Model Year | 2006 | 2011 | |
Model | Ford Explorer | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,639 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,912 mm | 4,506 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,872 mm | 1,755 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,849 mm | 1,471 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 2,014 kg | 1,363 kg | 1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 85 L | 60 L | 25 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,011 mm | 988 mm | -987 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,499 mm | 1,394 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,407 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,077 mm | 1,067 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 983 mm | 965 mm | 18 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,496 mm | 1,372 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,410 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 937 mm | 919 mm | 18 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 950 mm | 0 mm | 950 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,349 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 1,151 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 886 mm | 0 mm | 886 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,901 mm (over 3 rows) | 1,986 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 385 L | 481 L | -96 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,243 L | 17.0 | -16 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,370 L | 1,240 L | 1 L |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |