Driving. A huge part of the 2017 Mazda 3's appeal is how well it drives. With both the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines, the 3 accelerates quickly and smoothly. Given the choice, we'd go with the Compare the 2017 Mazda CX-9, 2017 Toyota Highlander and 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: car rankings, scores, prices, and specs. Conclusions. The 2017 Toyota Corolla starts at $1,200 more than the 2016 model, but it also includes the Safety Sense features and a better automatic transmission than the one than was found on the base model before. All of that would equal more than $1,200, so it’s a good deal that includes snazzier styling as a bonus. The 2014-2015 models have cheaper looking interiors. The 2016 has a better interior but doesn't have the facelifted exterior. The 2017 models have the nicer interior that the 2016 has but also the facelifted exterior. If you get a 2017 in Grand Touring trim you'll also get that cool LED "necklace" that runs underneath the grille. The hesitation I have on the 2017s is that people say the driving experience is mediocre and that they’re very slow, but the 2017s have newer technology and nicer interiors than an older 2015 GT. Is the driving experience that much better in a GT? For reference, I currently drive a 2nd gen prius and was comparing the Mazda to 10th gen civics. As someone who has had 4 Mazda 3s and 1 cx5, the difference is night and day. Both are very reliable, but for your first car, get that Mazda 3, do some mods, and enjoy. It's so much more fun to drive. I live in Florida, and the AC keeps up with the heat. The cabin is small, so the front vents cool the car quickly. The 2017 Mazda CX-3 adds bigger wheels on its mid-level trim and cuts the cost for its active safety features. The 2017 Mazda CX-3 comes in three trims, all equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 and 2017 Mazda 3 2.5L Hatchback. Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback. PRICE AS TESTED. $28,030 (base price: $23,895) ENGINE TYPE. DOHC 16-valve Atkinson vn4S.