Chevrolet Cruze vs Mazda MAZDA3

2025 Mazda MAZDA3
2025 Mazda MAZDA3
$24,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda MAZDA3
$24,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2004-Present

Years produced

2011-2019

MSRP

$24,150

MSRP

$16,975

Listings

9553

Listings

4799

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fun to drive

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Cramped back seat

  • Outdated technology

  • Poor rear visibility

Reviews Summary

Last redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda 3 is getting old, yet aging gracefully. It still looks, feels, and drives better than some of its rivals. For 2025, Mazda adds value to the lineup, introducing a new base version of the 2.5 S. Moving one rung up the trim level ladder, the 2.5 S Select Sport gets Amazon Alexa Built-in for 2025, while the Premium and Premium Plus gain a cloud-based navigation system.

Verdict: Available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, there is a Mazda 3 to suit nearly anyone. Basic or upscale, turbocharged or not, and with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the common threads across all Mazda 3s are quality, refinement, sophistication, safety, and enjoyable driving dynamics. This is a terrific compact car.

Reviews Summary

As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.”
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Engine

1.4L 153 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

153 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

40
2025 Mazda MAZDA3
2025 Mazda MAZDA3
$24,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda MAZDA3
$24,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2004-Present
2011-2019
MSRP
$24,150
$16,975
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.5

4.3

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

6.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fun to drive

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Cramped back seat

  • Outdated technology

  • Poor rear visibility

Summary

Last redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda 3 is getting old, yet aging gracefully. It still looks, feels, and drives better than some of its rivals. For 2025, Mazda adds value to the lineup, introducing a new base version of the 2.5 S. Moving one rung up the trim level ladder, the 2.5 S Select Sport gets Amazon Alexa Built-in for 2025, while the Premium and Premium Plus gain a cloud-based navigation system.

Verdict: Available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, there is a Mazda 3 to suit nearly anyone. Basic or upscale, turbocharged or not, and with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the common threads across all Mazda 3s are quality, refinement, sophistication, safety, and enjoyable driving dynamics. This is a terrific compact car.

As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.”
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 191 hp I4
1.4L 153 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
191 hp @ 6000 rpm
153 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
27
27
MPG Highway
37
40
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