xD, Matrix, or Mazda3?

[HarryPlopper]

We need help. My wife and just got our Saturn SL1 totaled in a hit and run accident. Luckily neither of us were hurt. We need to get a new car now, so we are looking at the Matrix, Scion xD, or Mazda3.

We would like the following in a new car:

1. Enough power to get us on/off the freeway safely.
2. A large rear cargo area for our dog (she's ~60 lbs and 2.5 ft tall.
3. Good mileage (30+ mpg) on the freeway.

My wife mostly uses the car for commuting and we do some long trips across the country.

We like the Scion for its price and utility. The matrix is nice also, but is a bit ugly. The Mazda is the nicest looking of the bunch but is a bit pricey and doesn't get as good of mileage as the other two. The Scion seems to have a lot of nice features included in the base model, but seems a bit small. I can't get a good sense of how big that rear cargo space is.

I figure any of these 3 cars is a step up from our old Saturn.

Thanks for your help!

[HATEnFATE]

I'd suggest a Scion xB if you're looking for more room.

The xD isnt' real large on the inside, The matrix actually got smaller and I'm not sure about the Mazda, i don't know enough about them.