2021 Mazda Mazda3 Preferred

The 2021 Mazda3 is Mazda's compact car, sold as both a sedan and a hatchback, and it competes with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It drives with a sporty feel that's rare in this class, with sharp steering and a willing character that makes even a commute fun. The cabin is a cut above the competition, with high-quality materials and a clean design that makes it feel more expensive than it is. Back-seat space is tight, so it's best for two adults or a small family, but the hatchback's folding seats add real cargo flexibility. The Preferred trim gives you the 2.5L engine and most of the Premium's niceties, but skips the Bose audio and head-up display to save a few thousand dollars. Its 2.5L I4 makes 186 horsepower and pairs with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, giving you confident traction in rain or snow without a big fuel-economy penalty.