Mazda built a compact crossover that drives like a sport sedan and lasts like a Toyota, then fumbled the 2026 redesign by burying climate controls in a touchscreen. The 2017-2025 generation is the sweet spot: upscale interior, engaging handling, and owners routinely hitting 200k+ miles with nothing but oil changes. The rotary dial infotainment that reviewers love actually works once you learn it. But the new model ditches those physical controls just as competitors are bringing them back, and the community is furious. Shopping used or hunting a leftover 2025? You're golden. Eyeing the 2026? You're the guinea pig for Mazda's cost-cutting experiment, and early sentiment suggests they read the room wrong. Buy the outgoing model while you still can.
This three-row crossover delivers surprising space and features for the money, but only if you spec it right. The 2.0L engine is a false economy, it whines and struggles with passengers and cargo, making highway merges an exercise in patience. Spring for the 2.4L AWD or skip it entirely; the fuel economy difference is negligible and the drivability gap is enormous. The CVT demands religious fluid changes every 30-40k miles, treat it like an oil change you can't miss, or budget for a $4,000 replacement. Current models (2022+) share bones with the Nissan Rogue and feel genuinely upscale inside, a pleasant surprise at this price point. The real wildcard: Mitsubishi's US dealer network has collapsed 16% since the pandemic, with 35 franchises terminated in 18 months. If your nearest dealer closes, you're stuck driving an hour for warranty work or routine service. For families who need affordable three-row space and have a stable dealer nearby, it's a smart buy. If you value driving engagement or worry about orphaned-brand risk, the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 are safer bets.