How does comfort of the three models compare? I’m talking about current generations.
In particular, as someone 186cm tall, I find Corolla hatch not very comfortable, especially for longer distances. It’s just impossible to find a comfortable position behind the steering wheel. Either the wheel is too far or pedals too close.
Other things I’m curious about is visibility and noise level at highway speeds in those three models.
Same height as you, not a big fan of the new 3 and CX-30, the ceiling is really low unless I angle the seat too far back to not get back aches. But the CX-5 has that upright sitting position and tall ceiling I love. Excellent visibility too. That said, the natural resting position of my right leg had my knee against the center console which isn’t soft padded. I put 150 000km on it in 4 years and it only bothered me from time to time.
I’m happy with my 3rd gen Mazda3 though. Doesn’t feel as cramped as the new one.
I do miss the easy getting in and out of the CX-5. Just didn’t make sense for me to be carrying around 700 extra lbs of metal now that I live alone. Once I’m sat in, that older 2018 Mazda 3 is pretty comfortable
We have both a '21 CX-5 and a '20 3. As much as I love the sedan as my daily commuter, we always pick the CX-5 for long drives.
As much as I would like a smaller sporty car, I find myself needing the cargo space of the CX-5 quite often. Even just for myself.
I get you, as a musician I enjoyed how easy it was to load the CX-5.
But if I’m honest, I can carry almost as much with the Mazda3 hatch (again, 3rd gen though)… the CX-5 was much easier to load though, and I could put more in the trunk without having to fold the seats.