Hi, I'm wondering if anyone who has sat in both the last gen and new gen Mazda5 can tell me if the new one has better front seat legroom? I believe the specs are the same between generations, but I've found that in the real world, legroom specs don't usually mean much. I haven't had a chance yet to get to the showroom.

Also, is the 2012 Mazda5 rated to tow? I know towing was not recommended on the old one.

I almost bought a Mazda5 a couple years ago, but it didn't have quite enough legroom for me. I'm hoping that the new one is better in that regard. I'm currently driving a 2009 Town&Country. It is okay, but gets lousy mileage and is extremely boring to drive. I really want a manual transmission! I have a jet ski that I need to tow, but I'm thinking about selling it so towing capacity isn't that big a deal. However, if the Mazda5 can now tow, I won't need to wait until I sell the Jet Ski to purchase one.

Thanks!

 

We just bought a '12 Touring model. As far as leg room it is about the same. I'd have to say the only difference is I don't bang my knee when getting out. It seems as if the whole dashboard unit is set higher than our '06 Mazda5 we had previously. As far as towing, I am not sure. The manual is only available in the sport. The automatic does have the manual sport shift option. The engine is also upgraded from a 2.3lt to a 2.5lt. Upgrade also includes 10-20 more horsepower than before. WE LOVE IT.

 

Thank you for the info, tristanole. It sounds like the Mazda5 probably wont work out for me due to the leg room issue. But, when I get a chance I'll stop by the dealer just to be sure.

I wish there was another manufacturer that made a 6 or more seat vehicle with sliding doors and a manual transmission, but Mazda is currently the only one. It makes me wish I lived in Europe! At least there might be a couple more options in the future.

There is a chance the upcoming 2012 Ford C-Max will offer a manual trans. I read conflicting reports, so I'm not sure what to believe. There is no mention of a manual on Ford's website, but Edmunds lists a manual as available.

There is also a rumor that VW will be replacing the Chrysler derived Routan with a new Microbus for 2014. Volkswagens always seem to have plenty of front seat leg room, so if by some miracle it actually comes to the US with a manual transmission, that might be the vehicle for me. Luckily I'm not in a hurry!

 

hi i have a new mazda 2012 5 the seats are the same but the new seats are wider and longer a friend of mine who is 6'4 has a mazda5 van and he had the seat track moved back at a shop that does custom truck and vans i will be going to my mazda dealer today and i will find out if you can tow with the new mazda5 van spencerfvee ......

 

hi i checked with my mazda dealer about towing you can tow with a mazda 5 up to 1,100 lbs they have many cutomers that tow with mazda 5s mazda does not sell a hitch for the mazda 5 you have to buy one from after market i am going to put a hitch on my mazda 5 spencerfvee

 

Hmmm my Mazda dealer told me that the 2012 Mazda5 towing capacity is 2000 lbs