Model Year | 2009 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Ford Explorer | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 113.7 in | -9.8 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 193.4 in | -16.8 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 73.7 in | -4.6 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 72.8 in | -15.1 in |
Curb Weight | 2808 lb. | 4440 lb. | -1632 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 22.5 gal. | -8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.8 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 59.0 in | -4.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.4 in | -0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.4 in | -0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 38.7 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 58.9 in | -4.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 55.5 in | -1.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 36.9 in | -0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 37.4 in | -37.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 53.1 in | -53.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.3 in | -45.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 34.9 in | -34.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | -36 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.1 ft3 | 13.6 ft3 | 3.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 17.1 | 43.9 ft3 | -26.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 83.7 ft3 | -39.9 ft3 |
2009 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 |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
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 |