The 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 sedans. You could say it's a bargain premium sedan.
MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,165 destination charge (Alaska $1,210). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.
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
New available 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration
New Carbon Turbo package
2.5 S Carbon Edition is now all-wheel-drive only
Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The Mazda 3 is a compact car offered as either a sedan or hatchback. It can be equipped with one of two engines: a base four-cylinder or an upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder, which also comes with standard all-wheel drive. It might not be as practical or efficient as some of its competitors, but the Mazda 3 has one key thing going for it: It's exceptionally fun to drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
The Mazda 3 stands out from the crowd with its responsive steering and impressive handling, which contribute to an enjoyable daily driving experience — especially when paired with the available turbo engine. Sadly, the Mazda 3's available six-speed manual transmission is only offered with the base engine and front-wheel drive.
For 2024, the Mazda 3 receives new trim packages, including a Carbon Turbo specification, which brings many of the features from the Carbon Edition package to the 2.5 Turbo model. Also new is the Select Sport package, which replaces the previous Select package. But the biggest news is the addition of an available 10.25-inch center touchscreen. We found the rotary dial interface of the standard 8.8-inch screen a bit cumbersome, so this is a welcome change. The system comes standard on 2.5 Turbo models and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The compact car segment has dwindled over the years, but there are still plenty of small hatchback and sedan rivals left for the Mazda 3, including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide if the Mazda 3 is right for you.
What’s it like to live with?
To get an idea of the ownership experience, check out the Edmunds 2020 Mazda 3 long-term test. We evaluated a Mazda 3 sedan over the course of one year, and overall, it impressed us, though the non-turbo engine left us wanting for more power. 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 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 sedans. You could say it's a bargain premium sedan.
How does the 3 Sedan drive? Mazda has always prioritized excellent driving characteristics, and this Mazda 3 is no different. When the road stops being straight, the Mazda 3 delivers handling that is comfortable and confidence-inspiring. It feels balanced, changes directions readily and stays controlled around turns. The steering is quick and precise too.
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is eager and delivers smooth power from the onset, but it really gets going from the middle of the rev range. Merging onto freeways isn't a problem. In Edmunds' testing, our all-wheel-drive Mazda 3 sedan covered 0-60 mph in a reasonably quick 8.3 seconds.
Want more get-up-and-go? The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine certainly delivers, whittling the 0-60 mph time way down to 6.1 seconds in our track test of the hatchback. That's a whole new ballgame. It's refined too, with an abundance of thrust that's readily available. Just a gentle prod of the throttle enables easy passing and merging.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the 3 Sedan? Mazda has succeeded in delivering a sporty premium experience without sacrificing comfort. Credit goes to the supportive front seats and quiet cabin at highway speeds. It's not perfect, however. Our test car's air-conditioning system didn't seem sufficiently powerful, and some of our expert drivers found the seat's head restraint too intrusive.
The Mazda 3 is meant to be a sporty sedan, so it has a well-controlled suspension that limits body motion. While this makes for a comparatively stiffer ride, the suspension is still compliant and absorbs bumps and pavement irregularities quite well.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,165 destination charge (Alaska $1,210). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
How’s the interior? Front passengers will enjoy their space, but taller drivers might wish the steering wheel telescoped out more. Rear legroom and headroom are below average, so the rear seating area can feel snug if the front occupants slide their seats back. That space, as well as rearward visibility, seems to have been sacrificed in the name of sleek styling.
While the Mazda 3 display screen lacks touchscreen functionality, the single-knob controller is intuitive. This controller-based interface is one of the best around. Nothing is complicated in this car. The controls and buttons are easy to see and understand. The setup doesn't take long to get used to, and once you do, a glance is all it takes to verify and select a function.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Mazda 3's standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen and optional 10.25-inch screen both work well, though some of our editors thought the graphics are starting to look a little dated. And while we do like the single-knob controller, the lack of full-time touchscreen functionality ultimately hampers ease of use. More positively, the available Bose audio system, which is what we tested, sounds great.
Mazda's suite of advanced driver assist features is standard on all trims. Most of the aids work pretty well. But we have noticed that in heavy traffic, the adaptive cruise control can stop abruptly even when it's not strictly necessary.
Storage
7.0/10
How’s the storage? The Mazda 3 sedan's trunk is a little smaller than average for this class of vehicle. It does offer a wide loading area and the trunk is deep, but the wheelwells intrude and pinch down the width from each side. It's still useful, and the 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold down. Storage inside the cabin for small items is a little lacking.
The 3 isn't the best choice if you have small children. The child safety seat anchors are easy to find and clearly marked in each of the outboard rear seat positions. But larger rear-facing car seats are more apt to encroach on front passenger space because the Mazda 3 isn't as generous in rear legroom as its main rivals.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How economical is the 3 Sedan? The EPA estimates the Mazda 3 sedan gets 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving with front-wheel drive or 30 mpg with all-wheel drive. Both figures are compared to rivals' ratings. However, we recorded 31.5 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation route in our all-wheel-drive 3 sedan, which indicates the EPA's estimate is realistic.
Value
7.5/10
Is the 3 Sedan a good value? The value of the Mazda 3 lies in its premium look and feel. The interior panel gaps are tight, the controls don't feel flimsy, quality materials line the interior, and everything matches up. 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. You might pay a little more to get a Mazda 3 compared to rivals, but it's generally worth it, although the turbo model might seem overpriced next to the Hyundai Elantra N Line.
Wildcard
9.0/10
When driving the Mazda 3, the phrase "handles like a Mazda" comes to mind. It means that it's engaging, handles well, and is as fun to drive as its stablemates. Place the transmission in Sport mode, leave it there, then go out into a fun, twisty road and you'll develop an ear-to-ear grin in no time. Consumers who want a sporty, luxurious automobile but don't want to pay outrageous luxury marque prices will find the Mazda 3 very appealing. Just keep an eye on the bottom line if you opt for the turbo engine since there are multiple performance-oriented rivals available for the same money or less.
Which 3 does Edmunds recommend?
For the best balance of features, performance and value, go for a 2.5 S model equipped with the Select Sport package. Its naturally aspirated four-cylinder has enough power for most, and added features like 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and hands-free keyless entry lend it a more upscale feel.
Mazda 3 models
The 2024 Mazda 3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback. There are two main 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. Keep reading for our rundown of the Mazda 3's standard and optional features.
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, Mazda offers four subtrims (or packages) that you can add to the 2.5 S. They include:
2.5 S Select Sport
18-inch wheels
Synthetic leather upholstery
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Keyless entry and start
Rain-sensing wipers
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (alerts if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
2.5 S Preferred
Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings
Heated front seats
Sunroof
2.5 S Carbon Edition
All-wheel drive
Includes features from Preferred package
18-inch black-painted wheels
Special exterior paint color
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging pad
Red leather interior
Eight-speaker Bose audio system
2.5 S Premium (hatchback only)
Includes features from Preferred package
Front-wheel drive
18-inch wheels
Six-speed manual transmission
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
12-speaker Bose audio system
Integrated navigation system with traffic sign recognition
Mazda 3 2.5 Carbon Turbo
The Carbon Turbo is the least expensive trim to have the turbocharged engine. It also comes with contents of the 2.5 S' optional Select, Preferred and Premium packages, minus the leather upholstery, heated steering wheel 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
Special exterior paint color
10.25-inch center touchscreen
Red synthetic leather seats
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging pad
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus buffs up the 3 even more with:
Front and rear parking sensors
Heated steering wheel
Paddle shifters
Navigation system
Leather upholstery
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Mazda 3 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I could not be more pleased with my Mazda 3. The quality is as good as any “premier” marque, the style and design are without peer, and this car has a quick and solid attitude. The Mazda 3 reminds me of another “3” series from about 20 years ago-before they lost their way.
I recommend this vehicle to all my “car” friends. The best value in the sedan market today!
The Honda Civic is one of the few compact cars left to offer both a sedan and hatchback variant. Its base 2.0-liter engine produces less power than the Mazda 3's, but the available 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder should feel peppy enough for most. Dynamically, the Civic comes pretty close to the Mazda 3, and it also has better fuel economy and more cargo capacity in hatchback form.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that boasts unique styling and a long list of standard features. Its low starting price and long powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles) make it an excellent value. But with its unexciting base engine and droning CVT, you'll prefer driving the Mazda 3.
The Nissan Sentra has historically played third fiddle to the dominant Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and that's unfortunately still the case today. Nissan's compact sedan has little to offer in the fun department and its fuel economy is disappointing. Still, consumers shopping in this segment may appreciate the Sentra's low starting price and generous mix of standard features.
MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $1,165 destination charge (Alaska $1,210). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.
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.
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.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
10.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
The Mazda 3 is a compact car that is offered in sedan and hatchback body styles, whatever fits your tastes. It offers less utility than other cars in this class due to a small back seat and lower cargo capacity. But it makes up for that by offering something that many of the other compact cars have left behind: fun behind the wheel.
The Mazda 3's calling card continues to be its dynamics, with steering feel and handling that are second to none among compacts. Add on its available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and the fun only increases. Hatchback models also feature slick styling that stands out from a rather buttoned-up crowd of cars in this size, with a daring roofline that curves back seductively.
Where the Mazda 3 could stand to offer some improvement is its multimedia experience. The screen is only controlled via a rotary dial between the front seats, rather than a touchscreen. That makes using the system more cumbersome. Competitors like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla all offer standard touchscreens and more utility.
What's under the Mazda 3's hood?
The Mazda 3 dropped its 2.0-liter four-cylinder last year, leaving a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.5-liter as the two engine options, and we don't see those changing for 2024. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission option, and the base engine comes with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. (AWD is standard on the Turbo trim with the more powerful 2.5-liter engine.) It's too bad a six-speed manual isn't offered on the Mazda 3 — it would match its sporty nature perfectly.
Edmunds says
The Mazda 3 offers less utility and passenger space than the competition, but if your priority is a connected drive, then the Mazda should make your short list with its playful nature and precise handling.
FAQ
Is the Mazda 3 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. 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 2024 Mazda 3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mazda 3:
New available 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration
New Carbon Turbo package
2.5 S Carbon Edition is now all-wheel-drive only
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 average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mazda 3 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mazda 3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 3 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 3 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mazda 3?
The least-expensive 2024 Mazda 3 is the 2024 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 $24,170.
Other versions include:
2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $24,170
2.5 S Select Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $24,690
2.5 S Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $26,190
2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $29,060
2.5 Carbon Turbo 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $31,750
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $35,450
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), 2.5 S Select Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), 2.5 S Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), and 2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A). For a full list of 3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more