I like to think of shopping for a vehicle as playing a game: you’re answering a series of questions to make decisions that narrow down your options until you win (get the right one). However, this isn’t always easy, as finding the right answers to these questions can be tricky. There’s no definitive right answer for everyone, so you need to come to the conclusions that are best for you. If you’ve decided on a Mazda, then you’ve already come up with one of the best answers, but now you need to answer the next one: which model is right for you? Before you head to your local Mazda dealer, your life is going to be a lot easier if you do a bit of research ahead of time to narrow down your options. To help you with that, I’m going to briefly take you through Mazda’s Canadian lineup and highlight some important points for each model.
Mazda Cars
Mazda3 and Mazda3 Sport
If you are looking for a great compact sedan, then the Mazda3 is a fantastic option. You’ll notice there are two different models here––the Mazda3 is a sedan while the Mazda3 Sport is a hatchback. They’re built on the same platform and nearly identical in size, though the sedan design of the Mazda3 makes it just a bit longer. The biggest difference is the cargo space available to you: the Mazda3 has 374 L of space in the trunk or 940 L with the rear seats folded, while the Mazda3 Sport has 569 L of space behind the rear seats and 1,334 L with the rear seats folded.
No matter which model you choose, you get access to a trio of great engines depending on the trim you pick: a standard 2.0L 4-cylinder with 155 hp, an upgraded 2.5L with 186 hp, or an impressive 2.5L turbo with 227 hp on offer. They both have great features like standard 22 cm infotainment displays and available 12-speaker Bose sound systems, but Canadian drivers will particularly appreciate the available AWD. The 2022 Mazda3 starts at $21,200 CAD MSRP, while the Mazda3 Sport starts at $22,200 CAD MSRP.
Mazda MX-5 Soft Top and MX-5 RF
If you’re interested in a sporty coupe, then the Mazda MX-5 is a fantastic option that focuses on performance and a sleek design. The standard MX-5 Soft Top is a two-seater convertible with a manual soft-top, while the MX-5 RF has a power hardtop, though the hardtop models will cost you more. No matter which model or trim you choose, you get a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine in the MX-5 that delivers 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque for a nimble and speedy driving experience. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, though a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available.
For a truly remarkable time behind the wheel, there’s an available 9-speaker Bose sound system with noise compensation and speakers in the headrests so you can enjoy your music even with the top down. The MX-5 Soft Top starts at $33,300 CAD MSRP while the MX-5 RF starts at $40,300 CAD MSRP––the price difference is in part due to the RF starting at a higher trim.
Mazda Crossover SUVs
Mazda CX-3
Kicking off Mazda’s crossover SUV lineup is the CX-3, which is a compact model with two rows of seating for up to five passengers. The CX-3 features a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that offers 148 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, with available i-Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD). You get an 18 cm infotainment display in the CX-3, with an available 7-speaker Bose premium sound system and navigation. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring both come standard in the CX-3, giving you improved safety when backing up or when someone is hiding in your blind spot. The CX-3 is a great option for a small family and starts at just $21,800 CAD MSRP, with three trims to choose from so you can get exactly what you need.
Mazda CX-30
Next up, the Mazda CX-30 is a slightly larger option that gives you a bit more space inside to take advantage of than the CX-3. You get a standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine standard that offers 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque; an available 2.5L engine delivers 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with a turbo version of this engine also available for boosted performance. This lets you choose the trim and options with the kind of power you want so you can get the driving experience you’re looking for.
Inside the Mazda CX-30, you’ll find a spacious interior with 572 L of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and up to 1,280 L of total cargo volume behind the front row. This model is still a two-row option with seating for five passengers and has great features like a standard 22 cm infotainment display. The CX-30 starts at $26,100 CAD MSRP with terrific options available.
Mazda CX-5
Newly updated for 2022, the CX-5 is the next step up in size for the Mazda crossover lineup and offers a number of fantastic standard and available features. A 2.5L engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque is standard, with an available 2.5L turbo engine that boosts that up to 227 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Mazda’s AWD is standard on every model, which makes the CX-5 a great choice for dealing with rough Canadian winters.
Inside the CX-5, you’ll get 871 L of cargo volume in the rear, with 1,680 L of available cargo space behind the front row of seats––plus, it has up to 907 kg of towing capacity. A gorgeous 26 cm infotainment display comes standard on every model, while an available Bose Centerpoint premium sound system takes your driving experience to the next level. The CX-5 starts at $30,200 CAD MSRP with plenty of options to choose from.
Mazda CX-9
If you need something for a bigger family, then the CX-9 is Mazda’s largest crossover, with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. This is a gorgeous SUV that’s powered by a standard 2.5L turbo engine that delivers 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, with AWD standard. The powerful engine and bold design also give the CX-9 up to 1,588 kg of towing capacity.
Thanks to its impressive size, the CX-9 gives you 407 L of rear cargo volume, with 1,082 L of space behind the second row and up to 2,017 L of cargo volume behind the front row of seats. Inside the Mazda CX-9, you will also get a 26 cm infotainment display and three-zone automatic climate control. An available 12-speaker Bose sound system takes things to the next level, along with an available wireless phone charger. The CX-9 starts at $40,950 CAD MSRP.
All-New Mazda CX-50
New for 2022 is the Mazda CX-50, a purpose-built SUV made for going off-road and leaving the comforts of the city behind. It’s been specifically designed by Mazda’s engineers for embracing nature thanks to standard i-Active AWD for fantastic traction and control, along with a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. 43.2 cm wheels are standard, with 50.8 cm wheels available, and every model comes with a 26 cm infotainment display and a panoramic moonroof.
The CX-50 has an impressively low cargo floor that’s deeper than it is wide, which makes it perfect for loading up with coolers, backpacks, and anything else you need to explore the Canadian wilderness. With a wide stance and impressive ground clearance, this all-new model is the ideal crossover for the great outdoors. It starts at $37,900 CAD MSRP.
Mazda MX-30 EV
Finally, we have the MX-30 EV, an all-electric zero-emission vehicle from Mazda with a striking design and spacious interior. The MX-30 supports all types of charging, with the ability to charge from 20-80% in about 36 minutes through DC Fast Charging. It has a range of about 161 km from a full charge, with a 143-hp electric motor that makes it incredibly fun to drive. A 22 cm infotainment display comes standard, with a separate 18 cm climate control screen. With seating for five passengers and up to 1,053 L of cargo volume behind the front seats, this is a smart all-electric crossover designed for daily driving; it starts at $42,150 MSRP.
