Overview
The Mazda 3 is a small car that can be had in various configurations to fulfill different buyers' needs. This stylish compact car is available in a sedan or hatchback form and in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The base 2.5 S trim comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 hp and 186 lb-ft. The 2.5 Turbo trim comes with a turbocharged version of the powertrain that can crank out up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft. We like the Mazda 3 for its driver focus and premium vibe, but some rivals offer more passenger room and efficiency.
Edmunds spotlight: Fun to drive
The Mazda 3 has many good qualities, but one of its highlights is driving enjoyment. As soon as you get behind the wheel, you can feel how dynamic this little car is. Opting for the turbo engine and all-wheel-drive setup makes all the difference. The Mazda 3 has excellent acceleration with hardly any turbo lag and good off-the-line thrust. We also like the 3 for its responsive steering and impressive handling.
Competitors to consider
The compact car segment continues to be competitive even though SUVs seemingly grab all the attention. We have the Mazda 3 hatchback currently ranked at No. 2, only behind the revered Honda Civic. In sedan form, rivals include the Civic again, Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra, all of which are ranked higher.