2019 Mazda 3 Review

With crossovers becoming the de facto choice for many buyers, the humble compact sedan needs to offer something a little extra to stay competitive. Luckily, the redesigned 2019 Mazda 3 delivers.

The Mazda 3's aptitude for sharp handling stretches back several generations and continues with the new model. Last year's optional 2.5-liter engine is now standard across the board, ensuring that every 3 has plenty of power, too. Mazda has also made all-wheel drive an available option this year. AWD gives the 3 enhanced grip on low-traction surfaces such as snow and will undoubtedly be a draw for shoppers living in cold-weather climates.

As long as you can accept the limited amount of rear-seat space, the Mazda 3's interior is sure to impress. The cabin is elegantly detailed with expensive-looking aluminum trim, solid-feeling switchgear and, on all but the base sedan, faux leather door accents. Select the Premium package, and the Mazda 3's cabin will seem worthy of an Audi badge.

The Mazda 3 isn't perfect. As noted, the rear seat is quite tight, and there's a fair bit of tire noise at highway speeds. But in the big picture, there's nothing here that should seriously dissuade shoppers. For car shoppers looking for an upscale and fun-to-drive small sedan or hatchback, the 2019 Mazda 3 is a great pick.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Mazda 3 as one of Edmunds' Best AWD Sedans for this year.

What's the Mazda 3 like to live with?

The Mazda 3 has been one of our favorite small cars for years now, and several examples have graced our long-term fleet over the last decade. Read our long-term Mazda 3 test to learn more about what it's like to live with day to day over the course of 20,000 miles. Note that while our tester is a 2020 Mazda 3, there are no significant changes between our 2020 Preferred model and its 2019 equivalent.