The 2019 Hyundai Veloster ranked #6 in Compact Cars. Currently the Hyundai Veloster has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 13 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Nimble handling Supportive seats User-friendly cabin tech Above-average cargo capacity
Cons Below-average fuel economy Some cheap cabin materials
New exterior and interior design.New 2.0-liter inline-four base engine.Revised suspension for better handling.Part of the second Veloster generation introduced for 2019.
Pros Unique and functional three-door body style Enjoyable power from the Veloster's turbocharged engine Sporty handling around turns
Cons Base engine is down on power Less trims and option packages mean fewer choices No power seat adjustments
The Veloster N is the first American ambassador for Hyundai’s performance sub-brand and already the company’s best-driving model ever. Its whimsical three-door design is derived from the base Veloster, but its animated turbo four-cylinder and terrific chassis tuning are N exclusives. While orders will have to wait until November, our first driving impressions— assured body control, faithful steering, and steadfast brakes—revealed the Veloster N’s legitimate hot-hatch greatness were impressive.
Pros Animated engine, faithful steering, remarkable resistance to understeer.
Cons Muffled engine note.
For 2018, low-speed automatic emergency braking is standard across the CX-3 lineup. Mazda says it has revised the CX-3's suspension to improve handling and ride quality and added more sound-reducing materials to make the CX-3 quieter. Small changes have been made to feature availability.
PROS Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy for a crossover Good selection of available driver aids and active safety features
CONS Suspension tuning may be too firm for some Tight rear seat Below-average cargo space
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 ranked #2 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Mazda CX-3 has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sporty handling Great gas mileage Upmarket interior
Cons Limited cargo room Small back seat Below-average predicted reliability rating
One spirited drive behind the wheel of the CX-3 will have even the keenest driving enthusiasts singing its praises. We’ve come to expect playful driving dynamics, eager powertrains, and driver-focused interiors from Mazda—it’s the zoom-zoom brand, after all—and this subcompact crossover doesn’t disappoint. Once its practicality is under the microscope, however, the CX-3’s shine starts to fade. It’s small. Shoppers who prioritize cargo space and room for passengers would be better served by many of the CX-3’s rivals, or even a Mazda 3 hatchback. Even so, the CX-3 is on our short list of great crossovers, even if it’s solely for its corner-carving expertise and its fun-loving character.
Pros Sweetest-driving mini crossover around, class-leading fuel economy, eye-catching style.
Cons Cramped rear seat, limited cargo capacity, dawdling infotainment responses.
