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An In-Depth Review of the Mazda3

New Mazda3 in Rochester MN

The All-New Mazda3 in Rochester MN

The Mazda3 is a good looking, sporty car which is available as a four-door sedan or hatchback. There are three trim levels, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and a choice of two engines. Optional packages enable you to personalize your car just the way you want it.

Performance

The Sport models are powered by a 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-ft of torque. For city and highway driving you get 28 and 37 mpg. The higher spec cars get a 184 horsepower 2.5-liter 16-valve four-cylinder unit giving you 185 pound-feet of torque. This engine will return 26 and 35 mpg in the city and on the highway respectively. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, although you can opt for a six-speed automatic.

Trim Levels

With the Sport trim sedan, you get cloth sports seats with 60/40 split folding rear seats. In hatchback models with rear seats folded, you have 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sport is equipped with 16-inch wheels, body-colored power side mirrors, daytime running lights, rear-view camera, steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, remote keyless entry, and push button start. The Sport hatchback is upgraded with a rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and dual bright tipped exhaust. Many of the standard features of the Touring are available for the Sport with the Preferred Equipment package. Touring models add 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, and wipers, heated door mirrors with integrated turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery with heated front seats and six-way powered driving seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top-of-the-range Grand Touring offers LED head, fog, tail, and daytime running lights, perforated leather seating, upgraded instrument cluster with a digital speedometer, and a power sliding glass moonroof. A navigation system is optional, and for Grand Touring models with automatic transmission, paddle shifters are available as an option.

Technology

The Mazda3 Sport features the MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system with multi-function commander control, a 7-inch full-color touch-screen display, six-speaker audio system with HD radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, and a 12-volt power outlet. The Touring adds infotainment voice command, and internet radio integration, while the Grand Touring has a Bose nine-speaker surround sound system, and satellite radio. This model also features a full-color active driver information display.
Safety Features
Safety features fitted as standard include front, side, and overhead side curtain airbags, side impact beams, traction control, dynamic stability control, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Touring and Grand Touring models add an advanced blind spot monitoring system, and rear cross traffic alert. For additional safety, you can opt for adaptive headlamps with automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert, higher speed automatic braking system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a traffic sign reading system, and automatic dimming rear-view mirror. If you're not sure which Mazda3 model you should choose, head down to Rochester Mazda and take a closer look. The guys there will be happy to help you with your decision.
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When it comes to finding the right vehicle for your family, there is a lot to consider - space, safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. For drivers in Rochester, MN, Mazda offers a well-rounded lineup that checks all of those boxes. Whether you're hauling kids to school or heading out on a weekend road trip, the best Mazda models for families in Rochester, MN give you the confidence and comfort to do it all. Spacious Crossovers and SUVs Built for Families Mazda family vehicles come in a range of sizes, so there's something for every household. The Mazda CX-5 is a popular choice for smaller families who want a stylish and capable crossover without going oversized. If you need more room, the three-row Mazda CX-90 offers seating in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, making it a strong fit for larger families or those who frequently have extra passengers along for the ride. The Mazda CX-50 and CX-70 round out the lineup as great middle-ground options, offering a balance of interior space, refined design, and capable performance. Each of these models reflects Mazda's focus on thoughtful engineering and driver-centered design. Safety You Can Count On Safety is one of the most important factors for family buyers, and Mazda has earned serious recognition in this area. Mazda was named the Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports magazine - a distinction that reflects the brand's ongoing commitment to driver and passenger protection. Additionally, Mazda has more 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other brand (as of July 2026). Models including the CX-5, CX-30, CX-50, CX-50 Hybrid, CX-70, CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid, CX-90, CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid, Mazda3 Hatchback, and Mazda3 Sedan have all earned this top-tier recognition. For families, that kind of across-the-board safety performance is hard to overlook. Electrified Options for Forward-Thinking Families If fuel efficiency or electrification is a priority for your household, Mazda has several options worth considering. The CX-50 Hybrid delivers strong combined fuel economy, making it a practical everyday driver. The CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid and CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid offer an electric driving experience with the flexibility of a gasoline engine as a backup - ideal for families who want to reduce fuel costs without range anxiety. These Mazda family vehicles are designed to fit into busy lives while keeping running costs manageable over time. Current Offers Worth Exploring Mazda currently has a range of purchase and financing offers available on select 2026 models, including customer cash on crossover SUVs and special APR financing options on models like the CX-70 and CX-90. These offers can make ownership more accessible, especially when you're making a significant investment for your family. Be sure to check with your local dealer for the latest details, as availability and terms may vary by model and location. Find Your Family's Next Mazda in Rochester, MN The best Mazda models for families in Rochester, MN are available now, and Rochester Mazda is ready to help you find the right fit. From the compact CX-30 to the three-row CX-90, there is a Mazda built for the way your family moves. Visit Rochester Mazda to explore the full lineup, learn about current offers, and schedule a test drive today.

2026 Mazda AWD | Rochester, MN

Mazda AWD for Minnesota Driving

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Red Mazda SUV with rear hatch open and luggage loaded outside a modern home.

2026 Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50: Two Great SUVs, One Big Decision 

Both the 20 26 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 ar e compact crossovers built on Mazda's reputation for signature design, engaging driving dynamics, and strong safety credentials. But they aren't identical, and the right choice really comes down to how you live and drive. For Rochester, Minnesota drivers with a wild-at-heart side who crave adventure, and those who want a work of art on wheels, t his side-by-side look will help you sort out which Mazda fits you. Size and Interior Space The CX-50 is the larger of the two, designed with the adventurous, active lifestyle in mind. It sits on a longer wheelbase and offers more interior room —including nearly 40” of rear legroom. The cargo area caters to drivers with lots of passions, offering up to 56.3 cu. ft. of space that’s deeper than it is wide, making it perfect for hiking gear, a cooler, and packs. The CX-5 is slightly more compact, making it a natural fit for drivers who prioritize easy handling in tighter spaces or city parking. It also offers 39.9” of rear legroom, and more cargo space than the CX-50’s maximum, at 66.5 cu. ft. Both deliver a premium feel inside, but the CX-50 gives you a bit more breathing room for larger gear and offers extras like a rooftop platform with a long list of accessories. Powertrain Options This is where the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50 Mazda SUV comparison gets especially interesting. The CX-5 features a 2.5L SKYACTIV® 4-cylinder engine delivering 187 hp and 185 lbs.-ft. of torque. It’s paired with standard all-wheel drive, which is ideal for Minnesota driving, of course. T he capability-focused CX-50 mirrors that standard setup but goes further by offering an additional 227-hp turbo engine with 310 lbs.-ft. of torque and a 3,500-lb. towing capacity. On top of that, the CX-50 Hybrid is available, giving you up to 38 MPG combined, so you can venture further, longer. If fuel efficiency is a priority for you, the CX-50 Hybrid is worth serious consideration. The CX-5 offers a respectable 28 MPG combined, fit for commuters. Safety Ratings Both models have earned 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, which is one of the highest safety recognitions in the industry. Mazda has earned the title of Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports, and that commitment shows across the lineup. The i-Activsense ® driver-assistance technology suite equips both with features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Brake Support. These alert you to hazards and can step in to steer or brake to help you avoid collisions. Whether you choose the CX-5 or the CX-50, you're getting a vehicle built with driver and passenger protection at the forefront. Mazda Cx-5 vs CX-50: Which One Should You Choose? Think of it this way: the CX-5 is ideal if you want a nimble, well-rounded compact SUV that's easy to drive every day. The CX-50 makes more sense if you want extra capability, extra space, an available hybrid powertrain, or a more rugged character. Both deliver the driving feel and quality that Mazda is known for. Explore Both Models in Rochester, MN Doing a 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 Mazda SUV comparison in person is the best way to find your answer. Stop by Rochester Mazda today to see what’s available and schedule a test drive. Our team in Rochester, Minnesota is happy to help you get behind the wheel of your next dream car. The right Mazda is waiting for you.