Model Year | 2006 | 2014 | |
Model | Ford Explorer | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 113.7 in | 106.3 in | 7.4 in |
Length | 193.4 in | 175.6 in | 17.8 in |
Width | 73.7 in | 70.7 in | 3 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 57.3 in | 15.5 in |
Curb Weight | 4440 lb. | 2797 lb. | 1643 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 9.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 38.6 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 57.2 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 55.5 in | -0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.4 in | 42.2 in | 0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 37.6 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 54.4 in | 4.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 53.5 in | 2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 35.8 in | 1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.4 in | 0.0 in | 37.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 53.1 in | 0.0 in | 53.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 45.3 in | 0.0 in | 45.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.9 in | 0.0 in | 34.9 in |
Total Legroom | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 36.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.6 ft3 | 20.2 ft3 | -6.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.9 ft3 | 20.2 | 23.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.7 ft3 | 47.1 ft3 | 36.6 ft3 |
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 |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |