It’s a vehicle that looks like it was designed for Lilliputians, but would hold Gulliver. Stretching 181.5-in on a 108.3-in wheelbase and standing 64.2-in tall, the Mazda5 is an automotive dachshund with minimal overhangs. Like that dog this car (Europeans call vehicles like this "MPVs," or "Multi-Purpose Vehicles") isn’t especially wide. It’s just 69.1-in from one side to the other.

What makes these dimensions work are the reclining bucket seats in the first and second row, and the split-fold third row seat. Rather than try to jam another cushion in the interior, Mazda wisely followed Noah’s example and seated everyone two-by-two to give adequate shoulder room for all. Scooping out the door panels adds to the feeling of room, as do the large windows. Making those second row seats slide back and forth, and fold without taking off the headrest adds to the convenience and ability to maximize room.

Fold up the lower cushion on the middle seats and you’ll find a shallow storage area, including one that hides a fold-out tray with integral cup holders. The kids may not remember where they left their coloring books or Game Boy, but that doesn't mean these items have to clutter the floor and slide around.

Fold the rear seats flat and there is a healthy 44.4-ft³ of stowage space. Flop the middle seatbacks forward and you have a load area a full 63-in long. That’s enough to carry some pretty large objects, including a mountain bike or two. And getting these items into the car is easier than you might expect give the well-balanced sliding rear doors. While most minivans offer powered rear doors, Mazda engineers were able to develop sliders that take very little effort to open or close, eliminating the need for costly – and weighty – electric motors.

The Mazda5 is powered by a 157-hp 2.3-liter inline four with 148 lb-ft of torque, and this engine – mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission – must pull around 3,389-lb when fitted with the automatic. In other words, it’s not especially light or extremely powerful, but the Mazda5 doesn’t feel underpowered in most situations. Loading it with people and gear might, however, change that assessment.

EPA rated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway, the Mazda5 returned almost 24 mpg in everyday use, with a near-even mix of city and highway driving. True, I didn’t throw the car into the corners at every chance, or run it hard through the gears whenever the opportunity arose, but – when I did – it didn’t seem to mind. You could do a lot worse, or little better, than the Mazda5.

+: Lots of room, flexibility, and convenience for $20,410. By no means a penalty box.

-: Might become labored when loaded. Neighbors will bug you for rides.