
Very few compact cars that are in the same size and price range as the Mazda 3 offer all-wheel drive, but the Subaru Impreza makes it standard(with a more rugged, related model called the Crosstrek for those who want to be extra-rugged).
Compared to the Mazda 3, the Impreza is somewhat noisy and unrefined, with a cabin and driver interface that feel less focused on the details and fine finishes.
The new Kia Forte brings more of the refined interior look and feel from Kia’s larger vehicles, and it packs in a lot of value; it’s not as space-efficient as it used to be, though, and the hatchback is gone from the lineup (for now).
Another alternative is the Hyundai Elantra, which outside of the sporty Elantra GT, remains uninspiring to drive but attractive for most other reasons—as a more straight-laced interpretation of the compact-car format.
The Honda Civic lineup offers sharp styling, great value, and a good safety feature set.
On the other hand, the styling is going to be too overt for some compact-car shoppers.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||||
The 2019 Mazda 3 keeps the zoom, but all-wheel-drive practicality and a vastly upgraded interior make it much more than that. |
Safety upgrades this year make the 2019 Honda Civic as compelling as ever. |
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra delivers good handling and a lot of value for the money. |
The 2019 Kia Forte pairs stylish good looks with a lot of features, making it a compact sedan standout. |
The 2019 Subaru Impreza is a sensible, right-price, low-compromise compact car. |
The 2019 Toyota Corolla is a fun choice as a hatchback, but we’d skip the sedan in favor of its competitors. |
MSRP From | |||||
$21,000 | $19,550 | $17,200 | $17,790 | Coming Soon | $18,700 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
24 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | N/A | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | N/A | Midsize Cars |
Style Name | |||||
FWD | LX CVT | SE Manual | FE Manual | N/A | L CVT (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | N/A | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | N/A | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | N/A | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | N/A | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2019 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2019 Honda Civic | 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2019 Hyundai Elantra | 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2019 Kia Forte | 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2019 Subaru Impreza | 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2019 Toyota Corolla |