The compact car segment continues to be a shrinking one, so it’s curious to watch the remaining competitors and see how they are adapting to remain competitive.

One brand that has remained steady in the segment is Mazda, which has offered its compact Mazda3 option for more than 20 years.

This fun little ride comes in both sedan and hatchback versions for 2024.

I tested the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Hatchback with all-wheel drive, and it is one of the most enjoyable options in the segment in terms of pure drive quality. It also offers a surprisingly upscale interior design that will make you question whether it’s competing with non-luxury compacts, or with more upscale luxury models.

One thing’s for sure: You won’t confuse the Mazda3 with a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, as it looks and drives like nothing else on the road.

Read on for a full report on how the 2024 Mazda3 holds up in the compact car segment.

LOOKS

The 2024 Mazda3 features an attractive exterior with the trademark Mazda-style front end — with its hood lip curling over a large, bold grille. Sharp lighting designs also accentuate the front of the 3.

Whether you choose the hatch or sedan, the 3 is without question as sharp-looking or more attractive than its compact rivals.

My test vehicle featured a Snowflake White Pearl exterior paint color, 18-inch black alloy wheels (16-inchers come standard), LED headlights and taillights, power sliding-glass moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated power side mirrors with turn lamps and memory positioning, and a wiper de-icer. The adaptive headlights swivel as you turn the steering wheel, allowing for better illumination in the curves.

Moving inside the 3, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how premium it looks and feels, and will wonder at times if you’ve gotten into a vehicle from a luxury brand.

Compared to the more pedestrian designs of typical compact cars, the 3 is in its own class. The red leather seating in my test vehicle looked great and felt very comfortable. The 3 has heated front seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other helpful features included 60/40 rear seating that folds down to improve cargo space.

One downside of the Mazda3 is that its cargo capacity does have major limitations. Though in the grand scheme of things, it should be understood that driving a compact car will always limit how much you can carry around.

The 2024 Mazda3 hatchback features just over 20 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, and just over 47 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

In terms of people sitting in the vehicle, the back seat is tight and shouldn’t be reserved for large humans. Let the little ones or shorter adults take that space when possible.

The design of the Mazda 3 hatchback can limit visibility in the rear a bit, but not too harshly.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

A pair of engines is offered on the 2024 Mazda3.

My test vehicle featured the stronger of the two options, a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.

The base engine is a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder option with just 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet, a steep drop from the turbo.

Both versions are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and some trim levels include paddle shifters.

All-wheel drive is an option, with FWD coming standard. You can also opt for a Mazda3 with a six-speed manual transmission (which must be paired with FWD).

The Mazda3 features G-Vectoring Control technology, which allows for better steering response by reducing torque in turns to put extra weight on the front tires. It also offers dynamic stability control and a traction control system.

The 0-to-60 numbers on the 2024 Mazda3 with the turbo engine are respectable, coming in around 6 seconds. It’s not the most powerful vehicle in the world, but can definitely get moving quickly when you need to gain ground quickly.

The overall feel of driving the Mazda is one of bold, yet smooth, power and acceleration. It handles impressively and the small size makes it quite nimble and agile on twisty roads.

The 3 proved to be tons of fun even without massive power numbers. Mazda has clearly designed the 3 for people who love driving. And you’ll want to get the turbo engine to truly experience what the 3 can do, as the base engine won’t knock your socks off. And even with the strong performance, the sound of the engine isn’t overly loud or annoying.

While most compact cars are not going to offer a thrilling ride unless you go the luxury route, the Mazda3 bucks that trend and blows away a variety of mostly ho–hum competitors.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The infotainment setup on the 2024 Mazda3 has either an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch center screen and is controlled by a dial in the center console. The dial works fine, but overall it’s not the best system out there in terms of user-friendliness and efficiency. Voice commands did work quite well if you want to avoid the dial.

If you are wondering about a touchscreen option, it does exist, but oddly enough only when you connect your phone wirelessly via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

A six-speaker sound system is standard, though you can upgrade to a more snazzy 12-speaker Bose system. The Mazda3 features a wireless phone charger, integrated navigation system with traffic sign recognition, satellite radio (trial period included, but it’s worth renewing), and multiple USB inputs. Phone calls and music can be streamed to the vehicle by connecting your phone via Bluetooth.

For a smaller vehicle like the Mazda3, you get an impressive array of safety features included as standard, and they don’t get in your way or act oversensitive.

I found the 360-degree multi-view cameras to be extremely helpful for parking situations, and other features on the 3 included: High beam control, driver attention alert, lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, airbags throughout the vehicle, tire pressure monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking.

The radar cruise control worked effectively and slowed down the 3 when vehicles would enter into my lane, and the front and rear sensors were effective at detecting other vehicles.

Other safety features include:
— Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (warns if a vehicle is in your blind spot)
— Head-up display (keeps driver’s eyes on the road by displaying important information on the windshield)
— Lane centering system (steers the vehicle back into lane)
— Rear automatic braking

— Drowsy driver monitor (warns of driver fatigue)

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the 2024 Mazda3 I tested with the turbo engine come in at 23 city/31 highway/26 combined. In my time driving the vehicle, I averaged just over 23 miles per gallon.

Depending on configuration, your numbers can jump as high as 27 city/37 highway/31 combined.

These aren’t the best fuel economy numbers you’ll find for this size of vehicle, but are still respectable considering the drive quality delivered by Mazda.

PRICE

I tested a maxed-out, top trim version of the Mazda3, and my test vehicle was priced just over $38K. Choosing the base model will get your price to a very affordable $25K.

In addition to the base, trim levels include Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Carbon Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus. You’ll need to choose one of the higher trim options if you want to upgrade to the turbocharged engine.

This pricing is a bit more than some of the rivals, but you’re getting a much better ride and vehicle design in the Mazda3 than the more inexpensive alternatives. And on the high end of the price range with the turbo engine, it’s competing more with performance sedans such as the Volkswagen GTI.

And if we’re being honest, the Mazda3 is the most luxury-feeling of all non-luxury car brands, so cross-shopping vs. compact luxury rides will make you realize you’re really getting quite a steal even at the highest trim level.

Warranties on the 2024 Mazda3 are decent, but not the best you’ll find in the segment. They include a 60 month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and 36 month/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty.

BOTTOM LINE

Among the few remaining non-luxury compact cars, the 2024 Mazda3 remains arguably the most fun to drive and best designed of the lot — especially its high-end interior. You’re not getting the extreme sportiness of more pricey luxury sedans, but it’s far more enjoyable than any other affordable non-luxury compact you’ll drive.

Its small size limits its audience, but those who are comfortable with a smaller ride and choose the Mazda3 will enjoy their time behind the wheel each day.

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Matt Myftiu’s past reviews can all be seen online at autotechreviews.com. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews.

FYI:

Vehicle: 2024 Mazda3
Price as tested: $38,265 (starts around $25K)

Best feature: Mazda drive quality, upscale interior

Rating: 4 out of five stars

Who will want this vehicle?: Small car buyers looking for a classy and fun-to-drive ride

For the past several years, I’ve called the Genesis an upstart in the luxury vehicle category, as they continued to drop solid vehicle after solid vehicle to take on the luxury mainstays who had long dominated their segment.

At this point, I’m dropping the upstart label, and instead just telling it like it is — the Genesis brand is one of the best options in the luxury market right now, period, and will continue to be so for a long time.

The latest Genesis vehicle I had a chance to experience is the GV70, a powerful and sporty compact SUV that comes in both gas and EV versions (I tested the gas-powered GV70).

The GV70 has been a strong competitor in the segment since debuting in 2022, shining straight out of the gate; and it hasn’t lost its luster despite tough competition growing every year in the sector.

Specifically, I drove the 2024 GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige, a trimmed-out version at the top of the GV70’s lineup that delivers bold looks, lots of power and cutting-edge technology.

The GV70 has some tough competition — including Mercedes-Benz GLC, Acura RDX, Jaguar F-PACE, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60 — so it’s got to come strong if it’s going to attract buyers.

The 2024 model year mostly carries over from the previous year’s GV70, but there are upgrades to the wheels and brakes, some upgraded safety features, and additional creature comforts on some models such as ventilated front seats.

Read on for my take on the GV70 and how it holds up in the cut-throat world of luxury SUVs.

LOOKS

The 2024 GV70 features sharply designed wheels, plus a large, beautiful, and bold mesh-style grille. There are also uniquely-shaped curved lighting designs in both the front and rear of the vehicle, and attractive overall silhouette.

Even from a distance, you can tell the GV70 is a bold and classy machine both in style and drive quality. It’s a sporty type of vibe, flashy but not stuffy. It is aimed at people who want to stand out in the crowd vs. traditional luxury rides.

My test vehicle featured a Mauna Red exterior paint color (with a bright, sporty look), and other sporty appearance touches. It offered dual exhaust and a black mesh design on the rear of the vehicle, 19-inch wheels (you can opt for 21-inch wheels), and a panoramic sunroof, as well as power-folding mirrors.

Moving inside the GV70, you will find high-quality stitching on the leather upholstery, and a comfortable ride for all five passengers compared to segment rivals. It looks and feels luxurious throughout the vehicle, including a sleek and appealing dashboard design that stands out in class, carbon fiber trim features, plus a suede headliner and leather door panels.

Heated and ventilated front seats are offered, along with a heated steering wheel and three-zone climate control. The second row seats are also heated on top trim level. Adjustable ambient lighting also helps create a welcoming experience in the GV70.

In terms of cargo, you get 28.9 cubic feet of room with the second row up, and 56.9 cubic feet if you fold down the rear seats.

The only real downside of the interior is that the back seat is a big tight, a reality you have to accept when choosing a smaller SUV. Front seats are quite roomy and comfortable for both driver and passenger.

For true relaxation while you drive, the massaging seats feature is a nice touch and features multiple modes. You can also use manual sunshades that are installed on the rear windows.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

Two solid powertrain options are offered on the 2024 GV70.

I tested the more impressive of those two options — a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. That’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and it also features an electronically controlled suspension with road preview — using the front camera and navigation system to analyze road conditions ahead, then automatically adjusting the damping force of the suspension.

The other engine option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo option offering a respectable 300 horsepower, and 311 pound-feet, also paired with the 8-speed auto transmission.

All-wheel drive comes standard on the GV70.

Driving the GV70 can be a tale of two worlds. If you want a quiet, smooth and elegant ride worthy of a request for Grey Poupon, it will deliver that experience. But if you want to unleash the beast, switch to Sport mode, mash the gas and listen to it growl.

Drive modes include Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, easily adjustable via the center console. Handling and cornering ability proved top-notch, and brakes respond quickly when you need to stop.

All in all, the GV70 offers a truly sporty and enjoyable driving experience. And while there are some rivals that may top its output numbers and overall sportiness (i.e. the Porsche Macan), they typically will also be more expensive options, and the numbers and performance of the GV70 will suffice for most buyers.

Zero-to-60 numbers are quite strong, coming in at roughly 5 seconds with the V6 engine, plenty quick for when you need to merge onto the freeway or get moving quickly from a stop light. And even with the lesser engine, your 0-to-60 time will be just a second more at about 6 seconds.

On the Sport Prestige model with the 3.5-liter offering, you also get an electronic limited-slip differential, which maximizes available traction during hard acceleration, as well as sound-reducing rear windows.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Technology is a huge part of decision-making for car buyers, and the tech that comes with the GV70 is some of the best you’ll find in a luxury car right now.

The tech is centered around a huge, 14.-5 inch infotainment touchscreen, which is controlled by a dial in the center console or by direct touch controls. (One small note: The dial is located near another rotary dial for shifting gears, so you’ll need to be careful which dial you are grabbing)

The system and its many menus feature a seemingly endless amount of settings that can be explored and updated, so it takes a bit of time to get acclimated to where everything is located.

Below the main touchscreen is a small digital cluster with easy-to-use climate controls, surrounded by bright ambient lighting at night.

In my experience, voice commands proved effective for directions, radio and phone, and the navigation system did its job impressively. In addition to the main touchscreen, there is a large 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster featuring 3-D graphics.

The GV70 features a 90-day trial for satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for phone mirroring (wired connection only), a wireless phone charger, Genesis Connected Services, and even a Fingerprint Authentication System that allows you to open the car and start the engine without a key.

Audiophiles can upgrade their listening experience with a 16-speaker Lexicon Premium Audio system. And the Genesis Digital Key smartphone app will allow a driver to turn on the car and unlock or lock it from their phone. Four USB outlets are included, as well as a 110-volt outlet.

The 2024 GV70 has been rated a top safety pick by the IIHS, and features a bevy of standard safety features, plus some excellent options.

One of my favorites was the optional surround view (including birds-eye view) camera setup that proved helpful for maneuvering in close parking situations or when I had to back into a tight spot.

The GV70’s Highway Driving Assist and its limited self-driving system functions well, too, using lane keeping and adaptive cruise control to keep you within your lane and slow you down when traffic is in front of you.

Other helpful safety features on the GV70 include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert.

A head-up display is also available on the GV70 to keep your eyes on the road.

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the 2024 Genesis GV70 I tested with the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine were 18 city/24 highway/20 combined.

The base, four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine improves to 22 city/28 highway/24 combined.

In my real-world testing, I averaged just over 15 miles per gallon, which was below the listed numbers, but in fairness I used Sport mode quite a bit throughout my time in the vehicle.

Better numbers are possible if you drive with the goal of maximizing efficiency.

Compared to rivals in the luxury realm, the GV70’s fuel mileage is competitive with some and trails behind others, though the differences aren’t large enough for this to be a deciding factor for most buyers shopping the segment.

PRICE

Depending on the engine and trim level you choose, the GV70 will range from around $47K, up to nearly $70K, so you have quite a few options to choose from depending on your budget.

The 2.5-liter turbo options (base, Select, Advanced and Prestige) are the more affordable offerings, topping out around $58K, and the 3.5-liter twin turbo options (Sport, Advanced and Prestige) begin around $59K.

These numbers are definitely not affordable for all, but for people cross-shopping other luxury SUVS, the numbers are on the lower end of the pricing spectrum, making the GV70 one of the more affordable options in the luxury realm, especially if you’re choosing from the lower trim levels.

Add in the class-leading warranties from Genesis, and the value proposition gets even better. You’ll get a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, and 3 years/36K miles of complimentary maintenance.

BOTTOM LINE

With sharp looks, a sporty drive, an excellent tech setup, and a reasonable price for a high-end ride, the 2024 Genesis GV70 is no doubt one of the best options in the luxury compact SUV class.

It’s representative of the strong showing Genesis has been making in the overall market over the past several years as it competes for its share of the luxury market with a strong lineup of SUVs.

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Matt Myftiu’s past reviews can all be seen online at autotechreviews.com. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews.

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FYI:

Vehicle: 2024 Genesis GV70
Price as tested: $68,870 (starts around $47K)

Best feature: Sporty ride, classy design, advanced tech

Rating: 4.5 out of five stars

Who will want this vehicle?: Luxury car buyers seeking one of the most complete compact SUVs available

HED:
2024 Ge