The Mazda 3 is a great little compact car, especially in its hatchback format. Long one of my favorites in the segment, it’s still going strong after others have left the market.
Video summary: The 2026 Mazda3 hatchback remains one of the last compact cars in its segment, offering a starting price around $26,000. It delivers an engaging driving experience with excellent handling and available all-wheel drive. While the back seat is cramped and the touchscreen placement is less than ideal, these drawbacks are minor for its target audience of singles, couples, or older drivers. Overall, it is a well-balanced, fun, and efficient commuter car.
