The 2023 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.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
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
Base 2.0 trim for the sedan is discontinued
Slight power increase for the 2.5-liter engine
Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
Small and economical sedans or hatchbacks aren't the penalty boxes they used to be. Today these affordable vehicles deliver far more refinement and panache, and the 2023 Mazda 3 is a prime example. From its sleek, attention-getting styling to its refined interior, the Mazda 3 is a standout in the class. Add in sporty driving dynamics and the option for a powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, and the case for the Mazda 3 gets stronger.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
For 2023, Mazda has adjusted the 3's lineup slightly. The previous entry-level 2.0 sedan has been discontinued. This trim was the only one to come with a 2.0-liter engine, so now most 3s come with the 2.5-liter engine. It's also slightly improved this year, gaining 5 horsepower and increased fuel economy. The available turbocharged version of this engine, which can crank out a robust 250 hp, is still available.
The Mazda 3 does come up short on cargo space and rear legroom. As such, the Honda Civic, Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra might be a better pick if pragmatism outweighs performance in your book. For our test team's complete rundown of the 3's strengths and weaknesses, check out the Expert Rating below.
What's it like to live with?
Want a more detailed ownership experience? Check out the Edmunds 2020 Mazda 3 long-term test, where we evaluated the vehicle over a full year. Overall, the Mazda 3 impressed us, but in non-turbo form it left us a little flat. Read all about what we liked and what we didn't.
Edmunds Expert 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.
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2023 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 Mazda 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 Mazda 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.
Interior
7.5/10
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $4,512 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,512 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim.
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 if you live in an area 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.
Storage
7/10
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How economical is the Mazda 3 Hatchback? [Editor's note: The following pertains to the 2022 Mazda 3. Fuel economy estimates have changed slightly since, but our general takeaways still apply.] All-wheel drive means a slightly smaller (by a half-gallon) fuel tank and an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive brings an estimate of 29 mpg combined with the automatic. 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.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Mazda 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
9/10
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?
We recommend the 2.5 S, equipped with the Select Package, as the one to buy. With added features such as dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, and a blind-spot warning system, it's the right mix of features at a reasonable price.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Mazda 3 models
The 2023 Mazda 3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback. There are two 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. Feature highlights for the Mazda 3 include:
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, you can add three optional packages to the 2.5 S:
Select package
18-inch wheels
Synthetic leather upholstery
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Keyless ignition and entry
Preferred package
Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings
Heated front seats
Sunroof
Carbon Edition package
Includes features from Preferred package
18-inch black-painted wheels
Black heated mirrors
Gray exterior paint
Red leather interior
12-speaker Bose audio system
Premium package
Includes features from Preferred package
18-inch wheels
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
Paddle shifters
12-speaker Bose audio system
Integrated navigation system
Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo The Turbo comes with contents of the 2.5 S' optional Select, Preferred and Premium packages, minus the leather upholstery 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
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Heated steering wheel
The Premium Plus package is exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo and buffs up the 3 even more with:
Front and rear parking sensors
Auto-dimming driver's side mirror
Trunklid spoiler
Navigation system
Leather upholstery
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Mazda 3 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Universal garage door opener
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
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.
Beautiful car
5 out of 5 stars
Ione, 03/28/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I have the Mazda3 2.5S hatchback Select trim in platinum quartz metallic. This is a really beautiful car that looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is. It is fun to drive, has lots of power for a car of its size, and makes my daily commute pleasurable.
Only two downsides I can think of. First, the backseat is pretty cramped, but not such an issue for me since I don't have … kids and I rarely have passengers back there. Second, the fuel economy is a little below average which is rather unfortunate. Lots of people complain about poor visibility due to the wide C pillars and small rear window, which I get, but it doesn't feel like a huge issue with the blind spot monitoring and backup camera. Overall, I have no regrets and am very happy with my purchase. Civics and Corollas are good cars, but the Mazda3 is more refined and enjoyable. Very sophisticated and classy vehicle.
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.
Finally satisfied
5 out of 5 stars
Ontheroad, 03/22/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Though I've only had my car for one week, I am in love. I have always been a auto enthusiast, spending hours watching videos and scouring the internet for both professional and lay reviews of automobiles from makes A to Z. Before deciding on this vehicle, most of my research kept pointing to Mazda. Over and over again, this company scored high in almost every category that really … matters. For some reason, I just kept looking at Honda and Toyota, until I took a test drive! This car sells itself! Both of the latter brands are good cars, but if you want good AND fun AND fashionable, go with Mazda! The exterior is stylish, but the interior is leaps and bounds better than the rivals! Absolutely beautiful! The car provides a connected driving experience with the road, yet is always smooth, composed and refined. AND, they use a tested, tried and true 6 speed automatic transmission which finds the gears quickly and exactly when needed. Honda Civic has a 1.5 Turbo with known oil dilution problems and a CVT. The Corolla is very dependable, but lacks the athleticism of the 3, as well as the upscale leather and soft touch materials. The infotainment system works remarkably well using the rotary dial system employed by Mazda. I found it so intuitive that I was using it by the time I pulled out of the dealership! Also, I have a great AWD system not available in either the Corolla or Civic! Mazda simply punches above it's class in every way!
So, if you want to look forward to driving again, please do yourself a favor and test drive the Mazda!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mazda 3, so we've included reviews for other years of the 3 since its last redesign.
The Honda Civic is an excellent choice for a small sedan or hatchback. The Civic sedan benefits from a more spacious interior and better fuel economy than the Mazda 3. But go with the Mazda 3 and you'll get sleeker styling, available all-wheel drive and sportier driving characteristics.
The Kia Forte will get you more features for the money than the Mazda 3, and in this competitive class this is a big deal. The Forte's value proposition is further bolstered by slightly better fuel economy estimates and a generous warranty. The Mazda is more fun to drive, though, and its sporty handling doesn't come at the expense of comfort.
The Hyundai Elantra is another value leader, offering more standard features than the Mazda 3 at a lower price. The Elantra also provides more rear legroom and a bit more cargo capacity and it's also available as a hybrid. The Mazda 3 is more stylish and sporty, though, and it can be ordered with all-wheel drive.
Since its full redesign in 2019, the Mazda 3 has been the standard bearer for interior quality in the compact car class. With graceful, modern style and premium materials, the little Mazda often outclasses cars costing twice as much as, and it's been the go-to for buyers looking for a small car instead of a cheap one. It also offers a choice between a sedan or hatchback body style, as well as front- or all-wheel drive — a rarity for the class.
Choice continues to be a theme when it comes to engines. The Mazda 3 presents a lineup of four-cylinder engines ranging from the base 2.0-liter (155 horsepower) to the midgrade 2.5-liter (186 hp) to the powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter (250 hp with premium fuel). Options are plentiful and include leather upholstery, an upgraded audio system, a sunroof, navigation and advanced driver safety systems, making the Mazda easy to build to a specific budget.
Despite the shift in consumer preferences toward SUVs, the compact car segment is still fiercely competitive. Honda's newest Civic is one of the best picks in the class, while the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte both offer strong value for the money. More efficient options are available with the Toyota Corolla and the Nissan Sentra.
Edmunds says
The 2023 Mazda 3 looks set to deliver the same sophisticated road manners and high-quality interior we've come to expect. With no major changes on the horizon, we don't see a reason to wait until later this year to go out and buy one.
FAQ
Is the Mazda 3 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 55 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 3 has 13.2 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 2023 Mazda 3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mazda 3:
Base 2.0 trim for the sedan is discontinued
Slight power increase for the 2.5-liter engine
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 2023 Mazda 3 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mazda 3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 3 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 55 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 3 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Mazda 3?
The least-expensive 2023 Mazda 3 is the 2023 Mazda 3 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $22,550.
Other versions include:
2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $22,550
Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $23,950
Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,550
Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $27,200
Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $28,600
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $29,400
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $34,000
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 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), and Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A). For a full list of 3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more