2012 Mazda5
Starting price: $19,625.
Fuel economy: 21 city and 28 highway mpg.
Part minivan, part wagon, the 2012 Mazda5 offers seating for six in a package that is smaller than the typical minivan. The 5.58 cubic feet behind the third row means there isn't room for six as well as a lot of luggage, but it's enough for some small luggage or baby gear, including a stroller.
With the third row folded, there's a respectable 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while there's 44.4 cubic feet when the second row also is folded. The two-person third-row seat is easy to access but it is best suited for children, though the second-row seats can be slid forward to provide extra legroom for adults.
Redesigned for 2011, the 2012 Mazda5 is powered by a 157-horsepower, four-cylinder engine with a manual or automatic transmission.
The 2012 Mazda5 comes standard with automatic climate control with second-row fan controls, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, storage under the second-row seats and the rear floor, a foldout tray with a basket for the center of the second row, front-seat cup holders that accommodate a half-liter bottle, six air bags, and stability-and-traction control. Optional features include leather seating, Bluetooth capability and a rear-seat DVD player.