The leather in the ES is first class, as nice as what's found in some of the nicest luxury cars. The interior itself is very nicely finished with high-quality materials on the dash, center console, everywhere you look. The ES features attractive trim on the dash that looks like polished carbon fiber, giving the interior some sports appeal. The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent.

The dashboard has a pleasantly smooth finish that is more reminiscent of a car, flowing organically across the width of the vehicle in a single arc. The instrument pod is nicely situated, with a large speedometer set directly in front of the steering wheel and a smaller tachometer to the right. They are attractive gauges and Mazda's attention to detail is seen everywhere; for example, the shift indicator uses outline lettering for Park and Neutral, which makes Reverse and Drive stand out better. Window switches and other switchgear are textured and feel good to the touch, reminding us of Volkswagen's switchgear, which is among the best in the industry.

Radio and climate controls are placed high up in the center, leaving plenty of space for a couple of storage bins underneath. Once shifted into Drive, the shift lever obscures some of the buttons for the radio. Fortunately, the volume and tuning buttons are huge and big, clearly marked buttons for station selects and other features make the MPV's radio among the most ergonomically correct of any radio in any vehicle. Big storage bins and plenty of cupholders ease long hours sitting in this minivan. An auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the rear side panel provides power for electric accessories.

Particularly nice is the little foldaway tray between the front seats. We prefer having it deployed because it provides a nice platform for items. A small covered compartment on the leading edge of it is lined with felt, perfect for toll change, a wedding ring, and other small items; like other aspects of the interior, the lid on this little compartment is of high quality.

Seating can be configured for two, three, four or as many as six passengers. Technically, the MPV is rated for seven, but that's assuming the three people in the third row are very small and don't mind being crowded. The MPV is a good size if you typically have four or fewer passengers; if five or six regularly ride with you, then one of the bigger minivans would likely be more suitable.

The second row bucket seats are as nice as the front seats. Fore and aft adjustments provide their occupants with additional legroom or can be moved forward to give third-row passengers more legroom. They also recline. It's not a bad place to ride at all. The right-side middle seat features Mazda's innovative Side-by-Slide setup, allowing it to be moved to the left, up against the left bucket; flip the armrests up and you have a small bench seat for one or two people. This provides room for third-row passengers to get in and out. What's great about it is that it's so easy to use, that its passenger can quickly move it to the left to let someone in or out, then move it back outboard to provide more breathing room. The second-row seats can be removed individually, and each weighs 37 pounds. This results in a perfectly flat cargo floor.

The rearmost bench seat can be folded down into a well in the floor (Mazda calls it Tumble-Under), providing a perfectly flat cargo floor. With the seat down and the second row in place, the MPV has 53 cubic feet for cargo. Remove the second-row as well as you have 127 cubic feet for your stuff. This Tumble-Under feature (also found on the Honda Odyssey) is a very useful, and much easier than having to remove and store the rear seats.

When the third-row seat in its regular position, a well underneath it serves as a useful storage bin for stuff that you don't want sliding around on the floor. The seat also can tip back, so that it can serve as rear-facing picnic seat at a tailgate party. Available rear heating and air conditioning with nicely designed controls makes the back of the MPV a more comfortable place for people or pets. Hooks for grocery bags, purses and other gear are provided on the seat backs and in the cargo area.

Big power windows on the sliding side doors go down two-thirds of the way, which will greatly add to the pleasure of rear-seat passengers who like wind in their hair. Younger riders may enjoy participating in power window races, but the driver can override this feature by pressing a switch up front.