2020 Mazda Mazda3

The 2020 Mazda3 is the compact car that feels more upscale than its price suggests, offered as a sedan or a practical hatchback. It's genuinely fun to drive, with sharp steering and a willing engine that makes zipping around town a pleasure. Inside, the cabin is a cut above the class, with quality materials and comfortable seats, though rear legroom is tight for adults. Owners report strong reliability, with only minor gripes like an occasional infotainment freeze and a body that dents easily. The Preferred trim sits between the Select and Premium in the Mazda3 lineup, adding a power driver's seat and dual-zone climate control without the Premium's Bose audio or sunroof. This hatchback uses the same 2.5L I4 making 186 horsepower as the rest of the range, paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive that returns 30 mpg combined. The Preferred hatchback comes with a rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring as standard, features that cost extra on the Select.