question. I've owned two 1st-gen MPVs ('90 & '97), but never a 2nd-gen ('00+), so my comparison will show more contrast than comparing your newer MPV to a 5 would.

Handling - The 5 wins here with its lower centre of gravity.

Gas mileage - Again, a big win for the 5 - it uses roughly 2/3 the fuel of the MPV.

Space - A win for the MPV. Miss that 7th seat sometimes.

Serviceability - Pretty much a toss-up. The 1st-gen MPV is generally easy to work on, but the 5 is excellent for a FWD vehicle. I don't mind changing the timing belt on the MPV, but it's a non-issue w/ the 5's timing chain.

Seating position - I like the higher seating position of the MPV for visibility.

Rust resistance - Here in moderate rust belt land, the 2nd-gen MPVs were very bad for rust, especially through about '04. So far, the 5s have been good - I've just seen rust starting around the rear wheel well where it meets the rear bumper on a couple of older ('06 or '07) 5s. No perforation yet.

Features - Big win for the 5 w/ an input jack on the stereo, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

Durability - Hard to say. The 1st-gen MPVs are excellent (ours is > 300K km w/o a major repair) and I'm hoping the 5 does as well long-term.

novalight · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:42 am Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

you can find this in the forums but member aha had both

aha · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 4:24 am Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

The space in the 5 is actually very accomodating since the 2nd row seats can slide forward/backward much more than the MPV. However, I always love how MPV 2nd row can slide side to side for easy access to the 3rd row. also, with a newborn in hand, the connected 2nd row seats is the best - you can feed the baby without extending your arm.

your best bet will be to visit the showroom or if you can rent the 5 for a day to be sure. I regret selling my MPV honestly, it could've been just a back up car.

the mpv and the 5 do not drive the same way, owning both of them was the best car combo I ever had in my life so if you can spare your mpv, I just don't want you to regret it getting rid of it like I do.

metalfab · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 1:59 pm Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

I had a 03 MPV for almost 10 years. Fantastic vehicle that I regret trading in. I would have kept it is I knew I was going to go through the spazmatic car swapping that happened.

If it was 2012 again I would have kept the MPV until it was dead.
Second choice would have been to keep my first Mazda 5, which we bought in 2012.

In short, as far as space, handling and gas goes there are few, if any that match the 5.

For a family and personal reasons I like these benefits:

Middle row seats are independent, move forward/aft, more leg room, recline and have arm rests both sides.
Sliding doors.
More comfortable and better handling ride.
Dash layout, BT and USB port.

aha · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:24 pm Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

Metalfab - are you back with the 5 now?

metalfab · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:40 pm Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

aha · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2015 12:16 am Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

Great move,man! How is it compared to the CX-5 as far as long distance driving comfort?

metalfab · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2015 12:39 am Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

aha · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 5:44 pm Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

Thanks, I just sat on 2016 CX-5 boy....the instrument clusters are impressive but as soon as I moved to the back seat I hated it. First I don't like hump in the middle also I am so used to my MZ5 where the floor is flat not to mention sliding door or what not.

I'm scratching my head now, deep down in my heart I feel like trading my 2012 MZ5 for the 2015 - afraid they will not bring this awesome micro van anymore to US after next year.

js27614 · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 4:13 pm Post subject: **Re: Mazda 5 vs. MPV**

we have Mazda 5 sport with dual transmission
and MPV ES / still running 173K miles on it /
Mazda 5 is great / sliding doors is a BIG plus if you live in city
never liked MPV - too small for minivan with costly maintenance / all the time something breaks / with horrible Ford transmission and good Porsche engine