2017 Chevy Cruze vs 2017 Mazda 3

• 2017 Chevy Cruze

  

  Starting at

  $16,975

  2017 Mazda 3

  

  Starting at

  $17,845

  40 mpg	MPG Highway	37 mpg
  15.8 cubic feet	Trunk Space	12.4 cubic feet
  Yes	OnStar	No

  Consumers will have a number of options as they’re pursuing a new hatchback, but their search will ultimately land on the 2017 Chevy Cruze and 2017 Mazda 3. These vehicles are rather comparable considering their performance capabilities, safety functions, and technological offerings. However, when you really start to compare the 2017 Chevy Cruze vs 2017 Mazda 3 in Cincinnati, OH, you’ll quickly discover that the former option is superior.

• Technology

  

  At the end of the day, you’re going to be spending most of your time inside your new car. One of the best ways to improve the entire driving experience is via technological features, and both Chevy and Mazda deliver in this regard.

  Chevy Cruze

  Drivers will never find themselves lacking entertainment options when they’re operating the 2017 Chevy Cruze. After all, the vehicle includes the renowned Chevrolet MyLink system, which provides easy access to an assortment of useful applications via the brand’s seven-inch diagonal color touch-screen unit. Of course, if drivers prefer, they can connect their smartphone to the system thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Thanks to these inclusions, drivers can listen to their favorite playlists or perform many of their phone’s basic functions (including calling and texting).

  Of course, the Cruze’s technological offerings don’t end there. The sedan also includes the brand’s reliable 4G LTE Wi-Fi. With the ability to connect up to seven different devices, occupants will find that they can consistently stay connected to the internet.

  Mazda 3

  It is 2017, so it’s not all that surprising that the 2017 Mazda3 includes notable entertainment features. However, these offerings are rather limited, meaning drivers shouldn’t expect the same driving quality as they can from the 2017 Chevy Cruze.

  The MAZDA Connect infotainment system is the main star of the car’s interior. The full-color touch-screen unit allows drivers to choose from a variety of useful applications, whether satellite radio or navigation. The auxiliary audio input jack makes it easy to connect any device, while the pair of USB Audio Input outlets will assure that your favorite gadgets will consistently remain fully charged.

• Performance

  

  Car companies can load their vehicles with the flashiest gadgets and finest upholstery. However, at the end of the day, customers will surely be focused on the engine capabilities, whether it power or efficiency. While Chevy and Mazda both provide customers with several engine options as they’re shopping for their new ride, it’s clear that the Cruze’s offerings are far superior.

  Chevy Cruze

  Are you seeking power or efficiency from your car’s engine? Well, thanks to Chevy’s decision to offer a pair of engine options with their 2017 Cruze, customers can choose the performance trait that best fits their particular needs.

  The 1.4-liter turbo engine is for those seeking power, as the system will deliver an impressive 153 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque. However, despite all of this muscle coming from the system, drivers can still expect an impressive fuel efficiency. Thanks to mechanical inclusions like Continuously Variable Valve Timing, drivers can ultimately anticipate a 40-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency.

  On the flip side, the 1.6-liter turbo engine is equipped to the 2017 Diesel Sedan version of the Chevy Cruze. This engine is capable of delivering an unmatched fuel economy, as the 52-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency is the highest among non-hybrid/electric vehicles in the United States. Similar to the alternative option, the 1.6-liter engine doesn’t skimp out on the muscle specs, as drivers can expect an impressive 137 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque.

  Mazda 3

  Similar to the 2017 Chevy Cruze, the 2017 Mazda3 also provides customers with an opportunity to opt for one of two available engine options. Unfortunately, each of these offerings are inferior to the pair of engines provided by Chevy.

  The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is the smaller of the bunch, but it still manages to pack quite the punch. Ultimately, drivers can anticipate an admirable 155 horsepower and 150 pounds-feet of torque. However, this unit makes a name for itself via the efficiency specs, as drivers can expect a 37-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (when the Mazda3 is equipped with the four-wheel-drive manual transmission).

  Alternatively, customers can opt for the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine, which upgrades those power specs to 184 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque. Unfortunately, these boosted power specs negatively influence fuel efficiency. When the vehicle is equipped with the four-wheel-drive manual transmission configuration, drivers can ultimately enjoy a 34-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency.

• Safety

  

  No one wants to find themselves in an accident, and both the 2017 Chevy Cruze and 2017 Mazda3 are equipped with a number of safety functions. While all of the available amenities are reliable and appreciated, Chevy clearly gets the nod due to their array of protective features (as opposed to Mazda focusing their system around preventative offerings).

  Chevy Cruze

  Customers surely don’t want to find their new purchase in an accident. Fortunately, the 2017 Chevy Cruze includes a number of useful preventative safety functions that should keep drivers (and their new sedan) out of harm’s way. The vehicle is equipped with a number of features that will help drivers avoid accidents, including the Forward Collision Alert, the Rear Park Assist, the Lane Keep Assist, the Side Blind Zone Alert, and the Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Even the rear vision camera is an appreciated inclusion, as this feature will help drivers avoid pesky fender benders.

  In the event that a driver does find themselves in an accident, they can rely on the array of protective safety features to keep them secure. The 2017 Chevy Cruze is the first vehicle in its class to include 10 standard air bags, including the clever side-impact and knee units. Meanwhile, the high-strength steel safety cage should do a solid job of keeping energy away from the car’s occupants. Finally, the OnStar Automatic Crash Response System can be relied on for any type of emergency assistance. With a simple click of a button, a driver will be connected to an OnStar Advisor, and this individual can subsequently connect you with emergency personnel.

  Mazda 3

  Drivers also won’t have to worry about their well-being when they’re operating the 2017 Mazda3, as the vehicle is also equipped with a number of reliable safety functions. Revolving around the i-ACTIVSENSE technologies, Mazda has clearly prioritized accident prevention (as opposed to accident protection).

  Owners can expect an abundance of safety functions when they purchase a 2017 Mazda3. Inclusions like the Blind Spot Monitoring system and the Lane-Keep Assist mode are intended to prevent devastating accidents on the highway. Meanwhile, the Smart City Brake Support will provide some extra assistance when you’re traveling through busy areas, assuring that you won’t accidentally collide with another vehicle or person.

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