Mazda is a Japanese automaker dubbed the “Zoom-Zoom” company because of its famous sports car, the Miata. Mazda car models, however, also include crossovers and SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks. All 2021 vehicles include engines with Mazda’s Skyactiv technology designed to help them function most efficiently.
What models does Mazda make?
- MX-5 Miata – $26,580-$34,425
- Mazda3 – $20,500-$32,450
- Mazda6 – $24,325-$35,750
- CX-3 – $20,640-$22,040
- CX-30 – $21,900-$28,550
- CX-5 – $25,270 – $37,405
- CX-9 – $33,960-$46,605
Are you a Miata type or more of a sedan or SUV driver? Would any of the Mazda models meet your needs? Read on to find out.
MX-5 Miata and Miata RF: $26,580 – $34,425
The iconic, playful roadster is offered in a soft-top convertible and power-folding hard-top (the RF) and automatic and manual transmissions. It remains largely unchanged from 2020.
- Fuel Economy: 29/34
- Seats: 2
- Engine: 2.0L
- Horsepower: 181
NHTSA has not rated this car yet.
Car and Driver named this car No. 1 in its class, but note that the car is more suited to fun in the sun driving, rather than road trips.
Mazda3: $20,500 – $32,450
The Mazda 3 offers choices of hatchback or sedan, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and three different engines, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder. This year’s model shifts some features between trims, so if you’re familiar with past model years, you may want to check features carefully to compare.
- Fuel Economy: 26-28/30-35
- Seats: 5
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder base, some trims offer optional 2.5L four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.5 liter
- Horsepower: 186
NHTSA Ratings
- Overall: 5
- Front: 5
- Side: 5
- Rollover: 5
Reviewers rate its upscale appearance, well-equipped cabin, driver-assist, infotainment features, and easy handling as plusses, but note that some hatchback trims fail to provide good visibility.
Mazda6: $24,325 – $35,750
The Mazda6 is a sophisticated family Mazda car model with fun features such as a power moonroof in some trims. New features are offered across all trims for 2021, and a new trim, Carbon Edition, includes all equipment in the Grand Touring Reserve trim plus additional accents. The turbocharged engine also now makes an extra 10 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Fuel Economy: 23-26/31-35
- Seats: 5
- Engine: 2.5 L four-cylinder or 2.5L Turbo
- Horsepower: 186
NHTSA Ratings
- Overall: 5
- Front: 5
- Side: 5
- Rollover: 4
This car receives high marks for its classy design, easy drive, and a quiet cabin. It loses points for the lack of an eco-friendly version.
CX-3: $20,640 – $22,040
The Mazda CX-3 crossover is agile and quick to accelerate. The 2021 model has updated its automatic LED headlights, and its automatic emergency braking system to sense pedestrians.
- Fuel Economy: 27-29/32-34
- Seats: 5
- Engine: 2.0L/122
- Horsepower:148
NHTSA Ratings
- Overall: 5
- Front: 5
- Side: 5
- Rollover: 4
Reviewers give the CX-3 high marks for its quick acceleration, athletic handling, upscale interior, and safety features. They downgrade it for lack of passenger space in the second row and sparse cargo space.
CX-30: $21,900 – $28,550
A subcompact SUV, the Mazda CX-30, provides good passenger and cargo space and is known for its reliability and easy handling. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard on all 2021s; a 250-hp turbocharged engine is optional.
- Fuel Economy: 24-25/31-33
- Seats: 5
- Engine: 2.5L/152 standard
- Horsepower: 182
NHTSA Reviews
- Overall: 5
- Front: 5
- Side: 5
- Rollover: 4
Reviewers rate this as refined, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive. Some feel the acceleration leaves a bit to be desired, and the infotainment system could be improved.
CX-5: $25,270 – $37,405
This compact SUV provides a sporty handling and potent turbo engine option. The model offers new safety features for 2021, including driver attention monitoring and optional reverse automatic emergency braking. Also new are 10.25-inch touch screen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard.
- Fuel Economy: 23/28
- Seats: 5
- Engine: Base 2.4 L 4; optional 2.5 L turbo
- Horsepower: 187-227
NHTSA Ratings
- Overall: 5
- Front: 5
- Side: 5
- Rollover: 4
Reviewers praise the interior features, infotainment, and handling of the CX-5, compared to the Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V has more passenger space and cargo room.
CX-9: $33,960 – $46,605
This midsize CX-9 SUV comes with infotainment updates, elegant interiors, a perky engine, and performance features such as G Vectoring Control Plus that adjust engine torque and brake pressure when turning corners.
- Fuel Economy: 20-22/26-28
- Seats: 6-7
- Engine: 2.5 L/152 turbo
- Horsepower: 227
NHTSA Ratings
- Overall: 5
- Front: 5
- Side: 5
- Rollover: 4
Reviewers love its fuel economy, easy handling, sophisticated interiors, and performance engine. The downside is that the CX-9 has less cargo space, and its third row is less adult-friendly than that of its competitors, the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade.
