The Mazda5 remains a unique car Stateside: a small minivan. This latest one may have the orphaned ‘Nagare’ styling of Mazda’s previous design team, but retains the essential greatness that made me talk two members of my family into happy purchases of the first-generation model. It’s thrifty (figure mid-20s mpg), peppier thanks to the enlarged, torquier 157hp, 2.5-liter engine, quieter, and more refined. Yet it still has that essential Mazda magic that makes it handle like a much sportier car and steer with a precision and sweetness that elude most every other Asian carmaker. Inside, its as practical as ever, with flip n’ fold flat seating for six, cool piping on the leather seats, and excellent assembly quality—though the loss of the Bose audio system from the Grand Touring model is surprising. Mazda 5s are also incredibly reliable and durable and hold onto a very high percentage of their resale value, making them easy to recommend—to anyone.

Price as tested: $19,195-26,765

EPA ratings: 21/28mpg

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