• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Our Family Crushes Logo

Living Life on Our Terms

  • Family Life
  • Hobbies
  • Real Talk
  • Adventures
  • About Us
  • Search

Mobile Menu

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Family Life
  • Hobbies
  • Adventures
  • Real Talk
  • About Us
  • Search
Home » Adventures » Santa Barbara Roadtrip in the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring

Santa Barbara Roadtrip in the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring

April 21, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Mazda3 Grand Touring car on the side of a mountain road with cloudy skies in the background

Are you in the market for a new car? Check out my experience driving the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring on a roadtrip to Santa Barbara. 

Side view of gray Mazda3 with nature in the background

Normally when I test drive a car, I try to write about it shortly afterwards so that you can get my fresh thoughts. I just realized that I never shared my roadtrip in the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring!

Back in February, I drove it from my house to Santa Barbara for an event, and then back home. It was my first solo roadtrip in a while, so I was excited for the quiet drive.

I loaded my belongings up in the trunk and had plenty of space to spare. There’d be enough space for my family to pack for a short roadtrip.

Mazda3 Grand Touring trunk with luggage

The Mazda3 Grand Touring looks a lot like a station wagon, but without the option of extra seats in the back. It’s more sleek and stylish than a station wagon, though. I wouldn’t mind driving it regularly.

Front angle of Mazda3 Grand Touring car

I had a really great time driving the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring down and then back up the mountain. It handled really well on the turns and the brakes were responsive. It was a fun drive!

The Mazda3 Grand Touring has a hatchback

The front seat was plenty comfortable for my drive on the freeway too. I fit well in the driver’s seat and the steering wheel was comfortable.

On the drive home, it was raining torrentially to the point where I thought I might need to pull over. Everyone on the freeway was driving about 25 miles per hour with no traffic it was so bad! The Mazda3 handled really well, and I felt safe so I continued through it.

Unfortunately I wasn’t a fan of how the GPS/entertainment system was set up. I’m used to driving cars with touch screens, so using a knob and buttons seemed a bit outdated and cumbersome. The screen was also much smaller than I’ve become accustomed to.

Mazda3 Grand Touring steering wheel and navigation

As far as gas mileage goes, the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring is rated at 30 mpg (26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway). Not too shabby, but not the best either.

I think the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring would be great for a young, single adult or a small family that doesn’t need to haul a lot of gear. Other than the GPS/entertainment system, I thought it was a nice car that was really fun to drive.

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Recommended for You

Garden of the Gods walking path in Colorado Springs, CO

6 Best Easy Hikes in Colorado Springs

Front angle of Toyota Highlander Hybrid with green mountains in the background

How the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Won My Heart

Exterior of Extended Stay America hotel in Cypress, CA

What It’s Really Like to Stay at Extended Stay America

Side of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: From the Mountains to the Beach and Back

Front angle view of blue Toyota Tacoma in front of the forest

Moms Have Fun Off-Roading in the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4X4 Sport

Family photo in front of the ocean in La Jolla, CA

Pantai Inn Offers a Touch of Bali in La Jolla, CA

Previous Post: «Medieval Times Dinner Show audience in Buena Park, CA Family Friendly Activities in Buena Park
Next Post: 10 Tips for Visiting Knott’s Soak City Water Park Wave Pool at Knott's Soak City in Buena Park, CA»

Primary Sidebar

Get Email Updates

Popular Posts

Garden of the Gods walking path in Colorado Springs, CO

6 Best Easy Hikes in Colorado Springs

Downtown Santa Barbara streets lined with Palm Trees

12 Family Friendly Activities in Santa Barbara

Urban Wine Trail sign in Santa Barbara, CA

The Best Way to Go Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara

Recent Posts

  • Accepting a Life with Fluoroquinolone Toxicity
  • Bittersweet News About Chrystal’s Diagnosis
  • Chrystal has a Preliminary Primary Diagnosis
  • Fibromyalgia: A New Secondary Diagnosis
  • Answering Some Questions for You

Our Family History

Site Footer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Our Family Crushes · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme

0 shares
0 shares