The 2019 Mazda 3 keeps the zoom, but all-wheel-drive practicality and a vastly upgraded interior make it much more than that.
Pros Handsome sedan profile Improved ride comfort Quiet, well-trimmed cabin Promising interface All-wheel-drive option
Cons Cabin’s space efficiency Worrisome outward visibility (hatchback) Manual transmission’s been sidelined
The 2019 Mazda Mazda3 ranked #1 in Compact Cars. Currently the Mazda Mazda3 has a score of 8.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 18 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Engaging handling and comfortable ride Refined engine and transmission Elegant interior quality Intuitive infotainment system
Cons Mediocre back-seat space
The Mazda 3 is fully redesigned for 2019.Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019.
Pros Premium interior materials in the upper trim levels provide a classy vibe The seats are supremely comfortable and supportive Spirited handling Excellent audio quality from both available sound systems
Cons Not much legroom in the back seat New Skyactiv-X engine won't be available at launch
Perhaps we need to stop calling these cars SUVs, because the new Mazda CX-30 is really just a Mazda 3 on stilts, and all the better for it.
Pros Excellent dynamics Interior fit and finish Audio and infotainment system Active safety features Exterior and interior design, practical, makes more sense than a Mazda 3
Cons Ride felt a tad firm (European spec) Expected price premium over the Mazda 3 Infotainment housing a little old school Fits four adults at best
Slotting into the Mazda SUV lineup in the narrow space between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 is the new—and curiously named—CX-30. Why isn't it called CX-4? We asked Mazda: It's kind of a long story. Regardless, we like the way it looks. Mazda's designers gave it a more severely forward-canted rear window and chunkier black-plastic body cladding to help differentiate the 2020 Mazda CX-30 from its other crossover siblings.The 2020 CX-30 shares much of its mechanicals and platform with the all-new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, so we expect it to have a 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's possible that Mazda's new gasoline-powered compression-ignition engine—which the company calls Skyactiv-X—is likely to be available in the CX-30 at some point down the road.
Good car, the Mazda CX-30. Handles well, looks smart and has a lovely interior. But as is always the case with crossovers – the conventional car on which it’s based (in this case the Mazda3 hatchback) is the sensible buy.
Pros Good-looking, decent to drive, lovely interior.
Cons Cramped rear, old-fashioned auto.