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Shopping for a fairly rugged hatchback (or compact cross) w/ AWD. Maybe Forester vs Mazda 3 Hatch? (feddit.online)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by misterred@feddit.online to c/cars@lemmy.world

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Hi, has anyone compared these head to head? I like the idea that the Forester has an available manual transmission. The Mazda looks reliable and very fun to drive. The frontend/grille looks kinda stupid.

We're in very rural northern Vermont with quite a few dirt roads, usually but not always pretty well maintained.

Car dealerships aren't close by. The Subaru dealer is just under an hour drive, the Mazda/Volkswagen dealership just over an hour and a half each way. Locally we have Ford, GMC/Chevy, and Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge.

I'd probably buy new this time although I've had good luck buying 'certified' used cars off of leases, most recently a 2015 Audi A3 off of a 36-month lease cancelled after 24 I think? so pretty close to new - with manufacturer + dealer warranties; someone else having eaten the depreciation; low mileage, and full confidence that scheduled maintenance has been adhered to, prior to my taking ownership. Comfort and tech, of course reliability, and ease of third-party servicing and parts are all considerations for me.

Reasoned opinions very welcome; TIA for any thoughts at all. Buying is hard.

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[–] misterred@feddit.online 2 points 2 weeks ago

I should say I'm not specifically looking for a manual and am also more likely to buy new than used this time. Some models might be allocated but I don't envision many shortages this time of year. Really wondering what people would do with my rather vaguely stated set of considerations for options and features, mostly, traction/clearance/cost-of-ownership/cargo-space/drives like a car not a van/reliability/performance/tech/and I'd like a sunroof. I'm probably going to miss my A3 but its time is nigh. Maybe there's no perfect car for me and I should stop feeling like there ought to be. But as nice as the 2025-6 Forester 'Limited' trim package looks to me (including some recent drivetrain improvements beginning in '25 I think) some of you with a notable exception appear to be persuading me away from the mfgr. Continuing to read and research. Thank you all so much.

Currently reading:
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2026-subaru-crosstrek-hybrid-first-drive-review
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2026-toyota-corolla-cross-first-drive-review

And I hear that sales are poor for the Mazda 3 at least the hatch version, and they might be considering ending its production after the model year. I don't think that should inform my purchasing decision (should it?) but it may tend to push prices down (would it?). This has really caught me eye.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2025-mazda-3-price/