Cars
Commute to work is 24.3 miles one direction
The compact sedan segment has been dominated recently by the Mazda3, with competition among the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Kia Forte, and VW Jetta.
| Brand | Crossover | CUV |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | CR-V | HR-V |
| Hyundai | Tucson | Kona |
| Kia | Sportage | Seltos, Soul |
| Mazda | CX-5 | CX-30 |
| Nissan | Murano | |
| Toyota | RAV4 | C-HR |
Hyundai
| Dealership | Cars |
|---|---|
| Brandon Hyundai | Tucson, Tucson Hybrid |
| Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa | Tucson, Tucson Hybrid |
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Tucson
| Year, Model | Mileage (k mi) | Cost (k USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited | 51.4 | 20.7 + Care Package 2.0 + Dealer Fee 1.0 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson Value | 14 | 25.0 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue | New | 33.6 |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SEL Convenience | 29 | 33 |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue | 16 | 35 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue | New | 33.6 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue | New | 33.3 |
The Tucson had a refresh for the 2022 model that introduced a lot of new technology and made the Tucson one of the roomiest options in the segment.
The Tucson Hybrid, which uses a 1.6L turbo GDI I-4, is not much more expensive than the gas, but offers much more torque and 30% better fuel economy in a stepped automatic transmission. This gives it segment-leading acceleration. Non-hybrid Tucson trims all use the same 2.5L engine, which was described as lethargic. It is a well-rounded car that feels like it's well put-together.
Used models of the latest generation of the Tucson Hybrid are available in the 30s. Courtesy Hyundai offers 0% APR for 48 months on the Tucson (excluding the Hybrid).
The third generation (2005-2021) was notable for being much smaller than competitors, almost the size of a hatchback.
The most common engine for this generation was a 2.0L four-cylinder (164 hp/151 lb. ft.) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. But a powerful 1.6L turbocharged four-cyclinder engine (175 hp/195 lb. ft.) had been available to Value and Limited trims before being discontinued in 2019 along with the 7-speed dual-clutch which was paired with it. This turbocharged engine was replaced by a 2.4L naturally aspirated four-cylinder (184 hp/ 175 lb. ft.), the same as that available in the Kia Sportage. Performance with this naturally aspirated engine was noted for being anemic with poor gas mileage.
Android Auto became available in 2017.
Of the various trims, the Value has a panoramic sunroof and parking sensors, which are lacking in the Sport.
Infiniti
Infiniti QX30
The Infiniti Q30 was sold between 2016 and 2019 as a premium hatchback. The QX30, with higher ground clearance, is described as a subcompact luxury crossover that was designed to straddle the border between hatchback, wagon, and crossover segments. The QX30 targets premium city-dwelling customers or first-time luxury buyers who couldn't otherwise afford the Q50, which had been Infiniti's previous entry-level model.
The QX30 is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz A-class chassis, and so uses many Mercedes-Benz parts. It is built in the QX30 factory in Tennessee.
Jaguar
Jaguar F-PACE
Introduced in 2017...
Kia
Two dealerships in the Tampa area:
Kia Sportage
| Year, Model | Mileage (k mi) | Cost (k USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Sportage SX | 60.3 | 21.2 + Dealer Fee 1.0 22.2 |
| 2020 Kia Sportage SX | 56.0 | 22.5 + Dealer fee 1.2 + Reconditioning 1.0 + Paint 1.5 26.2 |
| 2023 Kia Sportage EX | New | 29.8 |
| 2023 Kia Sportage EX | New | 30.2 |
| 2020 Kia Sportage EX | 39 | 28.0 |
| 2018 Kia Sportage LX | 25 | 21.0 |
| 2019 Kia Sportage LX | 23 | 22.0 |
| 2020 Kia Sportage S | 24 | 26.0 |
The fifth-generation refresh is built on the N3 platform. It offers a hybrid 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder with 38 mpg city and highway. Unlike the Tucson, Kia offers FWD.
EX trims and up have a 12.3 inch display, whereas lower trims have only an 8 inch.
SX trims since 2011 have offered a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (237 hp/260 lb. ft.).
Kia Forte
| Year, Model | Mileage (k mi) | Cost (k USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia LXS | 48 | 19.0 |
| 2019 Kia LXS | 45 | 19.0 |
| 2021 Kia LXS | 39 | 21.0 |
- EX has cooled seats
- good stereo
- better option than the sister Hyundai Elantra
- FWD
Kia Optima
The previous generation Kia Optima offers an impressive 2.0L turbo four-cylinder paired with a dual-clutch transmission.
Kia Seltos
A new subcompact SUV offering introduced in 2021, designed to imitate the Land-Roveresque cues of the hot-selling Telluride. It comes with a Bose sound system for higher trims, although there is very poor noise insulation.
LX, S, and EX trims use the same 2.0L i4 found in the Forte, paired with a CVT, starting around $24,900.
S and SX trims have a torquey 1.6L turbo i4 paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD standard.
No ventilated seats.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is the last survivor of the box car segment and has even been Kia's most successful model. In 2017 the top of the-line Exclaim model was introduced with a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder.
The Soul was introduced in 2010 and each model year introduced iterative changes.
After 2020, the Base, Plus (+) and Exclaim (!) trims were renamed LX, S, and EX, although the 1.6L turbocharger that was previously available to the Exclaim was exclusively relegated to the new Turbo trim. In the 2020 year only, this Turbo trim was confusingly called the GT-Line Turbo. The non-turbo GT-Line trim, despite its name, did not feature an engine or performance different from that of the other trims.
In 2023 the turbo option was dropped entirely.
The Kia Soul LX is available new from $22,000.
| Year, Model | Mileage (k mi) | Cost (k USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Soul ! | 48.5 | 17.0 |
| 2022 Kia Soul Turbo | 27.6 | 24.0 |
| 2023 Kia Soul LX | New | 21.7 |
| 2023 Kia Soul LX | New | 21.9 |
Mazda
| Dealership | Cars | Fees | | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Ferman Mazda of Brandon | CX-30, CX-5 | | Westshore Mazda | CX-5 | | Mazda of Wesley Chapel | CX-5 | $1199 dealer fee plus "reconditioning fee" |
Mazda CX-5
| Year, Model | Mileage (k mi) | Cost (k USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature | 62.6 | 23.5 - Financing 1.0 + Dealer fee 0.9 + Electronic filing fee 0.2 + OPC Connect 0.5 24.1 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S | New | 28.1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature | 13.0 | 32.0 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature | 23.5 | 28.9 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature | 33.2 | 29.6 |
The sportiest and best trim of the compact crossover segment (competing with the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4).
These models predominantly used a 2.5L turbo I-4 engine (as of the 2019 year and later) which always came paired with AWD. Naturally aspirated engines are much more common and, in used cars, much less expensive. But the 6-speed transmission is a weakness that shortchanges the engine, especially in comparison with competitors with have moved to a CVT in the case of Honda or an 8-speed tranmission in the case of Toyota.
The 2019 refresh introduced Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard feature, although older models can be retrofitted at additional cost.
The 2021 refresh introduced a 10 inch screen and upgraded backup camera which are highly recommended over the 2020 model.
The 2022 refresh introduced a new, larger key fob as well as reshuffled trim tiers: the new Signature trim is fully-loaded.
New CX-5s start from $28,000 and up. Turbo-equipped CX-5s run from $35,000 and up.
Mazda CX-30
| Year, Model | Mileage (k mi) | Cost (k USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 Preferred | 41 | 24.0 |
The CX-30 is a subcompact crossover launched in 2020, competing with the smaller vehicles like the Honda HR-V and Toyota CH-R.
Like the Mazda3 on which it is based, it incorporates many improvements to the interior and user experience. It uses the same naturally aspirated 2.5L I-4 found in the Mazda3 and CX-5, although turbocharged trims appear to be available at considerable markup.
The Preferred Trim has a Bose sound system. And as with other vehicles, Mazda prefers the driver not to have the added distraction of a touchscreen and insists that the infotainment system be controlled using the control knob.
New CX-30s run in the mid- to high 20s.
Mazda3
Too small
The latest and current generation was introduced in 2019. Three main trim levels are Select, Preferred, and Premium, with all trims available in FWD and AWD.
Mazda put a lot of effort into redesigning and improving the interior, from physical controls to the center console to the improved 8.8 inch screen and command knob. Changes to the driving experience are a marked improvement from the previous generation.
The naturally aspirated engine (2.5L i4, 186 hp and 186 lb-ft.) has anemic performance, but the turbocharged version (2.5L turbo i4, 227 hp, 310 lb-ft) are class-leading, aside from performance-focused specialty models like the Civi Type R.
Nissan
Rogue
| Year, Model | Mileage (k mi) | Cost (k USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Nissan Rogue SV | 18 | 25.0 |
The Rogue was refreshed in 2021. Used previous generation Rogues appear to offer Android Auto, adaptive cruise, and similar features at reasonable prices The driving experience is unremarkable and inoffensive. The 2.5L 4-cylinder dates from 2002 and feels sluggish paired with a CVT.