I’ve owned almost every model of mazda, I’ve had 0 issues with them. They are just as reliable as Toyota. The mazda 2 is outstanding for the cost so is the yaris. Sure it’s slow, but it’s light, fun, great on gas and very reliable. If you can get one in manual it’s a proper hot hatch. If my tacoma ever died, I’d buy a used Mazda 2 or Yaris asap and not worry about a car payment.

If you are looking at new, I would recommend looking at certified pre owned and get AWD. I live in New England so similar weather and my wife had an AWD 3 for a bit. The AWD system for Mazda is outstanding in the snow and worth it.

You could always come over to the dark side and go with All Terrains like K02s, Wildpeaks or General Grabbers. Or something unique looking, but outstanding like the crossclimate 2’s.

Mazda 2 manual transmission. It’s cheap, slow, and reliable. Reminds me of my Daewoo Lanos I had and I absolutely loved that tin can, south Korean death box.