Radio and climate controls are placed high up in the center, leaving plenty of space for a couple of storage bins underneath. Once shifted into Drive, the shift lever obscures some of the buttons on the radio. Fortunately, the volume and tuning buttons are huge, and other big, clearly marked controls for station presets and other features make the MPV's radio among the most ergonomically correct in any vehicle. Big storage bins and plenty of cupholders ease long hours on the road. An auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the rear side panel provides power for electric accessories.
Particularly nice is the little foldaway tray between the front seats. We prefer having it deployed because it provides a nice platform for the things we take with us. A small, covered compartment on its leading edge is lined with felt, perfect for toll change and other small items; like other features of the interior, the lid on this little compartment is of high quality.
Seating can be configured for two, three, four or as many as six passengers. Technically, the MPV is rated for seven, but that's assuming the three people in the third row are very small and don't mind being crowded. The MPV is a good size if you typically have four or fewer passengers; if five or six regularly ride with you, then one of the bigger minivans would likely be more suitable.
The second-row bucket seats are as nice as the front seats. They adjust fore and aft, providing additional legroom in either the second or third row, depending on where it is needed. They also recline. It's not a bad place to ride at all. The right-side middle seat features Mazda's innovative Side-by-Slide system, allowing it to be moved to the left, up against the left bucket. Flip up the armrests, and you have a small bench seat. This also provides room for third-row passengers to get in and out. What's great about it is that it's so easy to use. A passenger in that seat can quickly move it to the left to let someone in or out, then move it back right and outboard for more personal space. Both second-row seats can be removed individually, resulting in a perfectly flat cargo floor. Each seat weighs just 37 pounds.
The rearmost bench seat can be folded down into a well in the floor (Mazda calls it Tumble-Under), providing even more perfectly flat floor space. With the seat down and the second row in place, the MPV has 54.6 cubic feet for cargo. Remove the second row and as you have 127 cubic feet for your stuff. This Tumble-Under feature (also found on the Honda Odyssey) is very useful, and much easier than having to remove and store the rear seats.
When the third-row seat in its regular position, a well underneath it serves as a useful storage bin for stuff that you don't want sliding around on the floor. The seat also can tip back, so that it can serve as rear-facing picnic bench at a tailgate party. Available rear heating and air conditioning with nicely designed controls makes the back of the MPV a more comfortable place for people or pets. Hooks for grocery bags, purses and other gear are provided on the seat backs and in the cargo area.
Big power windows in the sliding side doors go down two-thirds of the way, which will greatly add to the pleasure of rear-seat passengers who like wind in their hair. Younger riders may enjoy participating in power-window races, but the driver can override this activity by pressing a lock-out switch up front.
Next Page