The 2017 Mazda CX-3 ranks 2 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The Mazda CX-3 is bursting with fun, featuring best-in-class performance and sporty handling that more resembles a car than an SUV. It has a comparatively low base price, yet the interior is marked by impressive materials and a handsome design. The CX-3 comes up short on rear passenger room and cargo space, however, which detracts from its convenience.
Pros Excellent athletic handling Class-leading fuel economy Impressive interior design Outstanding crash test results
Cons Cramped rear seat Small cargo area
Many compact crossover SUVs aren't so "compact" anymore. But the petite 2017 Mazda CX-3 might be just what you're after. It's stylish, easy to park and fun to drive. If interior space isn't a priority, this could be your ideal crossover.For 2017, the CX-3 carries over unchanged.
Pros Excellent fuel economy Sporty handling helps you have fun behind the wheel Impressively quiet at highway speeds Front seats are very comfortable and supportive Attractive, high-quality interior with appealing features.
Cons Snug rear seat and humble cargo capacity limit the CX-3's versatility.
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 keeps the most attractive features from last year: its price and its handling.Looks only tell half of the 2017 Mazda CX-3's story: The body cladding and badging on the CX-3 point toward a soft-roader based on the fun-to-drive Mazda 3, but there's more to its tale.The CX-3 earned a 7.2 overall rating on our scale, which is fairly high for the budget hatchback. We like its fuel economy and features, but it has room to improve on features and overall comfort.
Pros Ample features and good value Available all-wheel-drive system Good handling and impressive performance for segment Easy to learn infotainment
Cons No manual, paddle shifters only on top models Not a lot of rear seat room Monochrome gauges look cheap Head-up display is nice, but not very useful
Are you shopping for a versatile crossover SUV on a budget? With its generous equipment roster, top safety ratings and lengthy warranty, we think the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a desirable pick among affordable crossover SUVs. For 2017, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport returns with refreshed styling front and rear, along with numerous feature updates, including a height adjustment for the power passenger seat, a larger 5-inch standard display and an available 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto. Newly offered safety features include adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, an electronic parking brake, a 360-degree parking camera, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking. Also, the base four-cylinder engine loses 5 horsepower, while the optional turbo four loses a more significant 25 hp, though Hyundai claims driving quality is improved. Pros
Generous rear-passenger and cargo space Lots of features for the money Lengthy warranty coverage. Cons
Below-average fuel economy for a small crossover SUV Thick roof pillars hamper rearward visibility Ride quality can be uncomfortably stiff on rough pavement
The restyled 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport looks sharp, inside and out. We can't help but wonder what the model could do with a slightly improved powertrain lineup. The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport received a substantial refresh this year that helps cement its status as Hyundai's go-to 'tweener in its SUV lineup.
Likes Sharper styling all the way around Good standard features Still a good value, even in higher trims Easy-to-use cargo space Bigger engine doesn't penalize economy
Dislikes Base engine isn't exciting All-around gas mileage isn't great Steering feel isn't sharp V-6 only on long-wheelbase Sante Fe, not the Sport
With its improved styling and greater feature content, Hyundai’s 2017 Santa Fe Sport compact SUV continues to show up newer rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Edge and Subaru Forester. While each of the aforementioned vehicles bests the Santa Fe Sport in the areas of fuel economy, only the Ford and Subaru can match its turbocharged engine option. The Santa Fe Sport also offers a number of features you won’t find on most other small SUVs, such as ventilated front seats and a power liftgate that automatically activates. If power and fuel economy are less important than comfort, safety and style, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport remains a very viable option.
Likes If you’re looking for a compact SUV with more style and features than a Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue, the 2017 Santa Fe Sport SUV from Hyundai delivers an impressive combination of comfort, safety features and performance.
Dislikes If you’re looking for a low-priced compact SUV with great fuel economy, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport comes in near the bottom of the list. Its swept-up side glass can make the interior feel a bit claustrophobic, and the base 2.4-liter engine doesn’t feel all that powerful.
