2025 Mazda 3 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2025)

9/10

C/D RATING

MSRP

Specs

Overview

The Mazda 3 is a mainstream compact sedan that punches above its weight. It can almost pass for a premium-class compact, as its top trim levels boast elegantly furnished interiors lined with materials that exude a sense of luxury that rivals like the Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic just cannot equal. Offered as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, the hatch is positioned as the more upscale model of the two. Despite being several inches shorter in overall length than the sedan, the five-door costs more. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, either with or without a turbocharger, mated to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. However, manual gearboxes are limited to nonturbo models with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered, but only with the six-speed automatic transmission. As is the Mazda norm, the 3 delights its driver with its balance. It's fun to drive yet dispenses its agility with a comfortably smooth ride. Its elegant exterior and plush interior combine to create a delectable compact that has far more allure than you'd expect for the price.

As one of our favorites in its segment, the Mazda 3 has also earned a spot on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025.

What's New for 2025?

Mazda now offers the Mazda 3's base model as either a sedan or hatchback. Previously, it was only offered as a sedan. All non-base trims receive embedded Alexa capability as part of their infotainment system. The Carbon Edition is offered with the base (non-turbocharged) engine this year with standard all-wheel drive, Polymetal Gray exterior paint, 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, gloss-black heated door mirrors, a red leather interior and wireless device charging. Last year's Carbon Turbo trim returns as well. A Bose premium audio system is standard on Premium and Turbo Premium Plus models, and optional elsewhere.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Mazda 3 hatchback is tempting because of its distinct appearance, but the hatch's bulbous backside compromises visibility. Instead, we'd stick with the sedan. When you select the Preferred trim level, you get standard features such as heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. Those who want all-wheel drive will need to go with either the Carbon Edition or one of the Turbo models, where it's standard.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Mazda offers two different engines with the 3, starting with a base 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. You can get a six-speed manual transmission if you stick with front-wheel drive and choose the hatchback. Opting for the all-wheel-drive system mandates a six-speed automatic transmission. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter is available, but only on the most expensive Turbo trims. The Turbo models come standard with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission. While every 3 responds readily to gas-pedal inputs, only the turbocharged engine makes the 3 satisfyingly quick. Both the hatchback and sedan feel composed on straight and twisty roads and provide a refined ride. We've praised the new Mazda 3 for retaining much of the fun-to-drive nature of the outgoing model. It has taut body control, natural-feeling steering, and a well-controlled ride that manages not to punish occupants when going over rough roads.

0-60–MPH Times

When we tested the all-wheel-drive 3 with the turbocharged engine, we recorded a brisk 5.6-second run to 60 mph. A front-wheel-drive 3 sedan with the naturally aspirated engine and an automatic transmission got to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, and the hatchback with the manual transmission recorded a 7.3-second time. Covering all the available powertrain configurations, the all-wheel-drive sedan with the base engine got to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds in our testing.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient Mazda 3 is the sedan with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which earned ratings from the EPA of 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The turbocharged hatchback model with all-wheel drive is the least fuel efficient, with ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. We tested an all-wheel-drive automatic-equipped sedan with the nonturbo 2.5-liter on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, and it posted 36 mpg. We also tested a similarly equipped hatchback, which beat its highway rating by 2 mpg (for 34 mpg observed). The front-drive stick-shift 3 returned 38 mpg (3 more than estimated). For more information about the Mazda 3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Mazda thoughtfully designed the 3's cabin with premium materials. Buyers can outfit either body style with a slew of desirable features, but the best ones are tied into the trim-level hierarchy. For instance, a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are all reserved for the topmost trims. Still, the 3 sedan and hatchback have supportive seats and comfortable passenger accommodations. However, the two-box model has the worst rear visibility among compact hatchbacks due to its curvaceous design taking priority over sightlines. Interior cubby storage is adequate, but those who want the most cargo space should choose the sedan, which held six carry-on bags in the trunk versus the hatch's five. Both held 16 bags with the back seat folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Mazda now offers embedded Alexa technology on all Mazda 3s except for the entry-level model. An 8.8-inch infotainment display is standard and looks even larger than it is, thanks to a nicely designed bezel that floats between two pillow-like dash pads. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard. A larger, 10.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on Turbo models. With either screen, the infotainment interface is easy to use and controlled by a console-mounted rotary knob, although the larger display permits both touch and dial-based operation. A 12-speaker Bose stereo system is standard on Premium and Turbo Premium Plus models, and optional elsewhere. SiriusXM satellite radio is also optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every model also boasts a bevy of standard driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. For more information about the Mazda 3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mazda covers the 3 sedan and hatchback with a conventional warranty plan that can't compete with Hyundai and Kia's lengthy 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Toyota is the only competitor to offer complimentary scheduled maintenance in this segment.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs