2016 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The class of compact cars today spans a wider range than it ever has in purpose and personality.

While some models tend to skew to the practical side and others go for sporty driving manners and lots of tech features, the Mazda 3 plays both sides.

Closest to the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 is tied as the sportiest of the group.

The Focus, like the Mazda 3, has a taut ride and a very responsive driving feel overall; we tend to like the Mazda 3’s dash layout better than that of the Focus, but Ford offers a somewhat better back seat.

The latest Volkswagen Golf has a premium feel to rival the 3's, but it's still a bit short on options, particularly when it comes to infotainment.

The Honda Civic is right smack in the middle of the segment, as is the Toyota Corolla and the Kia Forte; but the Civic in particular is a top-notch safety performer.

The Dodge Dart, like the Corolla and Cruze, is only sold as a sedan, but it offers a wider range of powertrains as well as a far more spacious interior—all with quite a bit of comfort yet a sporty design.

The Chevrolet Cruze is super-spacious, with a back seat that feels like it came out of a mid-size sedan, and its ride is quiet, although there’s nothing exciting about the driving experience.