The Mazda 3 strengths won't be found on a spec sheet — utility, fuel economy and drivability all fall around average, for instance. But the 3's distinctive style and refinement make it more enjoyable to drive and own than most other small hatchbacks.
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.
Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at Edmunds and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.
Pros
Premium interior design and materials
Confident handling makes it fun to drive
Available all-wheel drive
Quick acceleration with turbocharged engine
Cons
Mediocre legroom in the back seat
Less cargo capacity than other small cars
What's new
New available 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration
New Carbon Turbo package
2.5 S Carbon Edition is now all-wheel-drive only
Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The Mazda 3 is a compact car offered as either a sedan or hatchback. It can be equipped with one of two engines: a base four-cylinder or an upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder, which also comes with standard all-wheel drive. It might not be as practical or efficient as some of its competitors, but the Mazda 3 has one key thing going for it: It's exceptionally fun to drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.57 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
The Mazda 3 stands out from the crowd with its responsive steering and impressive handling, which contribute to an enjoyable daily driving experience — especially when paired with the available turbo engine. Sadly, the Mazda 3's available six-speed manual transmission is only offered with the base engine and front-wheel drive.
For 2024, the Mazda 3 receives new trim packages, including a Carbon Turbo specification, which brings many of the features from the Carbon Edition package to the 2.5 Turbo model. Also new is the Select Sport package, which replaces the previous Select package. But the biggest news is the addition of an available 10.25-inch center touchscreen. We found the rotary dial interface of the standard 8.8-inch screen a bit cumbersome, so this is a welcome change. The system comes standard on 2.5 Turbo models and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The compact car segment has dwindled over the years, but there are still plenty of small hatchback and sedan rivals left for the Mazda 3, including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide if the Mazda 3 is right for you.
What’s it like to live with?
To get an idea of the ownership experience, check out the Edmunds 2020 Mazda 3 long-term test. We evaluated a Mazda 3 sedan over the course of one year, and overall, it impressed us, though the non-turbo engine left us wanting for more power. Read all about what we liked and what we didn't.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.7/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Mazda 3 strengths won't be found on a spec sheet — utility, fuel economy and drivability all fall around average, for instance. But the 3's distinctive style and refinement make it more enjoyable to drive and own than most other small hatchbacks.
How does the 3 Hatchback drive? Mazda vehicles tend to have pleasing driving dynamics, and that's true of the 3 hatchback. Above-average horsepower and acceleration make quick work of merges and on-ramps, while proper feedback from the brake pedal adds to a sense of control during typical driving and confidence during panic stops. The same goes for the steering and handling. Though not thrilling, both are pleasant in the daily grind.
At our test track, even the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder impressed with an 8.2-second sprint to 60 mph. But the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is a whole new ballgame, whittling the 0-60 time way down to 6.1 seconds. It's a refined turbo too, with minimal lag and an abundance of readily available thrust. You don't need to floor it; just a gentle prod of the gas pedal makes quick work of passing or merging.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the 3 Hatchback? The 3's interior is a generally pleasant place to occupy, with comfortable and supportive front seats that allow for all-day driving. The most prevalent sound is some engine noise during moderate and heavy acceleration, but it doesn't have an annoying drone. In fact, the turbocharged engine makes a rather endearing baritone thrum. Across the lineup, irksome road noise is minimized.
Owing to the 3's more driver-focused mission, the ride transmits most bumps and vibrations into the cabin, but the suspension controls these motions in a way that keeps passengers from complaining. When it comes to air conditioning, you can simply set it to auto and forget it.
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How’s the interior? The 3 is a master class in simplicity and intuitiveness. The controls are easy to use and find, helping to keep your eyes on the road. We also like the driving position. Everything is within view, and almost all drivers should be able to find a setting that they prefer.
What brings the score down? Visibility and the rear seat. The rear window is small, and the rear side pillars create large blind spots. While proper mirror placement helps, backing out of a parking spot requires more awareness and concentration than it should. While we largely praise the front seat experience, the back seat is tight. There's enough headroom, but legroom and shoulder room are below segment average. Plus, you have to duck when getting in or out.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Mazda 3's standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen and optional 10.25-inch screen both work well, though some of our editors thought the graphics are starting to look a little dated. And while we do like the single-knob controller, the lack of full-time touchscreen functionality ultimately hampers ease of use. More positively, the available Bose audio system, which is what we tested, sounds great.
Mazda's suite of advanced driver assist features is standard on all trims. Most of the aids work pretty well. But we have noticed that in heavy traffic, the adaptive cruise control can stop abruptly even when it's not strictly necessary.
Storage
7.0/10
How’s the storage? The cargo area is a touch smaller than average. Though the storage area is deep, there's no way to lower the back seats from the cargo area. We are more fond of the center storage options for the front occupants, including the long, wide tray that accommodates most personal effects and the small cubby to the left of the steering wheel. Rear passengers have few storage options, and the door pockets throughout are average size.
The easily accessible car seat anchors help when installing a car seat, though the somewhat smallish rear space means you'll likely have to move the front seat forward. Plus, the cargo privacy shield blocks the rear tethers — a minor annoyance.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How economical is the 3 Hatchback? The EPA estimates the Mazda 3 hatchback gets 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving with front-wheel drive or 29 mpg with all-wheel drive. The turbo engine drops to 26 mpg. All of these estimates are below par for a small car. We have found the EPA's estimates to be realistic in real-world driving, at least.
Value
7.5/10
Is the 3 Hatchback a good value? Style is the Mazda 3's calling card, and it's delivered through high-quality materials that are tightly assembled. The only apparent wart is high-gloss black trim in the center console that attracts fingerprints and smudges. To be fair, this is a problem on many luxury cars too.
Fuel economy, warranty and ownership perks are about average. You're paying for the style more than anything else, though the optional turbo engine adds a big dollop of performance — and naturally costs even more. At the top trim level and outfitted with all-wheel drive, the 3 hatchback is more expensive than just about everything in the segment, especially if you go turbo. That brings luminaries like the Volkswagen GTI and even the Golf R into play, so it's worth doing some cross-shopping to make sure the Mazda wins in your book.
Wildcard
9.0/10
The Mazda 3 can make you smile on a mountain road, but it's more oriented to being pleasurable on the daily commute. Having said that, the turbocharged engine is a game-changer, enabling the unassuming 3 to keep up with many entry-level luxury cars. The hatchback's expressive exterior styling is a standout, especially in a crowded parking lot. The look makes the 3 special. The interior design and materials back up this presence, creating an overall sense of luxury and style that's unmatched among competitive hatchbacks.
Which 3 does Edmunds recommend?
For the best balance of features, performance and value, go for a 2.5 S model equipped with the Select Sport package. Its naturally aspirated four-cylinder has enough power for most, and added features like 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and hands-free keyless entry lend it a more upscale feel.
Mazda 3 models
The 2024 Mazda 3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback. There are two main trim levels that coincide with the choice of engine: Mazda 3 2.5 S and Mazda 2.5 Turbo. The base 2.5 S trim is eligible for all-wheel drive, while the Turbo has it as standard equipment. Keep reading for our rundown of the Mazda 3's standard and optional features.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Every Mazda 3 also comes with:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Lane departure warning (warns driver when car is starting to drift from the lane)
Drowsy driver monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
From there, Mazda offers four subtrims (or packages) that you can add to the 2.5 S. They include:
2.5 S Select Sport
18-inch wheels
Synthetic leather upholstery
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Keyless entry and start
Rain-sensing wipers
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (alerts if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
2.5 S Preferred
Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings
Heated front seats
Sunroof
2.5 S Carbon Edition
All-wheel drive
Includes features from Preferred package
18-inch black-painted wheels
Special exterior paint color
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging pad
Red leather interior
Eight-speaker Bose audio system
2.5 S Premium (hatchback only)
Includes features from Preferred package
Front-wheel drive
18-inch wheels
Six-speed manual transmission
Upgraded exterior lighting with adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Leather seats
12-speaker Bose audio system
Integrated navigation system with traffic sign recognition
Mazda 3 2.5 Carbon Turbo
The Carbon Turbo is the least expensive trim to have the turbocharged engine. It also comes with contents of the 2.5 S' optional Select, Preferred and Premium packages, minus the leather upholstery, heated steering wheel and navigation system. It also comes with:
2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane gas)
All-wheel drive
18-inch black-painted wheels
Special exterior paint color
10.25-inch center touchscreen
Red synthetic leather seats
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging pad
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus buffs up the 3 even more with:
Front and rear parking sensors
Heated steering wheel
Paddle shifters
Navigation system
Leather upholstery
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Mazda 3 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
There’s one huge problem with this car— it is so fun that you don’t want to stop driving it! The 2.5 turbo is superb. It has plenty of power and torque but is also efficient. For the first few days, you’ll want to drive it like you stole it because it seriously takes corners like no other car I’ve driven and has acceleration and passing power like something out of a luxury car. The AWD … paired with the turbo really helps keep the car planted and under control when aggressively stepping down on the accelerator. While it’s very peppy, the engine remains very modest and quiet when you’re driving normal or idling. I will also add that it’s paired with a silky smooth transmission that shifts effortlessly. No CVT or DCT! Just a perfect transmission made directly by Mazda.
The safety features on this car are also fantastic. The adaptive cruise control is very smooth and offers four different spacing options between you and the car in front of your. The lane keep assist is not very evasive in its steering or keeping you in the lane, which is great, and the blind spot monitor is extremely helpful given the huge blind spots in the hatchback. Those are the only safety systems I’ve tested so far, and they’ve excelled my expectations. Also, the safety systems link into the head up display, which is even more brilliant. The audible warnings associated with the systems sound great and don’t scare the heck of you when they go off.
The infotainment system and interior components… WOW. Amazing. I love the fact that it doesn’t have a touchscreen, honestly. Mazda makes you use a rotary dial, with a cool clicking sound as you turn it, to control all aspects of the infotainment so that you keep your eyes peeled on the road. At first it thought that would’ve been an issue, but after using it, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Not only is it much easier than having to reach for the screen, but it keeps fingerprints off the screen, which are huge pet peeve of many. The infotainment system itself is very fast, has no lag navigating from menu to menu, and the graphics are super bright and crystal clear. When you use this, you know you’re in 2021. Next level technology. There is no wireless CarPlay, but with the center compartment having enough room to fit your phone and hide cords out of the way to keep a clean look, it doesn’t bother me one bit. In fact, it forces you to not look at your phone while driving, which I’m sure is what Mazda intended. The seats along with any place that’s in reach and meant to be touched regularly feel AMAZING. The arm rests in the center and on the door panels are like memory foam! Comfort you can literally see with your eyes. The knobs have great haptic feedback and clicking sounds that are satisfying if you’re weird like me. Everything feels very high quality and like something that will hold up beautifully for many years to come. Very little plastic pieces inside with the exception of the gear shift panel that will scratch if you’re not careful.
The exterior on this car speaks for itself. My car has black paint with black rims. It looks stunning with the design of the body. The paint quality is great with the metallic flakes that flicker in the sunshine. I would recommend, as with any car, to get a paint protection film, because of how close the car is to the ground. You are very likely to get rock chips—huge ones if you like to drive fast like me!
Overall, Mazda hit the ball out of the ballpark with the Mazda 3. I’ve read reviews where people complain of the high price point, but it’s worth every penny & you see why it’s more expensive than other rivals the moment you get behind the wheel and drive it. I’m not sure if I’ll want to leave the Mazda brand after driving this car, and I’ve driven MANY car brands. It’s that great of a car. Plus, you get a car that’s actually made in Japan and the Japanese are huge perfectionists when it comes to their work, which explains a lot in this car. If you’re on the fence, just do it. I promise you will not regret it.
Very Nice Car for Enthusiasts That Commute
5 out of 5 stars
WSM456, 10/06/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
First of all this is a great car, which is why I'm giving it 5 stars. I will outline some negative aspects of the, but it should be noted that these aspects weigh much less heavily on the total experience of the car than the positive aspects - if I outlined the minor positives like I will the minor negatives there would be way too many. I just want everyone to know the parts of this car … I wish were better.
The good:
The interior; if you've been looking at this car you already know the interior is amazing. I know there are some complaints about the new infotainment center but I like it and agree with Mazda that a touchscreen is definitely not what you want to be messing with (or what you want the other people on the road messing with) while driving.
The acceleration and AWD are a great...I really don't have more to say about it.
My commute to work is mostly highway/interstate and on the highway I average around 35 MPG, surprisingly. Now to average that I do use the radar cruise control basically the whole way - you would be surprised to see the difference between gas mileage while using radar cruise vs your foot. Radar cruise is smooth and doesn't repeatedly accelerate too quickly to speed that is too fast and then have to slow down like when you drive with your foot (this cycle can be subtle depending on how you drive but, trust me, everyone does it).
The comfort of the car is really great. The seats are very comfortable and have much more adjustability than my previous vehicles. They have 2 memory seating positions, which is nice, especially for people like me that can never get the seat back to that same spot after someone moves it. The ride is smooth and cabin noise is okay - my Audi A4 I had before was definitely quieter but it was also more of a cruising car than this car, which is a little more sport-oriented. Don't get in the turbo and expect the luxuries of a vehicle meant for a quiet smooth (boring) ride. That's not the point of this vehicle.
The exterior design of this car is amazing in my opinion (and most other enthusiasts seeing as the 3 won 2020 world car design of the year at the WCAs).I have the Soul Red sedan with black wheels and a black lip on the spoiler. It looks great, the red is probably the best red on the market today and really highlights the curves on the car.
The bose sound system is awesome.
The tech is great. So many driver support and safety features make you feel comfortable driving. Love the heads up display, too.
Gripes:
The rear torsion beam instead of independent suspension. Mazda has done a really good job keeping the effects of this covered up (apparently they have something in the computer that does something to counter the negative effects of a torsion beam but I don't know the specifics) and 99% of the time you won't know but occasionally you'll hit a bump just the right way and the car takes a slightly funny bounce. It's not something that you have to correct, it just feels "off" in relation to the regular feel of the ride. Like I said driving 2+ hrs each day I don't experience this every day, maybe you won't even experience it every week, but it is something that happens.
It beeps at you a lot. The parking sensors are mainly what I'm talking about. If you pull into a parking spot and get close enough to anything that the sensors alert you and you park there, when you get back in and start up it will immediately beep at you to let you know you're close, even though you're in park.
The navigation is nice...if you don't live somewhere with constant traffic jams and road work. I'm sure this is the same for all manufacturer's navigation system but it doesn't have any real-time data. It doesn't know when there's a traffic jam, it doesn't know when there's road work that makes a route slower. This means you're just going to use google. The good news? It has wireless android auto and apple car play so it's still easy to use. It's just slightly annoying that you have a feature that doesn't work as well as you want it to and you end up using data on google maps. Like I said - this isn't necessarily a Mazda or Mazda3 problem but don't get this car with maps expecting to not use data anymore.
Rear seats are a little tight on leg room (not the worst I've been in by a long shot), but the they are still very nice, comfortable seats - more so than other small cars I've been in.
Overall, this is a fantastic vehicle. I have always wanted a WRX/STI, Civic Type R, Focus RS but I have lots of driving to do every day and...I'm not as young as I used to be and my taste has changed. I enjoy not having an extremely stiff ride, sub-par interiors/tech, and I like the more sedentary styling because I'm not 18 yrs old anymore. That being said this is a great middle ground between still wanting a sports car and a wanting a comfortable driver.
I purchased the 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch in November and it has never been 100%. From the first week I had it the airbag light came on and I had it looked at by three different dealerships that have told me nothing is wrong. Finally found the problem almost four months later to be the airbag sensor in the drivers seat which happens to be backordered until the summer. The diagnosis itself … caused even more problems. Now the car randomly vibrates somewhere and it’s not a safety feature or road related. No idea what’s causing it. And several very loud weird rattles that are road related coming from the back of the car, the seatbelt adjuster, and even from the HUD being loose. The installation of the sensor itself is invasive and they have to take apart the seat to get to it which leads me to believe that won’t be the last of the constant stream of issues I’ve been dealing with. Very disappointing as I have been a Mazda enthusiast for years. Other than the annoying problem and possible lack of airbag function, the car drives well and is very comfortable other than the strange noises that drive me crazy. The Bose sound system is the best feature in my opinion and the updated infotainment system is great.
I test drove and bought the turbo model with 4 doors without any hesitation. The driving experience is 10, not 8. The interior is also 10. Some journalists are wondering who will pay $31000/$34000 for this car. I will tell people don't even compare this car to Honda civic or VW Jetta or Subaru. Mazda built this thing to compete with Audi and BMW. If you think from that perspective, it is … a steal. I drive to work that has a mix of highway and curvy roads that cut through several lakes. I cannot imagine there is a car that can outperform Mazda. This car is that good. The 6 speed transmission shifts and works better than any other car I've had before. You can read articles that explain why it is so. Or just drive it and you will know in 5 minutes. It has AWD for safety and better handling. Mazda says that premium gas makes a difference at above 4000 rpm. So since I am not racing in real life, I will be happy to use regular gas. This car is not for teenagers or those who want BMW. It is for adults who appreciate thoughtful engineering, innovation, and design at a reasonable price. Thank you Mazda for building incredible cars like this. It is just what we need in a world that has turned to CVT transmission and Tesla nonsense.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mazda 3, so we've included reviews for other years of the 3 since its last redesign.
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: The most famous enthusiast-loved Mazda of all time has-- OK, so not the Miata. Forget the Miata. The next most famous enthusiast-loved-- OK, not the RX-7. Forget the RX-7. The third most famous enthusiast-loved Mazda has got to be the Mazdaspeed 3. It was an excellent hot hatch when it wasn't trying to torque steer you into a wall.
And now Mazda has slapped a turbo badge on their current hatchback, the Mazda 3. They've called it the Mazda 3 Turbo. It's not a Mazdaspeed 3, they say. And I say that's a good thing, because it's better. Before we get into the details on this particular car, if you want to see more videos and car reviews like this, click the link below to subscribe. And for a cash offer on your car today, go to edmunds.com/sellmycar.
The normal 3 is available with either 155 or 186 horsepower. But now Mazda has added a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, borrowing it from bigger Mazda vehicles like the CX-5. It puts out 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93 octane gas. If, like us, you're in a state with only 91 octane, you get 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That's still strong, but is it better than any Speed 3?
In terms of price and performance, the Turbo 3 competes against vehicles like the Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It straddles a line though in between less expensive and slower vehicles like the Civic Sport, but it's not quite as fast as something like the Civic Type R. Thankfully, to offset the high price of the Turbo 3, it has got one of the nicest interiors in the class.
It's extremely well built. It's almost minimalist on the dashboard. There are great buttons, lots of awesome materials in here. And it feels borderline luxury, which is why for the money I think it's a great competitor for vehicles like the Mercedes A220 or the Audi A3. Those are entry-level luxury vehicles that you're going to get less standard equipment on until you start adding up the options, but you're going to get a similar vibe on the interior. Really if you took the Mazda badges off, I'd think this was a luxury hatchback.
So with all that torque and all-wheel drive, is the Mazda 3 Turbo faster? Well, compared to the standard Mazda 3, it blows the doors off, so no competition. And even the upgraded power train with 188, 186 horsepower is faster than that one. And compared to the old Speed 3, that's where things get closer.
But this current version, the Turbo 3, still faster-- 0 to 60, quarter mile. It's faster off the line. And we have the added benefit of using all-wheel drive for not just launching in a street race or at the drag strip, which is the only place you should race, but you get all-weather capability too, which is great.
And I think this 2.5-liter engine is actually a little bit underdeveloped. There's some potential that's waiting here. I would love to slap some bronze aftermarket wheels and some sticky tires on this car, and take it out to a track day. It seems like it would be a riot to drive really, really fast.
Now, I've taken it around the Edmunds test track, and I've taken it to B roads that are really great to drive in my area. And I really love the way the steering and the handling feels. It's sharp. It's direct. It doesn't have a lot of body roll. But this Turbo 3 is a little bit more hardcore than the standard version.
So does it lose any comfort? No. It's still just as refined, just as easy to drive as the standard 3. And you get a little bit of throaty turbo noise from under the hood. It really is a pleasure out on the road and a vehicle that you can live with easily on a daily basis that offers a lot more performance than the standard variable.
Compared to the old Mazda 3, this one is so much easier to drive too. We looked at our test notes from the 2010 Mazda Speed 3, and our test driver had the same thing to say every time he took it out on track, which is that it was a nightmare to launch. You had to match the RPMs correctly and get the wheel spin just right. Otherwise it would bog down off the line. And really this one, you just press the throttle and go.
I would really love to own one of these and modify it, make it my own, tint the windows, and put bronze aftermarket wheels and sticky tires on it, take it to the track and see what it's really like to drive at the limit. And there are few cars that I can say that about. At Edmunds we test and review hundreds of cars every year, so it's hard to find the cross axis of something that's attainable and desirable, but this Mazda 3 Turbo is definitely on that shortlist.
So is the Mazda 3 Turbo the Mazda Speed 3 for 2021? Not really. But it's better than that. It's more refined. It's easier to drive.
And it's grown up. It's matured with the segment around it. All the other compact sedans and hatchbacks are more grown up these days than they were a decade ago.
So you want your Mazda 3 Turbo to be shoutier? Well, go out and buy a shouty exhaust. You want it to attract more attention? Well, then paint it a bright color. Put big wheels on it. Do body underglow. I'm here for all that stuff. But if the real reason you want a Mazdaspeed 3 is because you just like that emblem on the back, you can do what I did and go on eBay.
For a cash offer on your car today, go to edmunds.com/sellmycar. For more information on the Mazda 3 Turbo and all its competitors, click the link in the description below. And if you like this video, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
2021 Mazda 3 Turbo Review | Why It's Better Than a Mazdaspeed
NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Mazda 3, but since the 2024 Mazda 3 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The Mazda 3 Turbo isn't a new Mazdaspeed 3, but Travis Langness argues that's a good thing.
The Mazda 3 is a compact car that is offered in sedan and hatchback body styles, whatever fits your tastes. It offers less utility than other cars in this class due to a small back seat and lower cargo capacity. But it makes up for that by offering something that many of the other compact cars have left behind: fun behind the wheel.
The Mazda 3's calling card continues to be its dynamics, with steering feel and handling that are second to none among compacts. Add on its available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and the fun only increases. Hatchback models also feature slick styling that stands out from a rather buttoned-up crowd of cars in this size, with a daring roofline that curves back seductively.
Where the Mazda 3 could stand to offer some improvement is its multimedia experience. The screen is only controlled via a rotary dial between the front seats, rather than a touchscreen. That makes using the system more cumbersome. Competitors like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla all offer standard touchscreens and more utility.
What's under the Mazda 3's hood?
The Mazda 3 dropped its 2.0-liter four-cylinder last year, leaving a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.5-liter as the two engine options, and we don't see those changing for 2024. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission option, and the base engine comes with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. (AWD is standard on the Turbo trim with the more powerful 2.5-liter engine.) It's too bad a six-speed manual isn't offered on the Mazda 3 — it would match its sporty nature perfectly.
Edmunds says
The Mazda 3 offers less utility and passenger space than the competition, but if your priority is a connected drive, then the Mazda should make your short list with its playful nature and precise handling.
FAQ
Is the Mazda 3 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 44 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 3 has 20.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mazda 3. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Mazda 3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mazda 3:
New available 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration
New Carbon Turbo package
2.5 S Carbon Edition is now all-wheel-drive only
Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Mazda 3 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 3. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 3's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mazda 3 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mazda 3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 3 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 44 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 3 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mazda 3?
The least-expensive 2024 Mazda 3 is the 2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Select Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $25,690.
Other versions include:
2.5 S Select Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,690
2.5 S Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $27,390
2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $30,260
2.5 S Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $30,350
2.5 Carbon Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $32,950
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $36,650
If you're interested in the Mazda 3, the next question is, which 3 model is right for you? 3 variants include 2.5 S Select Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A), 2.5 S Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A), 2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A), and 2.5 S Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M). For a full list of 3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more