2019 v 2018 Mazda3 Sport Comparison Review: An Owner's Perspective

[@jamc204]

Excellent review. I appreciate the detail on the black plastic and the visibility.

[@Maxfli82]

Great review showing both cars. Love the shots following both cars. I test drove both and you can tell a big difference in the interiors of both cars and in the sound proofing improvements. I ultimately chose the new one.

[@kristianneencisa8744]

I have the 2018 hatch and I'm loving it. I'm not looking to upgrade til I see changes on the rear seats section like air vents, usb ports 12 volts etc. I would also love to see it with a turbo someday.

[@davidwarner3326]

Turbo for 2021.

[@RobSinox]

was owning all generations of mazda3...now im with newest 3 and got exactly same experience..interior and noise level is absolutely mile stone in 2020 mazda.. greate comparison!!

[@CalleRasmussen1]

How do you geel about the blind spot ? any issue and what about back seat space ?

[@RobSinox]

@@CalleRasmussen1 to be absolutely fair don't feel it at all... as probably 360° camera and blind spot monitoring helps a lot... many cars especially suv got big C pillar.. in general never got problems and noticed any issues every day driving including trips on continent as I living in UK.. hopefully I could help..

[@RobSinox]

@@CalleRasmussen1 back seats space isn't great..but no tragedy lol..2 adult got enough room.. 3 would not recommend

[@CalleRasmussen1]

@@RobSinox Thanks helps a lot. I gonne get my mazda 3 tomorrow :D

[@RobSinox]

@@CalleRasmussen1 awesome!!!!

[@mrmm7322]

I had the older 3 2012 and now I have the 2020 gt. Model and I love my new 3

[@kayak1969p]

ordered the new mazda 3 sport lux model in soul red crystal cant wait to get behind the wheel :) just realized ive already commented and found myself watching it again lol :) :) ....speaks volumes for the quality of your videos buddy :) once again many thanks for posting this.

[@paulm6481]

The interior of new one is a revelation for this class of car. I find it interesting it has better ride even with less sidewall for tires on new one. Still, that tight back seat and strange hatch styling just doesn’t do it for me for new one and if I were in this class of vehicle, I go straight for Civic Si.

[@silviat3813]

I feel just stick with the 2014 Mazda 3 gt no issues for me

[@koenlegrand6545]

Same here, 2014 great car! The new one has a few drawbacks and it's more expensive overall but certainly not more fun to drive.

[@TheEmpoleon123456789]

Bought a 2018 Touring Sedan 6MT in February 2021. Went with that over a 2019 entirely because of price (I got this car for nearly $4k cheaper than a 2019 6MT hatchback certified pre-owned). I regret the decision just a tad because of the increased refinement of the gen 4, but I still really really love my car. For what I paid for it, I don't think there existed a better car for me.

[@oscarcazares2972]

Great comparison! Subscribing for sure.

[@clarkbradleygo3143]

unfair match up. top of the line against an older base model.

[@matthewharhai4039]

Yep

[@johnnytampocao7671]

Your 8 yrs old 3 is much prettier than some new models in this segment. The new 3 is much beautiful and full of features that can only be found in a luxury sedan.

[@aoncars]

With higher trims, you can get automatic blind spot warning, side cameras turning on when something is close to your vehicle. That solves the blind spot issue with the new.

[@bryankrejcarek2386]

Great review. Only problem is this is a 2019 Premium (top trim) vs a 2018 Sport (lowest trim)

[@utxex97]

And 2.0 L vs. 2.5 L.

[@dales.189]

I realized that halfway through the video. In the U.S., after 2016 you could no longer get the 'Preferred Equipment Package' in the Mazda 3 hatchback. Just in the sedan! I guess Canada lucked out there. I don't think that's fair Mazda! His 2018 Mazda 3 Sport has that 'Package'. You can tell by the interior fabric, rear seat armrest, and exterior trim.

[@RobSinox]

p.s lol ...blind spot issues...dont really feels that problem as all entries models got blind spot monitoring system...mirror, sound and headup display info...

[@metallicafan416]

I don't trust technology as much as my eyes. You shouldn't either

[@RobSinox]

@@metallicafan416 absolutely can't trust blind...but helping a lot..

[@genebrenner855]

Not much happening as a touch screen in the previous version Mazda 3 (mine's a 2015). If you think a touch screen is distracting, wait until you start toggling around on the jog wheel. And hardly anything is adjustable on the NAV once you're under way. The Infotainment system is monochromatic with no quick punch presets for the radio or XM. Instead you have to set up a long scrolling list. Oh, and no station icons will show, not even monochromatic ones. So it's sort of like DOS. Hope they improved it on the new ones. I like my 2015 Mazda 3 hatch overall though. The 2.0 is punchy and I get an average 34.3 MPG in mixed driving since I bought it.

[@dornierserctajon8094]

Let me ask you, have you ever type a message thru a touch screen phone while not looking at it?.. it is simply not intuitive.. you need to look at it to be able to know what is up..

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

What do I miss? Mazda not charging what they're actually worth! Also, I am sad my car doesn't say Hello and Goodbye any more (driven 3's since 2004) :(

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

@@Alex-yj9xl Er, "valued", I guess? They used to be the "Wow, these are actually nice!" car for the price for first-time buyers.. I wouldn't need power windows either, just always love reliable start, go, handle, and (great brakes) stop when and how you want it ;)

[@loua.6849]

I agree with you, I love the body style of the hatchback previous gen (2018) but for the sedan I like the newer Gen. Great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@ivanpatenaude771]

Great comparison review.

[@swanblake]

2018 was a superior vehicle. IRS, same HP but lighter weight, better hatch styling, cheaper, manual was avalible in multiple trims are just a few of the reasons. Mazda lost its zoom zoom

[@douglasforrester2829]

A fine review, but I have to agree with Blake. While the 2019 interior is unarguably more refined and the seating position improved, the exterior is unnervingly bulbous from the rear and, as the reviewer points out, made prior visibility issues conspicuously worse. (How do you 'overlook' bad lines of sight??) By contrast, the flowing lines and elegant 3/4 views of the prev gen styling have aged well - looking all the better against the bizarre, trying-too-hard new Civic and the rental-car wrapper on the Jetta. Subjective judgement, I give you. Stepping away from the indep rear suspension increased profit margins for Mazda, sure - but given that a 2018 base hatch could be had for $2,800 less than the entry price now - how's it a really contest? They're both great cars, but the 2018 just seems the more livable, grow-old-with-it-and-smile way to go. That's my plan, anyway!

[@matthewhagan12]

Blake Swan Mazda is focusing on fuel economy which is getting stricter all over the world.

[@dornierserctajon8094]

@@douglasforrester2829 i had that dilemna.. i was about to purchase the 2018 version.. but when i saw the 2019 in soul red crysyal, i had my heart pumping for it.. there was no contest anymore.. the civic (we dont have an SI in our country, we only have a 177hp CVT civic) and 3rd gen wasn't really on my shortlist anymore.. maybe it comes down to taste, i am not really the person to care for a few seconds slower on 0 to 100 or want to enter a curve with a lot of speed for thrills.. i now prioritize comfortability, NVH (which the 3rd gen lacks), plushiness of the cabin (thr 3rd don't have anything against thr 4th gen in interior design), the headlamps and tail lamps (so good looking at night).. maybe it is because of my age.. i'm already 29.. haha

[@douglasforrester2829]

@@dornierserctajon8094 I have to agree with you on the huge interior refinement and suspect you are also right about NVH reduction - though I have not driven the 4th Gen yet. Funny you'd say that; I was just in my '17 all day yesterday, and was thinking "This tire noise really gets wearying after a while!" You tune it out, but after a few hours.... And you sure are right about the Soul Red. Glows, doesn't it?! Good choice. I do not think, however, that anybody in the '20 will get my 36 mpg overall since purchase... Anyway, happy motoring - ZoomZoom.

[@dornierserctajon8094]

@@douglasforrester2829 i was amazed how it glows when the sun hits it and even when street lights hits in during the night.. i didn't really expect it to be that beautiful.. just WOW

[@kayak1969p]

subbed and liked too buddy keep the reviews coming :) love them

[@maxlandireviews]

Thanks for the sub! Hope to hear from you again in future vids

[@kayak1969p]

brilliant review m8, i feel though that most people are unfairly comparing this to a vw golf. im getting one of these in october (mazda 3 sports lux skyactive g) this year and really looking forward to a smaller car, at moment i have astra sports tourer 1.4 turbo (downgrading a little just incase your wondering so my daughter can drive it as she will pass her driving test by then and we can car share lol). so im sacrificing one sporty car for another ..winner winner chicken dinner in my eyes beautiful car .

[@maxlandireviews]

Congrats! I hope it really treats you well

[@StefanGoudreau]

Adjust your side mirrors for blind spots !

[@kevinchung1492]

Great review. Motortrend recently compare Mazda 3 to Corolla and Civic; 2 of their former Mazda 3 owners found the handling and brake feel much worst. Also transmission shift jerky. Do you feel the same or it's really not that bad in your opinion? Also what is your opinion in compare to Corolla and Civic (forgot if you compare in the last Mazda 3 video). Thank you!

[@maxlandireviews]

Haven’t had the chance to test out the revised Civic, but the new corolla is going to be in my hands next month! As of right now, the civic and the 3 are my top picks for compact sedans/hatches

[@christopherdouglas8471]

TheDriveGuyde I have to agree. Also, it appears you need to go to a GTi to get an enjoyable VW Golf. What’s important here, in my view, is that there are some excellent cars in this (relatively) affordable class. Interesting comparison Max. You seem pretty happy with your (white) 2018 for now.

[@greggregson9687]

What happened to your blue Mazda?

[@defox_nz]

does anyone notice the massive crack on the windshield?

[@living4christ]

I would have not guessed you own a mazda hatch back. I would have guessed you owned something like the camero ss. Or a high end trim bmw. If you ever give a chance, can you drive the 19 accord manual. Im having a hard time shifting it smooth, it seems when I lift off the clutch and shift their is a jerk. Sometimes i get it right and its a smooth shift. Im doing something wrong and im not sure what.

[@maxlandireviews]

Insurance would kill me on either of those cars! I pay too much as it is! Haven’t had the chance to try out the manual accord as much as I want to. 2020 models may be appearing soon so hopefully I will be able to set something up in the next few months!

[@ribo2007]

Try keeping your heel on the floor as you come off the clutch, you have more control that way, less jerky.

[@gene978]

MR. LANDI, I am tall also (6’2”) I also have a thing for smaller cute sporty hatches even the Mazda Sedan. If I were you I would be sick to my stomach having the 2018 model when to me the 2019 model is a world of difference. I use to ask the dealers (before the internet) if the car next model year car I am buying is different in anyway. Because I dreaded buyers remorse. Blind spot issue? Convex Mirror should solve that. ;)

[@maxlandireviews]

Buyers remorse is a big thing in the car world!

[@ILIJA26101993]

I test drove both models (Europe versions), the "old" g120 and the new g122. The new one is better looking, interior is much better, infotainment is better, is more refined, but it's also much heavier, less sporty, less economical, underpowered. Right now I want a better driving car, so I would go for the older model. Also from what I read online the new one is also much less reliable.

[@a.j.patron9214]

At the time of your comment is was a brand new car and release. Who could speak to it's reliability yet? IDIOT!!!!

[@ILIJA26101993]

@@a.j.patron9214 the new model had many electrical problems right from the start, also my comment was from 10 months ago which was around september 2020, and the car came out in march of 2019. at least it did in my country.

[@DeUndefined1]

(2019+) BP front end on a BN (2017-2018) looks sick asf... That'll be my goal once I get one.

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

Mazda not sure but if in South Africa it shows miles per hour & kilometers .

[@robm7488]

New one looks so much modern. Love it so much

[@davidbayley9588]

The old one looks better

[@Thechosen77]

right! I have a 2018 and it looks so nice drives amazing

[@StefanGoudreau]

Adjust your side mirrors to cover blind spots !

[@spanjo88]

How is sound isolation in 2019 model? Can you feel the difference on highway in terms of sound isolation?

[@hanss8092]

exactly what I am wondeing,I drive a 2018 HB M3,not yet tried the 2019 model,thanks

[@hoflandmm]

How does the 2018 handle in the winter time?

[@maxlandireviews]

Owner of a 3 manual for 2 years, great car in the winter. As long as you aren’t driving in the deep slush, you’ll never have a concern

[@gerrymasterman5766]

I am at the point of replacing my Malibu Maxx and am considering the Mazda 3 hatch. I just do not like the looks of the new 3 rear quarter buldge so I am looking for a 2018 instead. My last car, a VW Golf TDI with the DGS trans and I absolutely hated the DGS 4 second delay at takeoff. Drove a Saburu with the VRT and it was slow slow slow. Now only a torque converter is to be considered. Any suggestions?

[@maxlandireviews]

If you haven’t, have a look at the latest version of the Cruze or Elantra. I’m sure there’s plenty of cheap Civic hatches on the used market now

[@TheSjuris]

TheDriveGuyde you mean the last version of the Cruze

[@don-cw1yz]

I am curious about the difference in automatic transmissions b/w the 2.0 liter and the 2.5 liter Mazda 3. Am I correct that the 2.0 liter engine comes with a Jatco (Nissan ) transmission but the 2.5 liter model comes with a newer all made by Mazda automatic transmission. How is the reliability been on the new Mazda made automatic?

[@Thechosen77]

The 2.5 engine is one of the best in the market, that’s why most of mazda vehicles use this engine

[@eloycortinez2769]

@@Thechosen77 a bmw steptronic transmission from early 2000s draws circles around the mazda trans. I think it's actually one of the weak points of mazdas in their quest for "premium", and definitely not the "best in the market"

[@Thechosen77]

@@eloycortinez2769 its not the best but I think any vehicles in its price range, it is the most reliable vehicle compared to others in this segment, I own a 2018 Mazda 3 and its an amazing vehicle, my friend has a 2015, and his car has over 200k kms, and he's never had any issue other than replacing shocks due to Mexico crapy roads...any one that has a Mazda 3 with the skyactiv engine is happy I have never heard anyone complain.

[@eloycortinez2769]

@@Thechosen77 I have owned and currently own several mazdas, and yes if you compare the transmission they have with the cvts of the segment it's very good. Mazda is as good as audis and bmw in many regards, but not the transmission. if you jump into an audi or a volvo they have the 2.0T engine that is less powerful than the 2.5t that mazda offers, they feel more powerful because the transmission. The other thing that is really annoying is the sport mode programing, it will hold into revs when you lift your foot off the gas, instead of adapting to your driving as a very old 2000 bmw transmission will do. we are talking about a 25yrs technology gap here :(

[@Thechosen77]

@@eloycortinez2769 I have driven the sport mode on to pass vehicles on the road it’s nothing special it just holds higher rpm’s before shifting, I barely use it, but tbh I rather own a Mazda than a bmw that cost too much to maintain and also looses its value very quickly, made in Japan Mazda 3 2.5 skyactiv is a no brainer for me I will recommend it to Americans because they are stuck in Kia’s and Hyundai which is wild

[@OyugiGGregory]

If I may ask, how tall are you? Asking for someone who is 5'8" ....if the rear seat would be ok for a drive of approx 8hrs

[@maxlandireviews]

6’4

[@OyugiGGregory]

@@maxlandireviews 😲.... You really got some height. Seems fair for someone like me. Guess my next step is heading to a dealer, see if it works for me. I usually drive a bit lower and further from the steering, wonder how persons seated behind me would fit in.

[@eloycortinez2769]

the elephant in the room is that gen 3 is a much better car from a drivers point of view. Gen 4 sacrifices a lot in order to get a more "premium" overall feeling.

[@GorcStew]

Tire pressure monitoring system in Civics of that gen are the same...and every other car lol They are battery powered, the battery craps out and that causes the problem.

[@cwclarkephotos9551]

Just give me a fully loaded 3rd gen and im happy.

[@marc-andremoses6748]

Do you like sedan or suv or both ? Me i like suv

[@maxlandireviews]

Give the choice between a sedan and the equivalent sized/priced SUV, I’ll likely end up with the sedan

[@theedge508]

Thumbs up for manual transmission

[@mustasheolll2020]

I like the latest and greatest so 2019 for me

[@bellmeisterful]

Sht Im sorry but dang, seemed like he didnt say much of use until it was 5

[@sidsteinberg5355]

Cụt the springs

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

Yip new name badging on all Mazda models worldwide was Skyactiv technology now Skyactiv E X D & S .

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

Mazda 3 generation 3 & 4 .

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

CX-5 CX-9 CX-8 all models still in production in the USA but in future should get discontinued because models like CX-50 CX-70 CX-80 & CX-90 is there South Africa should not receive MX-30 but CX-40 CX-50 CX-70 & CX-80 with in the next few years discontinue CX-3 & CX-5 models than .

[@mustasheolll2020]

The new one is like the new iPhone and the older one is like the old iPhone

[@YoYo-vc1os]

Lol the older one looks nice from outside

[@annoythedonkey]

I had a group of car guys make fun of me for choosing to drive a Mazda 3 Hatch, it’s more then an Economy car, it’s affordable luxury.

[@ytmember1]

They're all kind of dangerous now. My 2019 Mazda Hatch just about killed me on Sunday... had I been going 60mph I'd be dead from the "automatic bracking" system. Got my recall notice on Tuesday. This car 'technology' is going to kill a lot of people.

[@fredzeppelin3969]

Exactly why when shopping for a 2018 MZ3 hatch, I ended up in a CPO 2016. No auto braking, no adaptive cruise control, no lane departure crap messing with the steering wheel, a REAL handbrake handle, and a physical CD player. I agree, the new tech is just producing zombies behind the wheel.

[@ytmember1]

@@fredzeppelin3969 I'd love to have a CD player in my car. Enjoy yours!

[@CalleRasmussen1]

What happen ??

[@keent]

Glad that we don’t have auto brake system on Mazda in our country

[@snehalkrishnan618]

I own a 2019 Mazda 3. Is there a way to turn off the automatic braking system? This is not the first time I’m reading of the automatic braking system almost getting someone killed.

[@mustasheolll2020]

Mazda’s have big mouths lol

[@ucube33]

I have driven both and I own a 2020 Mazda 3 skyactiv-x and you cannot the two, they are ages apart.

[@hatefulconduct]

Use your mirrors, my dude.