2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback
| MSRP | $23,935 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $24,059 |
2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback Review
- Premium interior design and materials
- Sharp handling makes it fun to drive
- Available all-wheel drive
- Game-changing acceleration with turbocharged engine
- Mediocre legroom in the back seat
- Less cargo capacity than other compacts
- Hatchback has poor rear visibility
- Two new engines debut: a base 155-hp engine and top-trim turbocharged engine good for 250 hp
- Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019
The 2021 Mazda 3 is one of the more entertaining small hatchbacks around. That's particularly true for this year since Mazda has introduced a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Borrowed from the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs, this engine produces 227 hp and a stout 310 lb-ft of torque (250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane gasoline). It comes standard with all-wheel drive too.
The turbocharged model will undoubtedly be the one to get if you want a speedy Mazda 3. But this isn't a revival of the Mazdaspeed 3. That cult classic, last seen in 2013, upgraded the standard 3 with a turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension and a six-speed manual transmission. The new Mazda 3's turbocharged engine is automatic-only and doesn't come with any other performance upgrades, but its effortless thrust and impressive refinement are nice complements to the car's steady handling and premium design.
Still, athleticism and good looks only get you so far. Compared to the Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Subaru Impreza, the Mazda 3 comes up short when it comes to rear passenger and cargo space. But there's more than enough good here to make it worth checking out, especially if you enjoy a small car with extra oomph.
What's it like to live with?
In order to get the full ownership experience, we added a 2020 Mazda 3 sedan to the Edmunds long-term test fleet. Over the course of a year and 20,000 miles, we'll have a variety of opinions, updates and data. You can read all about it here.
Our verdict | |
The Mazda 3 hatchback has a unique proposition: available all-wheel drive paired with near-luxury appointments. Its strengths are not specs on paper — utility, fuel economy and drivability all fall around average — but in how it looks on the outside and feels on the inside. The 3 delivers style and refinement that make it more special day to day, but these attributes come with additional cost. | |
How does the 3 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. | |
How comfortable is the 3? | |
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. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The 3 is a masterclass 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. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes standard. Controlling the interface with a rotary dial instead of a touchscreen takes some getting used to, but it works after practice. Onboard navigation is a functional stand-alone option for those who live in areas with poor cellphone reception. A suite of active safety equipment, which includes adaptive cruise and collision mitigation, comes standard. But some systems can be overzealous in their warnings, and the adaptive cruise has difficulty braking smoothly. Fortunately, you can adjust these systems individually. | |
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. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
All-wheel drive means a slightly smaller (by a half-gallon) fuel tank and an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway). Front-wheel drive brings an estimate of 30 mpg combined with the automatic and 29 mpg combined with the six-speed manual. These figures are a bit below average when compared to similarly outfitted hatchbacks. But we achieved 32 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, so it's likely that you'll be able to match the EPA rating in real-world driving. | |
Is the 3 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 | |
Though there's still some fun to be had from behind the wheel, the latest-generation 3 delivers a different kind of driving pleasure that's geared more toward refinement rather than thrills. The 3 can still 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?
Mazda 3 models
The 2021 Mazda 3 hatchback is available in two trim levels that coincide with the engine choice: Mazda 3 2.5 S and Mazda 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S trim is eligible for all-wheel drive, while the Turbo has it as standard equipment. Both of these models are also eligible for option packages.
2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Mazda 3 video
2021 Mazda 3 Turbo Review | Why It's Better Than a Mazdaspeed
2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $22,650
- MPG & Fuel
- 26 City / 34 Hwy / 29 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 186 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 175.6 in. / Height: 56.7 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.7 in.
- Curb Weight: 3092 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 20.1 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 3 safety features:
- Smart Brake Support
- Warns if you are rapidly approaching a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Can apply the brakes to reduce the severity of a collision.
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control
- Maintains a driver-selected distance between the Mazda 3 and the car in front.
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Alerts the driver if the Mazda 3 begins wandering outside its lane.
Mazda 3 vs. the competition
2021 Mazda 3
2020 Honda Civic
Mazda 3 vs. Honda Civic
Both the Mazda and Honda offer a lot for the money, with strong performance and plenty of features. The Mazda 3 gets an edge for its premium interior but gets dinged for a comparable lack of rear legroom and small trunk. But we do prefer its technology and advanced safety features, which are more refined than the Civic's. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda Civic.
Mazda 3 vs. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is a great pick for value. You get a lot of standard features for the money, strong fuel economy and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also tends to drive rather blandly unless you opt for the GT model. For a more premium experience, go with the Mazda 3.
Mazda 3 vs. Subaru Impreza
The Mazda 3 is one of the few sedans in the class that offer all-wheel drive. Subaru one-ups it by giving the Impreza standard AWD. That's one of the reasons why Subarus are popular in harsher climates. It also scores points in regard to comfort and interior space and with its comprehensive list of safety features. But the Mazda is more fun to drive and has a nicer interior. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Subaru Impreza.
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FAQ
Is the Mazda 3 a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Mazda 3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mazda 3:
- Two new engines debut: a base 155-hp engine and top-trim turbocharged engine good for 250 hp
- Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019
Is the Mazda 3 reliable?
Is the 2021 Mazda 3 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mazda 3?
The least-expensive 2021 Mazda 3 is the 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $22,650.
Other versions include:
- Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $28,000
- Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $28,000
- Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,500
- 2.5 S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $22,650
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $33,900
- Select 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $23,850
- 2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $31,050
- Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $29,400
- Select 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,250
- Preferred 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $26,900