If you're in the market for a new car, you've likely heard of the Mazda Mazda3. This popular compact car has earned a reputation for its sleek design, agile handling, and impressive fuel efficiency. But what if you're looking for something similar, but with a slightly different twist? Fear not, because we've got you covered. In this post, we'll be exploring 20 cars that are just as good as the Mazda Mazda3. From sporty hatchbacks to family-friendly sedans, we'll be covering a range of options that are sure to suit your needs. So buckle up and get ready to discover your next dream ride.
But first, let's dig a little deeper into what makes the Mazda Mazda3 such a standout car. With its sharp lines and bold grille, this car certainly catches the eye. But it's not just about looks - the Mazda3 is also known for its nimble handling and responsive steering. And with impressive fuel economy ratings, it's a practical choice for anyone looking to save money at the pump. So why look for something else? Well, as great as the Mazda3 is, it's always good to have options. Maybe you're looking for something with a bit more cargo space, or a car that's a little more affordable. Whatever your priorities may be, we're confident that you'll find something on this list that fits the bill.
| Competitors | Last Release | Fuel Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda3 | 2022 | 28 city / 36 highway |
| Acura ILX | 2022 | 24 city / 34 highway |
| Acura Integra | 2001 | |
| Audi A3 | 2023 | 28 city / 38 highway |
| Chevrolet Cobalt | 2010 | 25 city / 37 highway |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 2019 | 31 city / 48 highway |
| Chevrolet Cruze Limited | 2016 | 28 city / 42 highway |
| Dodge Caliber | 2012 | 24 city / 32 highway |
| Dodge Dart | 2016 | 28 city / 41 highway |
| Ford Focus | 2018 | 30 city / 40 highway |
| Honda Civic | 2022 | 33 city / 42 highway |
| Honda Fit | 2020 | 31 city / 36 highway |
| Honda Insight | 2022 | 55 city / 49 highway |
| Hyundai Accent | 2022 | 33 city / 41 highway |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2023 | 33 city / 42 highway |
| Hyundai Veloster | 2021 | 28 city / 34 highway |
| Hyundai Veloster N | 2022 | 22 city / 28 highway |
| Kia Forte | 2022 | 31 city / 41 highway |
| Kia Forte Koup | 2016 | 25 city / 34 highway |
| MINI Convertible | 2022 | 27 city / 37 highway |
| MINI Hardtop | 2022 | 27 city / 37 highway |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 24 city / 34 highway
The Acura ILX is a sleek and stylish sedan that certainly catches the eye. With a comfortable and spacious interior, it's a great choice for longer journeys.
However, while the ILX offers decent performance, it could be more exciting to drive. Overall, it's a solid option in its class.
| Horsepower / Torque | 201 hp / 180 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 2.4L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.30 in |
| Rear legroom | 34.00 in |
| Front headroom | 38.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 50.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 52.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 6.6 sec |
Latest Release: 2001
The Acura Integra stands out from competitors with its sleek design and reliable performance.
In my opinion, it's a great car for those who want a balance of style and practicality.
Latest Release: 2023
MPG: 28 city / 38 highway
The Audi A3's key decision-making factors include its fuel economy and handling, which are both impressive and contribute to the car's overall performance.
| Horsepower / Torque | 201 hp / 221 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 41.20 in |
| Rear legroom | 35.20 in |
| Front headroom | 37.00 in |
Latest Release: 2010
MSRP: $14,390
MPG: 25 city / 37 highway
The Chevrolet Cobalt has a top speed of 120 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. This is comparable to other compact cars in its class.
| Horsepower / Torque | 260 hp / 260 lb.ft |
| Front legroom | 41.80 in, 42.00 in |
| Rear legroom | 32.20 in, 33.70 in |
| Front headroom | 38.50 in, 38.70 in |
| Rear headroom | 49.50 in, 49.60 in |
| Rear hip room | 46.10 in, 46.40 in |
| Luggage volume | 13.90 cu.ft. |
| 0-60 times | 5.5 - 7.6 sec |
Latest Release: 2019
MPG: 31 city / 48 highway
The Chevrolet Cruze is a reliable and spacious sedan with good fuel economy.
However, it lacks in overall performance and features compared to its competitors.
| Horsepower / Torque | 153 hp / 240 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.4L I-4, 1.6L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 0.00 in, 42.00 in |
| Rear legroom | 0.00 in, 36.10 in |
| Front headroom | 39.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 53.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 52.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 8.1 sec |
Latest Release: 2016
MSRP: $16,089
MPG: 28 city / 42 highway
The Chevrolet Cruze Limited is a reliable and affordable option in the compact car market, with competitive fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride.
However, it may not have the same level of technology features or interior luxury as some of its competitors.
| Horsepower / Torque | 138 hp / 148 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.4L I-4, 1.8L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.30 in |
| Rear legroom | 35.40 in |
| Front headroom | 39.30 in |
| Rear headroom | 53.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 52.40 in |
| Luggage volume | 15.40 cu.ft. |
| 0-60 times | 9.5 - 10.3 sec |
Latest Release: 2012
MSRP: $16,944
MPG: 24 city / 32 highway
The strong side of the Dodge Caliber is its spacious interior and versatile cargo area.
However, its weak side is its lackluster performance and unimpressive fuel economy.
| Horsepower / Torque | 158 hp / 141 lb.ft |
| Front legroom | 41.80 in |
| Rear legroom | 35.70 in |
| Front headroom | 39.80 in |
| Rear headroom | 52.20 in |
| Rear hip room | 49.60 in |
| Luggage volume | 18.50 cu.ft. |
| 0-60 times | 8.2 - 8.4 sec |
Latest Release: 2016
MSRP: $16,654
MPG: 28 city / 41 highway
The Dodge Dart offers a smooth and comfortable ride with impressive handling and fuel efficiency.
Its sleek design and advanced technology make it a top choice for those seeking a stylish and practical sedan.
| Horsepower / Torque | 184 hp / 184 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.4L I-4, 2.0L I-4, 2.4L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.20 in |
| Rear legroom | 35.20 in |
| Front headroom | 37.40 in, 38.60 in |
| Rear headroom | 54.80 in |
| Rear hip room | 52.60 in |
| Luggage volume | 13.10 cu.ft. |
| 0-60 times | 8.1 - 8.8 sec |
Latest Release: 2018
MPG: 30 city / 40 highway
The Ford Focus is a sleek and efficient car that boasts impressive fuel economy and a comfortable interior. It is the perfect choice for both city and highway driving.
With its modern design and advanced features, the Ford Focus is a popular choice among drivers who want a reliable and stylish vehicle. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a road trip, the Focus is sure to impress.
Overall, the Ford Focus is a great car for anyone who values performance, comfort, and style. With its impressive fuel efficiency and advanced technology, it's easy to see why this car is such a popular choice among drivers today.
| Horsepower / Torque | 160 hp / 146 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.0L I-3, 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 41.90 in |
| Rear legroom | 33.20 in |
| Front headroom | 38.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 54.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 53.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 7.5 - 8.3 sec |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 33 city / 42 highway
The Honda Civic is a car that defies expectations - it's not just reliable and efficient, it's also surprisingly fun to drive.
It's a true jack-of-all-trades, and a worthy contender in the fiercely competitive compact car market.
| Horsepower / Torque | 180 hp / 177 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.5L I-4, 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.30 in |
| Rear legroom | 37.40 in |
| Front headroom | 38.00 in, 39.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 54.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 49.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 7.4 - 7.9 sec |
Latest Release: 2020
MPG: 31 city / 36 highway
The Honda Fit is a reliable and efficient subcompact car with great fuel economy and a spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for city driving and commuting.
Its responsive handling and advanced safety features also make it a safe and fun car to drive.
| Horsepower / Torque | 130 hp / 114 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.5L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 41.40 in |
| Rear legroom | 39.30 in |
| Front headroom | 38.00 in, 40.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 52.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 45.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 8.6 sec |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 55 city / 49 highway
The Honda Insight is a game-changing hybrid with a sleek design and impressive fuel economy, making it stand out from other hybrids in its class.
Its advanced technology and comfortable interior make it a top choice for eco-conscious drivers.
| Horsepower / Torque | 152 hp / 197 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.5L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.30 in |
| Rear legroom | 37.40 in |
| Front headroom | 38.00 in, 39.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 54.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 47.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 7.3 sec |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 33 city / 41 highway
The Hyundai Accent is a budget-friendly compact car that offers impressive fuel efficiency and a spacious interior.
However, its handling and acceleration may not be as sporty as some competitors.
| Horsepower / Torque | 120 hp / 113 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.6L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.10 in |
| Rear legroom | 33.50 in |
| Front headroom | 39.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 52.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 51.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 8.5 sec |
Latest Release: 2023
MPG: 33 city / 42 highway
The sleek and stylish Hyundai Elantra packs a punch with its 147 horsepower engine and impressive fuel efficiency.
This makes it a top contender in the compact car market.
| Horsepower / Torque | 201 hp / 195 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.6L I-4, 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.30 in |
| Rear legroom | 38.00 in |
| Front headroom | 39.00 in, 41.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 53.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 51.00 in |
Latest Release: 2021
MPG: 28 city / 34 highway
The sporty little number from Hyundai is a real head-turner with its unique three-door design and sleek lines.
It's a blast to drive, with impressive fuel economy and nimble handling that makes it perfect for zipping around town.
| Horsepower / Torque | 201 hp / 195 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.6L I-4, 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.60 in |
| Rear legroom | 34.10 in |
| Front headroom | 37.00 in, 38.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 54.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 47.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 6.2 sec |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 22 city / 28 highway
The Hyundai Veloster N is a hot hatch that packs a punch with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and sharp handling.
However, the interior could use some upgrades to match its sporty exterior.
| Horsepower / Torque | 275 hp / 260 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.60 in |
| Rear legroom | 34.10 in |
| Front headroom | 38.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 54.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 47.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 4.8 sec |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 31 city / 41 highway
Now let me tell you something, folks. This Kia Forte, it's a real looker.
But when it comes to performance and handling, it falls short compared to some of its competitors.
| Horsepower / Torque | 201 hp / 195 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.6L I-4, 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 42.20 in |
| Rear legroom | 35.70 in |
| Front headroom | 39.00 in |
| Rear headroom | 53.00 in |
| Rear hip room | 51.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 6.7 - 8.2 sec |
Latest Release: 2016
MPG: 25 city / 34 highway
The Kia Forte Koup is a sleek and sporty car that delivers impressive performance and fuel efficiency.
It is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the thrill of driving without sacrificing practicality.
| Horsepower / Torque | 201 hp / 195 lb.ft |
| 0-60 times | 7.0 sec |
| ¼ mile time | 15.2 sec |
| ¼ mile speed | 94 sec |
| Curb weight | 2820 - 2925 lbs |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 27 city / 37 highway
The MINI Convertible is a fun and lively car that is perfect for cruising around town with the top down.
It's compact size and nimble handling make it a blast to drive.
| Horsepower / Torque | 228 hp / 235 lb.ft |
| 0-60 times | 6.3 - 8.2 sec |
| Curb weight | 2892 - 3144 lbs |
Latest Release: 2022
MPG: 27 city / 37 highway
The MINI Hardtop is a fun and quirky car that offers great handling and a unique style.
However, its small size can make it feel cramped and there is limited cargo space.
| Horsepower / Torque | 228 hp / 235 lb.ft |
| Engine options | 1.5L I-3, 2.0L I-4 |
| Front legroom | 41.40 in |
| Rear legroom | 30.80 in, 32.30 in |
| Front headroom | 40.00 in |
| 0-60 times | 5.9 - 7.7 sec |
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