2018 Mazda 3
What’s new
- 2.5-liter engine now standard on Touring trim
- Minor revisions to feature availability
- Part of the third Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2014
Pros
- Sporty and confidence-inspiring performance
- Some high-end features are unique to this class
- Top crash test scores
- Interior quality exceeds expectations
Cons
- Cargo capacity isn't as large as the class leaders
- Ride quality can be a little stiff with optional 18-inch wheels
2018 Mazda 3 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Mazda 3.
2018 Mazda 3 video
CARLOS LAGO: I'm Edmunds senior writer Carlos Lago, and this is a rundown of the features you'll find on the 2018 Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is a compact sedan or hatchback that's one of our favorites, due to its classy interior and highly enjoyable personality. Of the three trims, the Touring provides the best mix of features, along with the bigger 2 and 1/2 liter engine. The less expensive Sport trim comes with a good amount of infotainment features and forward collision warning, but it's otherwise pretty basic. The sedan is eligible for the optional preferred equipment package that adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, blindspot monitoring, and upgraded upholstery, among other features. If you can afford it the Grand Touring opens up the door to leather, navigation, sunroof, and advanced safety technology. We love the look and functionality of the hatchback, but while the 3 has plenty of space, it's cargo area is a little smaller and not as clever as some competitors'. Rear headroom isn't as generous and might be insufficient for taller passengers. A good amount of foot space underneath the front seats helps maximize available leg room in the back. The standard six speed manual shifts nicely and provides some driver engagement. A six speed automatic is optional. The navigation is easy to operate on the fly, while the available Bose audio system sounds great with audio that stays clean regardless of how high you crank it up. The best part of the Mazda 3 could very well be its interior. Controls are easy to use and allow you to focus on driving, and there's ample room up front for people of all sizes. Mazda 3's top competitors include Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Kia Forte. The bottom line? In the competitive, budget-conscious compact sedan and hatchback class, the 2018 Mazda 3 is a rarity, for exceeding expectations and delivering far more than its price would suggest.
2018 Mazda 3 Features Rundown
The 2018 Mazda 3 is one of our top picks in the class for its fun-to-drive persona and classy interior. It may come up short in a few categories on paper, but in the real world it's more than capable and definitely worth your attention. In this video, we highlight the key features that matter most. From mpg, interior space and technology to design and comfort - these pros and cons will help steer you toward a perfect car.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 3 safety features:
- Smart Brake Support
- Warns if a front collision is deemed imminent and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react in time.
- Lane Keep Assist
- Alerts the driver if the car begins to drift out of its lane and performs steering corrections if the driver does not.
- Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Alerts the driver if a vehicle is approaching or lurking in your blind spot and chimes if you signal for a lane change in that direction.
Mazda 3 vs. the competition
2018 Mazda 3
2018 Mazda 6
Mazda 3 vs. Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 is Mazda's larger midsize sedan. Compared to the Mazda 3, it has a more powerful engine and more legroom for rear-seat passengers. Both cars share upscale interiors, especially in higher trim levels. The Mazda 6 is more expensive, but it's a great alternative if you like the Mazda 3 but need more room.
Mazda 3 vs. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is an excellent small car. It's available as a hatchback, sedan or even a coupe. The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine on higher trim levels is both fuel-efficient and powerful, and the Civic challenges the Mazda 3 in terms of driving engagement. In sportier Si guise, the Civic makes a great driver's car that's also practical. We gave the Civic 4.5 stars.
Mazda 3 vs. Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 is a small crossover SUV that shares some mechanical similarities with the Mazda 3. While it offers more cargo space than the 3 sedan, it's actually less accommodating than the Mazda 3 hatchback. It's also a little slower to accelerate than the Mazda 3, but it does offer a more commanding view of the road and optional all-wheel drive. We gave it 4 stars.
2018 Mazda 3 for Sale
MSRP: $27,565
The 2018 Mazda 3 is available as either a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. Both come in three trim levels.
Standard feature highlights for the base Sport include 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, low-speed forward collision warning and mitigation, emergency telematics and a six-speaker stereo with HD radio, streaming internet radio apps, two USB ports and auxiliary input. The hatchback gets upgraded with alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.
The Mazda 3 Touring trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, a power driver seat and heated front seats.
The top Grand Touring model gains LED headlights, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a Bose surround-sound system and satellite radio. The Premium Equipment package adds adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation for higher speeds, and a traffic sign reader.
The Sport trim is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 155 hp. The Touring and Grand Touring models get a 2.5-liter engine that produces 184 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is optional.
In terms of price, the 2018 Mazda 3 is right in line with its primary competitors that include the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf. The Mazda gets an edge, however, for its more generous features list, engaging driving dynamics, upscale interior and excellent infotainment system. These all contribute to the Mazda 3 remaining as one of our favorites in the class. Use all of Edmunds' tools and services to find the right one for you.
2018 Mazda 3 Overview
The 2018 Mazda 3 is offered in the following submodels: , . Available styles include Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M), Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M), Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M), Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M), Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M), and Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M).
What do people think of the 2018 Mazda 3?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Mazda 3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 3 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 3.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Mazda 3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Mazda 3?
2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,085. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,290 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,290 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$21,796.
The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is13.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 36 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,030. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,365 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,365 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$18,665.
The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is15.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 74 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20,035. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,142 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,142 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$16,893.
The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is15.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 52 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
The 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,635. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is trending $3,167 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,167 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,468.
The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is12.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 6 2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
The 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,480. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is trending $2,994 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,994 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$19,486.
The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is13.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2018 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
The 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $18,985. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is trending $1,984 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,984 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$17,001.
The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is10.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 Mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Mazda 3s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Mazda 3 for sale near. There are currently 645 new 2018 3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $18,985 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Mazda 3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,019 on a used or CPO 2018 3 available from a dealership near you.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Related vehicle information
2018 Mazda 3 Information
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