2006 Mazda MPV III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mazda MPV III has a width of 1850 mm (72.8 inches) paired with 18-inch rims sporting tires sized 215/55 R18. The wider body provides better lateral stability, which is important for a minivan designed for family use and carrying multiple passengers. The 215 mm wide tires, combined with a somewhat low profile of 55 (aspect ratio) and large 18-inch rims, enhance the contact patch with the road, improving grip during cornering and braking. This setup balances ride comfort and handling sharpness, giving the MPV III confident road manners uncommon in some older minivans, which often emphasize comfort over agility.

The Mazda MPV III's dimensions—4870 mm (191.7 inches) in length, 1850 mm (72.8 inches) in width, and 1685 mm (66.3 inches) in height—are larger than typical passenger cars but within the range expected for minivans. Standard residential garages often accommodate cars up to 6 meters (about 236 inches) in length and 2.4 meters (about 94 inches) in width, so the MPV III should comfortably fit into an average garage. However, due to its height near 1.7 meters, garage door heights and possible roof storage should be checked in advance. Maneuvering the nearly 4.9-meter-long vehicle may require some care in tighter garage spaces or narrow driveways.

Compared to the MPV II generation, the Mazda MPV III (2006-2007) is generally larger and more refined in its dimensions to meet evolving family vehicle demands. The MPV III’s length of 4870 mm (191.7 inches) is typically longer than the MPV II, which measured around 4785 mm (~188.4 inches) depending on model year and regional variation, providing more cabin and cargo space. Its width of 1850 mm (72.8 inches) is also broader than the older generation, enhancing interior shoulder room and stability. Height at 1685 mm (66.3 inches) is comparable or slightly taller, contributing to improved headroom. Overall, the third generation improved on space and comfort while maintaining a familiar minivan form factor.

The Mazda MPV III is designed as a seven-passenger minivan offering three rows of seats with ample space for families or groups. Although exact interior passenger volume figures can vary, its generous exterior dimensions translate to comfortable seating arrangements, especially in the front and second rows. The third row can be folded or reconfigured to increase cargo space, making the MPV III flexible for passenger or cargo combinations. Compared to competitors, it strikes a balance between spaciousness and maneuverability, favored by buyers needing a practical yet moderately sized family minivan.

While specific ground clearance data is not provided here, the Mazda MPV III, as a typical minivan, generally offers moderate ground clearance suitable for urban and suburban roads. This enables easy ingress and egress for passengers without excessive step-up and maintains sufficient clearance over speed bumps and uneven pavement. The balanced ride height contributes to driving comfort and stability but is not designed for off-road use. Users can expect suitable ground clearance for standard road conditions, parking lot ramps, and light gravel or dirt roads often encountered in family use.

The specific curb weight of the Mazda MPV III (2006-2007) is not detailed here, but typical minivans of this size range from approximately 1700 kg to 2000 kg (3750 to 4400 lbs). This mass affects both acceleration and fuel consumption, as heavier vehicles generally require more energy to move. The MPV III balances its weight with adequate engine choices and chassis tuning to manage fuel efficiency and handling suitable for family use. While it may not be as fuel-efficient as smaller vehicles, its weight supports stability, safety, and the capacity to carry passengers and cargo comfortably. Efficient engine options intent on maintaining competitive consumption figures often accompany this balance.

During its production period, the Mazda MPV III competed with popular mid-2000s minivans such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler Town & Country. Dimensionally, at 4870 mm (191.7 inches) long and 1850 mm (72.8 inches) wide, the MPV III fits comfortably within the typical size range of these competitors. It might be slightly narrower or shorter than some versions of the Odyssey or Sienna, which could measure closer to 5 meters in length. Feature-wise, it offered a comfortable interior, flexible seating, and modern safety and convenience options typical of its class. Its sporty handling feel distinguished it somewhat from the more comfort-oriented rivals, catering to drivers seeking a balance between practicality and driving dynamics.

The Mazda MPV III uses 18-inch rims equipped with 215/55 R18 tires. This tire size means a tire width of 215 mm, with an aspect ratio of 55%, and designed for an 18-inch wheel diameter. Larger 18-inch wheels with relatively low-profile tires (meaning the sidewall height is 55% of the tire width) contribute to a sportier appearance and more responsive handling by reducing sidewall flex during cornering. However, this setup may sacrifice a bit of ride comfort compared to higher-profile tires since there is less cushioning between the rim and road. Overall, this tire and rim configuration provides a balanced compromise between driving dynamics and everyday comfort for the MPV III.

The Mazda MPV III makes some advances over its predecessor, MPV II, in both performance and efficiency by incorporating updated engine technology and chassis improvements. The newer generation typically features more refined powertrains designed to offer better fuel economy and smoother delivery of power. Although the increase in size adds some weight, Mazda optimized engine options and aerodynamics to moderate fuel consumption gains. Performance-wise, drivers often notice improved handling stability and ride comfort in the MPV III compared to the older model, reflecting ongoing development to meet evolving consumer expectations for family vehicles. However, exact numbers vary depending on market specifications and model trims.