2019 Mazda 3 vs. 2019 Chevy Cruze

Seacoast Mazda

Whether you are looking for a compact car for your daily commute or for life's little adventures, you can find some great vehicle options out there. The 2019 Mazda 3 offers you an enviable look and performance, and the 2019 Chevy Cruze has some great features to offer as well.

Which of these vehicles is the better option for you? Check out the comparison below. Take a look at the exterior, interior and technology, and the performance below to see which compact car was made for you.

Exterior Comparison

The 2019 Mazda 3 was designed based on a KODO “Soul of Motion” design philosophy. This means it was designed with beautiful curves and flowing body lines that evoke the feeling of it being in motion even when the vehicle is parked. The design of this car also embraces the idea that less is more. The 2019 Mazda 3 wanted a simple but functional design. That is why elements like the available LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights, and LED combination taillights are beautifully formed, but not overdone.

The Chevy Cruze has an aggressive new front fascia for 2019 that makes the vehicle feel taller and more imposing. The exterior of this vehicle also has some available exterior upgrades like larger black machined wheels and a rear spoiler to give you a bolder and sportier appearance.

Interior and Technology

On the inside of the 2019 Mazda 3, you can see five people on standard cloth upholstery. You also have available interior upgrades such as synthetic leather upholstery, genuine leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

When it comes to technology, the 2019 Mazda 3 gives you a standard infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD radio, and an eight-speaker stereo. You also get push-button start, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch driver information display standard.

Available upgrades for technology and features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and proximity keyless entry. You also have available safety technology including features like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

The interior of the 2019 Chevy Cruze seats five people on cloth upholstery. Available upgrades include heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Standard technology features in the 2019 Cruze include a Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, a 7-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. You can also get OnStar, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a rearview camera, and the Teen Driver system standard.

Available technology features include a nine-speaker Bose sound system, push-button start, a proximity key, a sunroof, and advanced safety features. Some of the available advanced safety features include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking.

Overall, these vehicles are very similar in the features and technology they offer. They both offer you standard infotainment and available safety features. The 2019 Cruze offers you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, which you don't get standard in the Mazda, but the Mazda 3 also offers you features you don't get in the Cruze like the 7-inch driver information display.

Performance

The 2019 Mazda 3 gives you a powerful performance with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual is available. This engine brings you a good amount of power with 186-horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The estimates for fuel economy are 27 city and 36 highway miles per gallon.

When it comes to performance, the 2019 Chevy Cruze offers you two different engine options. The base engine is a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 153-horsepower, and it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to fuel efficiency for this engine, you can expect 30 city and 38 highway miles per gallon.

The other engine option is a diesel engine. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine gives you 137-horsepower, and it is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. You can expect 31 city and 48 highway miles per gallon in terms of fuel efficiency.

For performance, the 2019 Chevy Cruze offers you two engines compared the one engine for the 2019 Mazda 3. However, the Mazda 3 engine is more powerful than both of the Cruze options. The 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda 3 makes this a fun vehicle to drive.

Which is Right for You?

Both of these cars have a lot to offer, but now, it is decision time. You have to decide which of these vehicles is better for your lifestyle. When it comes to exterior design and function, the 2019 Mazda 3 stands out. This vehicle looks luxurious and high end with a beautiful design that leaves you wanting more.

On the interior, both of these vehicles offer you intuitive and beneficial technology like infotainment systems, display screens, and rearview cameras. For both of these vehicles you have to upgrade to get safety features, but they do offer you a lot of great standard features.

Finally, if you take a look at performance, the Chevy Cruze offers you two engine options including a diesel engine. However, the most power you can get from the Cruze is 153-horsepower. The 2019 Mazda 3 offers you 186-horsepower from its one engine option. The 2019 Mazda 3 also has great handling and a responsive performance that make this vehicle a joy to drive.

Overall, both of these vehicles have a lot to offer you, but the 2019 Mazda 3 beats out the 2019 Chevy Cruze with its upscale design features and powerfully fun performance. The 2019 Mazda 3 also offers you some great technology to make your driving experience even more connected and enjoyable. Be sure to check out this vehicle for yourself by taking a test drive.