Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Mazda CX-3
!

Mazda's entry in the

mini-utility segment

delivers agile, fun-to-drive

handling and good fuel

economy. The ride is stiff,

particularly with the 18-inch wheels

and tires that come on most versions,

and noise levels are high. The CX-3

is available with front- or all-wheel

drive, and the sole powertrain is a

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic. It's a smooth, willing

engine but isn't overly powerful. The infotainment system includes a center

display screen and a rotary knob to control phone and audio functions, but

it takes time to get familiar with its operation. The rear seat is very tight, and

cargo space is modest. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency brak-

ing with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

73

$20,640-$22,040

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

1

ROAD-TEST SCORE 64 MPG 28

Mazda CX-30

Based on the redesigned

Mazda3, the new CX-30

fills the narrow gap

between the CX-3 and

CX-5 SUVs. It is powered

by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, as in the

Mazda3, and is available in front- or

all-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic

is the standard transmission. The

CX-30 competes with the Nissan

Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek. This compact SUV is relatively quiet and

handles responsively, and the ride is civilized. The infotainment system is a

bit frustrating, and the rear seat is tight. Forward collision warning and

automatic emergency braking are standard. A driver monitoring system

uses an infrared camera and infrared LEDs to determine the driver's level of

drowsiness or fatigue.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$21,900-$29,600

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Mazda CX-5!

The CX-5 is one of the best

small SUVs. The 2.5-liter

four-cylinder engine and

six-speed automatic trans-

mission make for a respon-

sive and unobtrusive powertrain. Fuel

economy of 24 mpg is good but not a

standout. Handling is responsive and

enjoyable, and the steady, compliant

ride is among the best in this class.

The cabin is quiet, and interior quality is substantial and looks attractive.

Soft-touch surfaces, some detailed stitching, and chrome trim add to the

interior ambience. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable. But there is

a learning curve to mastering the infotainment system. Rear and side visibility

are a bit compromised. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency

braking with pedestrian detection are standard. A new top-trim Signature is

available with a stronger turbocharged engine or a 2.2-liter diesel engine.



OVERALL

SCORE

84

$25,090-$37,055

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 MPG 24

Mazda CX-9
!

Mazda's CX-9 is a stylish

three-row SUV that is quite

engaging to drive, thanks

to its nimble handling

that makes it feel like a

smaller vehicle. Power comes from

a responsive, free-revving 227-hp,

2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to

a smooth six-speed automatic. We

got 22 mpg overall. The ride is very

comfortable, and the cabin is commendably quiet. The interior is well-finished,

particularly on the Signature trim, and the seats are comfortable. Though

second-row seating is generous, the third row is predictably tight. Mazda's

dial-controlled infotainment system takes time to master. Forward collision

warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are

standard. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is a new addition to

the infotainment system.



OVERALL

SCORE

86

$33,790-$46,115

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 MPG 22

Mazda MX-5 Miata

!

The fourth-generation

Miata remains true to

Mazda's original formula of

a lightweight rear-wheel-

drive roadster. The Miata

quickly scoots along while returning

a miserly 34 mpg overall. Shifting

the delightfully accurate six-speed

manual shifter is a joy. We'd skip the

optional automatic transmission,

which works fine but dilutes the driving experience. Quick and precise

steering delivers sublime back-road handling, even though some body roll is

noticeable. High levels of noise, thin and unsupportive seats, and a stiff ride

all grow fatiguing during highway travel. Cabin space is snug, and the

optional dial-controlled infotainment system takes time to master. Flipping

the convertible top open or closed is a breeze. Forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning are standard for 2020.



OVERALL

SCORE

86

$26,580-$34,750

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 MPG 34

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The A-Class compact sedan

is Mercedes' least expensive

entry. It comes with either

front- or all-wheel drive and

is powered by a 188-hp,

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

engine that's mated to a seven-speed

dual-clutch automatic transmission.

This combo is noticeably hesitant off

the line, but once underway it delivers

good power for most situations. Handling is quite nimble, but the ride is overly

stiff. Though the front seats are comfortable, adults won't want to sit in the

tight rear seat for long. Fit and finish throughout the cabin is very good, but

Mercedes' latest infotainment system is distracting to use, and it's too easy to

accidentally brush the small, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.

Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian

detection are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

56

$32,800-$34,800

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 64 MPG 27

Mercedes-Benz

C-Class

!

This competitive sports

sedan is enjoyable to drive

and has a beautifully

finished interior. The base

C300 uses a 2.0-liter turbo

four-cylinder engine, which returned

a respectable 26 mpg overall in our

AWD version. The C has quick reflexes,

with prompt steering response and a

comfortable ride. Inside, buyers will find an upscale and snazzy cabin with a

high-quality feel, but the complex infotainment system takes time to master.

Partially automated highway steering is optional, and automatic emergency

braking is standard. Changes for the 2020 model year include a new plug-in

hybrid model, standard blind spot warning, and a larger 10-inch screen for the

infotainment system.



OVERALL

SCORE

76

$41,400-$84,900

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 85 MPG 26

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The redesigned 2020

Mercedes-Benz CLA fits

above the A-Class and

below the C-Class in

Mercedes' sedan lineup. It's

essentially a more stylish version of

the A-Class, although it uses a more

powerful 221-hp version of the same

2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged

engine. Like the A220, it has a dual-

clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels a bit hesitant

in around-town driving, but there's decent power on tap for highway passing

maneuvers. Handling is quite nimble, but the ride is overly stiff. The interior is

nicely finished and the front seats are supportive, but the rear seat is extremely

cramped and hard to access. The modern cabin's centerpiece is a colorful,

vivid infotainment system that we found quite tricky to use. Buyers will have to

pay extra for an option package that includes blind spot warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

57

$36,650-$54,800

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 65 MPG 27

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