Help me start my search

I’ve driven a Mazda 3 since I got my license and it’s seen better days. My spending cap is about 30k for a new car. Loved my Mazda but I’m wondering if I should branch out and look at other brands like Honda or Toyota. I’m not too knowledgeable about cars so I wouldn’t know where to start.

I have a hatchback and the extra cargo space was great but I’m also open to a sedan or something. My chief concern is getting something economical, great miles per gallon, affordable maintenance, stuff like that. I’ll just be using it to drive to work and around town mostly.

Other than that I’m not even sure what kinds of questions I should even be asking myself when deciding what I need in a car. A little guidance would be great. Any recommendations based on recent trends with manufacturers?