2018 Chevrolet Cruze vs 2018 Mazda 3

Technology

Driving a modern car is like driving a computer. There is so much technology behind each vehicle that it can almost get overwhelming when trying to decide which is the best option to consider. Thankfully, both Chevrolet and Mazda have crafted several different trims and packages to make it easy to know what technology features you will get when purchasing one car or the other. The final choice should come down to what makes your drive more convenient.

When it comes to technology in vehicles, nothing is quite as impressive as the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. It has an appealing, uncluttered interface which is easy to learn and use. A major bonus is standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. MyLink system also reacts quickly to user inputs, and you can program presets with channels from any radio band and destinations for the navigation system. You also get Bluetooth, a USB port, and auxiliary input. If you would like something extra, go for the Enhanced Convenience package that gives you an additional slot you can use to charge your smartphone wirelessly.

The 2018 Mazda 3 has a great infotainment setup too. You get a superb Bose audio system in the GT trim that gives you amazing sound for a compact car. Although the navigation does not come with fancy graphics, it is easy to use while you are on the move. Unlike the Cruze, the Mazda 3 does not have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, you will like its device integration. When you connect to the USB, you get access to all media. You can also stream music through Stitcher, Aha, and Pandora through the system. The Mazda 3 has good voice controls, which provide guidance for available commands. However, it does not come with voice access to Google or Siri.

Both the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze and the 2018 Mazda 3 have great features to offer and come with engine options and fuel efficiency to meet your specific needs. The Cruze has an advanced infotainment system, which is good news for those who like to stay connected and entertained on the road. It also gives you a very comfortable ride. On the other hand, the Mazda 3 has a superb cabin and trimmings, and you cannot deny that its styling is very dapper. However, it does fall short on luxury amenities when compared to the Cruze. The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has everything you need in a car.

Safety

Sedans are generally safe vehicles to drive compared to larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs. Still, it is important to have a car that not only feels safe but also includes advanced safety features to extend your awareness and control as the driver. A car that lacks these systems may not give you the chance to prevent an accident in the first place instead of just surviving it. To find the best car with the safety features you should want, take a look at the crash ratings and specific systems each model includes.

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze received a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The car does not come with standard active safety features. To get features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning, you need to go for the Premier trim level where they are available as expensive options that will cost you extra. Other optional features include rear cross-traffic monitor, rear parking sensors and automatic high beams.

The 2018 Mazda 3 gets an NHTSA safety rating of 5 stars, and for this year, it comes with a few changes to its active safety technologies. You now get standard automated emergency braking across the lineup. Additionally, the advanced features in the i-ActivSense suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic high-beam lamps and more, are part of the Grand Touring models’ Premium Equipment package. The suite was a standalone option package priced at $1,100.

Performance

Engine performance and fuel efficiency are two important qualities in all cars since they will determine how quickly you can get around during the daily commute. In the sedan market, the best cars balance engine performance and efficiency so you do not have to pay a lot for gas when it comes time to fill up the car periodically. For the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze vs 2018 Mazda 3, both cars offer this balance with the Cruze offering you more efficiency.

The base powertrain of the 2018 Cruze sedan is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 153 horsepower that is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. In 2017, the diesel engine was introduced in the sedan models and this year; the hatchback models have that engine too. With the diesel hatchback, you can choose between a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual.

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze sedan is very fuel efficient, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 29/48 mpg city/highway. This is one of the things that makes this compact car one of the best in its segment.

Previously available on the Sport and Touring trims of the Mazda 3, the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque is now exclusive to the 2018 Mazda 3’s base Sports model. You get the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque with the Touring trim. The 6-speed manual comes standard on all of the car’s variants while the 6-speed automatic is optional.

The 2018 Mazda 3 has an EPA fuel economy rating of 28/37 mpg city/highway. The auto-transmission variants of the car rate 1 or 2 mpg more in city and highway cycles than the manual ones. If you opt for the automaker’s i-ELOOP package for 2.5-liter automatic variants, which costs $800, both the city and highway figures get an additional one mpg.