The modern Mazda lineup has a little bit of everything. You can find SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and even a zippy little sports car upon rolling up to their dealership. To decide between them all, explore the options, and then dig into the specs to see what each one offers.
What models does Mazda make?
- Mazda3: $20,500 – $33,750
- CX-3: $20,640 – $22,040
- MX-5 Miata: $33,045 – $35,370
- Mazda6: $24,325 – $35,750
Are Mazdas safe to drive? Do they have all the modern safety and entertainment features? Are there any high-performance options? So many questions, not enough time, but thankfully, we can help. Check out this guide to learn all you need to know.
CX-3: $20,640 – $22,040
Now in its sixth year running, the CX-3 continues to serve as a truly awe-inspiring ride. Although it’s the smallest of the Mazda SUVs, it gives all five passengers plenty of room to stretch out. And with more than 17 cubic feet of cargo space, there’s also enough room for groceries, sports gear, and much more.
Only available in the Sport trim at this time, this subcompact SUV comes with the 2.0L four-cylinder powerplant and six-speed automatic gearbox. You can get yours in either front- or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on what you want out of your vehicle.
Specs that might interest you include:
- 148 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque
- Only needs 87 octane fuel at fill-ups
- Four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system
- Equipped with Skyactiv vehicle dynamics
- Over a half dozen driver assist system
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the CX-3 an overall five-star score. Despite its high marks, they did note the potential for the rear passenger to suffer a spinal injury during a side impact.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) noted no such danger and actually gave a ‘Good’ rating. Beyond that, they named this SUV as their Top Safety Pick+ for 2020.
Although safety is a top consideration, owners point to this vehicle’s sheer utility as the reason why they love it so much. In addition, they note that this subcompact SUV is a joy to take into the city since it easily handles heavy traffic and can park virtually anywhere. While the seats are a bit difficult to move, they are comfortable enough to make them well worth the effort.
CX-30: $21,900 – $28,550
When the CX-30 arrived on the scene in 2019, it perfectly filled the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5. This subcompact SUV has stunningly good looks, ample power, and lots of space for up to five passengers.
It’s also incredibly fun to drive and has all the safety features you could want out of an SUV. Airbags all around and the full suite of driver-assist systems promise to always provide the protection you seek. In addition to that, the nimble handling and powerful engine inspire confidence behind the wheel.
Things you might adore about this vehicle include:
- 186 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque
- Available i-Activ all-wheel drive
- Eight-speaker audio system
- Easy smartphone connectivity
- Ample driver-assist systems
The 2020 CX-30 got five stars overall on its NHTSA crash tests. It didn’t have the same issue with the side impact tests as the CX-3 either. On the IIHS tests, it received a ‘Good’ score and the Top Safety Pick award for 2020.
CX-30 owners appreciate its safety features, attractive styling, and comfortable ride quality. They find the LED headlights guide the way perfectly during their nighttime or otherwise low light travels. At the other end of the equation is the backup camera, which gives true peace of mind while pulling in and out of parking spots.
CX-5: $25,270 – $37,405
Since its 2012 release, the CX-5 has long served as the most powerful sub-compact SUV in Mazda’s lineup. You have seven distinct trim levels to choose from, two of which are all-wheel drive only. The rest are front-wheel drive, though i-Activ AWD is optional.
Across all trim levels, this SUV comes with their popular turbo 2.5L powerplant, which can take you up to 60 mph in as little as 6.4 seconds. Beyond that, it has a truly capable suspension system that boasts agile handling while retaining a comfortable ride.
Other things you might like include:
- Up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque
- Nappa leather-adorned seating for five
- 30 to 59.6 cubic feet of cargo space
- Mazda Connect Infotainment System
- 360 View Monitor with parking sensors
With the exception of its four-star rollover test results, the CX-5 received five stars on all of the NHTSA crash tests. The IIHS gave it a ‘Good’ overall rating for its crashworthiness and crash avoidance systems. With its high marks, it also earned the 2020 Top Safety Pick+ award.
The luxurious look and feel of the CX-5 leaves owners feeling pretty good about their purchase. They also regularly rave about its zippy engine, nimble handling, and high-tech safety features. The blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assistance systems are mentioned most as owners sing its praises.
CX-9: $33,960 – $46,605
When only a full-size SUV will do, it’s the CX-9 that you want. As the biggest Mazda model, this vehicle gives you three rows of space for up to seven passengers. It also boasts 38 cubic feet of space with the seats up and an incredible 71 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
Across its five trim levels, you get its turbo 2.5L engine and six-speed transmission. As this capable powertrain gets you around town in a hurry, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy all its comfortable interior amenities.
For the driver, there’s a six-way power-adjustable seat with heating elements and power lumbar support, for example. Passengers are just as well supported and have ample head, leg, and shoulder room even in the third row.
Its most popular features include:
- Up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque
- Available all-wheel drive
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
- Adaptive front-lighting system
Overall, the NHTSA gave the CX-9 a five-star score. While its side-impact results were perfect, the front and rollover tests did not earn it top marks. As far as the IIHS goes, they gave it the 2020 Top Safety Pick+ award and an overall ‘Good’ rating.
Although the performance and handling leave owners thoroughly satisfied with their purchase, it’s all the convenience, safety, and entertainment features that make the biggest impression. Things like the second-row retractable window shades, windshield wiper deicers, and wireless phone chargers never fail to impress.
Mazda3: $20,500 – $33,750
The Mazda3 comes in both the sedan and hatchback configurations. With either option, you get a suave and sophisticated build designed to keep you confident behind the wheel.
At the lower trim levels, you can get it as a front-wheel-drive base model with the 2.0L powerplant. It truly starts to shine at the Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus trims, however, which get the 2.5T. Between those options, you have several trims with the 2.5L engine.
Specs that might impress include:
- Up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- An EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway
- Skyactiv vehicle dynamics
- LED headlights and taillights
Across all the NHTSA crash tests, the Mazda3 received five stars. It couldn’t have done better if it tried. The IIHS test results told a similar story with an overall ‘Good’ rating and ‘Superior’ scores for its crash avoidance systems.
Nimble handling, exceptional performance, and safety features throughout leave owners raving about the Mazda3. They love that they get so much car for the price and can count on it to remain safe and reliable through the years.
Mazda6: $24,325 – $35,750
If you love the Mazda3 but want a mid-size car instead of a compact model, then the Mazda6 is right up your alley. For nearly 20 years, this car has garnered the most attention out of all the vehicles in their lineup, and for good reason.
With six available trim levels, you can customize your ride to your liking. You can choose between the naturally-aspirated 2.5L powerplant or go with the top of the line turbo 2.5L engine. Other options include all-wheel drive, navigation system, and moonroof wind deflector.
Its most popular elements include:
- Up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque
- 19-inch aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed sport seats
- Active Driving Display
- Adaptive Front-Lighting System
The NHTSA gave the Mazda6 a five-star crash rating. It aced nearly all the tests, except in the rollover category where it got four stars instead. Its crash test results from the IIHS back up those findings with a ‘Good’ score all around. It’s even their 2020 Top Safety Pick+ award winner.
Owners adore how sleek and sophisticated this car looks. When they can break away their gaze and get in, they are equally happy with its agile handling and quick acceleration. They only have good things to say about the sport seats, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, and high-tech features throughout.
MX-5 Miata: $26,580 – $35,370
When it comes to sports cars, perhaps nothing beats the svelte MX-5 Miata. This little Mazda model has a whole lot of heart and it simply oozes performance. Between the breakneck acceleration and nimble handling, it leaves little to be desired.
You can get this car in either the base or RF configurations. Each one has multiple trim levels to consider as well. No matter which one you pick, you get the 2.0L engine, which will take you up to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
You can choose the automatic transmission if you wish, but the real magic is in driving it with the six-speed manual gearbox. If you get the manual, the higher trim levels come with a limited slip differential and tuned suspension, too.
This performance-minded car also boasts:
- 181 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque
- An EPA-estimated 35 mpg
- Bose nine-speaker stereo system
- Heated leather-trimmed seats
- Mazda navigation system
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash tested the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Prior model years were tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program and they gave it their highest rating: five stars.
Owners will tell you that the MX-5 Miata is a blast to drive both on the road and at the track. Its high-performance engine and tiny footprint pair up to make all your drives truly memorable. All the convenience, safety, and entertainment features sweeten the deal even more.
Photos: Mazda
