The Mazda5 provides a rare glimpse of a vehicle configuration that US buyers may or may not accept. Riding on a compact platform, the Mazda5 is in short, a small wagon with 3 rows of seating and sliding doors like those found on a minivan. The sliding doors allow for wider door openings without the parking lot problems associated with large rear swinging doors. A 150hp 2.3L 4-cylinder provides power and can be configured with a manual transmission. The interior can seat up to 6 with three rows of 2 seating positions. Like most of the newer sport wagons, the 3rd row seats are relatively small and will force a tradeoff between cargo and 6-passenger hauling.

The MAZDA5 adds stability and traction control as standard equipment on all models.