Chevrolet Cruze vs Mazda MAZDA3
Overview | |
Years produced2004-Present | Years produced2011-2019 |
MSRP$24,550 | MSRP$16,975 |
Listings9624 | Listings4806 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryCompact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | |
Reviews SummaryAs 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 | |
Engine2.5L 186 hp I4 | Engine1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway40 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 186 hp I4 | Engine Name1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway40 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.2 cu ft | Cargo Space14.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3111 lbs | Curb Weight2835 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height57.4 in |
Length183.5 in | Length183.7 in |
Width70.7 in | Width70.5 in |
Wheelbase107.3 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload970 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2004-Present | 2011-2019 |
MSRP | $24,550 | $16,975 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 6.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Compact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | 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 186 hp I4 | 1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 40 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 186 hp I4 | 1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 40 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.2 cu ft | 14.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3111 lbs | 2835 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 57.4 in |
Length | 183.5 in | 183.7 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 70.5 in |
Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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