Looking for feedback on ride quality of 18" rims

I'm going to be buying my daughter her first car, and the Mazda3 is at the top of the list for best car/value in our price range. I like most everything about it, except for 2 things: small back seat, and rough ride on the 18" rims. The rear room isn't a deal breaker, but I'd like to hear some feedback on living day to day with the ride quality on 18" rims.

I could opt for the lower trim and get 16" rims, but would give up leatherette seats, dual climate zone and keyless fob entry, but save about $1k. Is that worth it?

Looking for opinions. Thanks!