Don’t let the size fool you. The 2017 Mazda CX-3 is a highway monster. During a days long test drive, the CX-3 easily handled snowy roads and stayed the course on miserable icy roads. Since its 2016 model year debut, the CX-3 has garnered attention for its crisp design, showy interior, and athletic handing. Changes for 2017 are minimal; the Touring trim now has 18-inch wheels, and the Grand Touring trim’s i-ActivSense safety package drops $750. (CX-3 is offered in 3 trims: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.) The 101.2-inch wheelbase CX-3 is a utility vehicle with spunkiness to spare.

CX-3 is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that releases 146 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 146 pounds-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. The engine mates to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. CX-3 is offered as a front wheel drive CUV or an active torque split all wheel drive car. The Grand Touring’s cargo volume with rear seats folded is 42.3 cubic feet, or 10.1 cubic feet with all seats upright. Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD collects estimated mpg of 27 city/32 highway and carries a MSRP of $26,240.