2018 Mazda 2 Hatchback

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Mazda?

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Mazda has continued to gain popularity for its reasonably priced vehicles with sportier driving dynamics compared to some of its better-known competitors. The brand was ranked the most fuel-efficient in the U.S. in 2015 and was named the "2020 Best Car Brand" by U.S. News & World Report.

New models make 2020 an especially good year to buy a Mazda if you're looking for an exciting crossover. However, deals may be scarce because the vehicles are so new. Most Mazdas have been refreshed or updated in some way for 2020, ensuring you'll get the latest features. If you're on a budget, SmartAsset recommends waiting until the end of the model season or even the year to get a better deal on these vehicles.

Crossovers and SUVs

Some may consider the Mazda 3 the "bread and butter" vehicle of the Mazda family, but the automaker has increasingly focused on building crossovers and SUVs in recent years. If you're shopping for something capable and stylish, consider the CX-30. It may be branded as a small crossover SUV, but this newer Mazda stands out for its spacious interior, which has ample space to seat up to five passengers.

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The base model boasts 186 horsepower along with LED headlights and an 8.8-inch center display. Upgrade to the next-level Select Package for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium Package trim level gets you perforated leather seats, the Active Driving Display projected in full color on the windshield, a Bose 12-speaker premium sound system, heated front seats and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat. The CX-30 gets an estimated 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The entry-level CX-3 is Mazda's more compact and affordable SUV. A refresh in 2019 brought many exciting changes, from redesigned rear lights with a modern rounded appearance to a standard electronic parking brake with automatic hold. Mazda made the seats wider and more comfortable and added a fold-down center armrest with cup holders for backseat passengers. The 2020 model remains largely unchanged following the previous year's makeover. The 2019 model was designated a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick with the available Smart Brake Support and Adaptive Front-lighting System.

If you're looking for more space, consider the 2020 CX-5, a compact SUV that can comfortably seat up to five passengers. The CX-5 comes standard with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, but the available turbo engine option delivers a more robust 250 horsepower. This SUV comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available, even on the base model.

The largest SUV Mazda currently makes is the CX-9, which seats up to seven passengers and has an expansive 71.2 cubic feet of usable space with the second and third row seats folded down. The CX-9 comes standard with a turbo engine that yields up to 250 horsepower and up to 320 foot pounds of torque, which is plenty for most driving demands. All models come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available.

Sedans

The Mazda 3 is Mazda's entry-level sedan, but don't be fooled by the lower price tag. This sporty sedan comes standard with a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode for an extra boost when you need it. There's also a large 8.8-inch central display, which houses Mazda's infotainment system, text message delivery and reply, Bluetooth audio capabilities and other tech options.

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The base Mazda 3 sedan has automatic rain-sensing wipers, but you'll need to upgrade to the Select Package to get Apple CarPlay along with rear traffic-alert and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package level offers leather seats, an active driving display, adaptive front lighting, a power moonroof and other options. In a departure from many of its competitors, this affordable sedan has available all-wheel drive. The Mazda 3 comes in sedan and hatchback models.

It may be similar in size to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, but its unique styling and sporty design help set the 2020 Mazda 6 apart from the crowd. You'll find a variety of available trims, from the standard Sport model with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine that delivers up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, to the top-level Signature with a 250-horsepower turbo engine. The base model comes well-equipped with an 8-inch full-color touchscreen display, a multi-function command center, rain-sensing wipers and LED headlights. Aside from more power, the Signature model offers a 360-degree-view monitor, along with front and rear parking sensors and ventilated premium leather seats.

Sports Cars

For more spirited driving, check out the 2020 MX-5 Miata. This is an affordably priced sports car that was first introduced to the automotive world in 1989. The beloved car is still turning heads with its athletic appearance in 2020, but it also boasts numerous modern features for your safety and comfort.

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The MX-5 Miata comes standard with safety features such as forward collision and lane-departure warnings, along with blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking in the event of an emergency. Upgrade to the Club or Grand Touring models for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Grand Touring trim delivers an even more impressive driving experience with sport suspension.

2018 Mazda 2 Hatchback