2019 Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda3 comes in both a sedan and hatchback body style and each comes in four different trim levels. The base has 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and LED daytime running lights. The Select trim adds 18-inch wheels and keyless entry, while the Preferred adds interior upgrades. The Premium Package will get you a sunroof and for the hatchback models, this trim adds black-painted wheels. The base hatchback receives a rear spoiler and all the contents of the Select Package.

All the Mazda3 models get their power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 186 horsepower and provides 186 pound-feet of torque. This is class-leading power, and since Mazda pairs it with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, it easily moves through the gears to get you up to highway speed.

Front-wheel drive comes standard with all the Mazda3 models, and something new for 2019 is an optional all-wheel-drive system that works with Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus system. This works to gently apply the brakes to individual wheels as needed to fine-tune the vehicle's movements. The all-wheel drive system can also split the front and rear power up to 50:50 giving you more control in slippery conditions

Both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda3 have room for up to five people. The front seats have bolsters designed to keep you in place around hard corners and the back row has a good amount of room. The materials in the Mazda3 are all high-quality and the cabin is modern and upscale. The Select trim adds simulated leather upholstery and the Premium upgrades to real leather. Bump up to the Preferred Package for a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and driver seat memory settings or opt for the Premium if you want paddle-shifters.

Standard technology includes an 8.8-inch central display screen with a rotary knob controller on the center console, Bluetooth, voice controls, two USB ports, an eight-speaker stereo with HD radio, and the new Mazda Connect infotainment system. The Select adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the Preferred bumps up the sound with a 12-speaker Bose stereo and adds satellite radio. Some stand-alone tech options include a wireless charging pad and a navigation system.

The base Mazda3 comes with a rearview camera, but the Select adds the advanced safety features you want. This model comes with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a drowsy driver monitor that will alert the driver if it senses any drowsiness. The top-level Premium model adds to the safety features with a head-up display that even works with polarized sunglasses.