The Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback are compact entry-level cars punching above a class that includes the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra.
Fun driving dynamics, sophisticated style, and a good safety rating offset Mazda’s convoluted infotainment and middling gas mileage to earn a TCC Rating of 6.3 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Mazda ditched the underpowered 155-hp 2.0-liter model, and boosted the output in the 2.5-liter inline-4 to 191 hp. Power comes on strong in the middle of the rev range, and the standard 6-speed automatic keeps the power ready, but it can get loud inside when pushed. The turbo-4 fits the hatchback better, churning out up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93 octane, good enough to hit 60 mph in less than six seconds. Sharp handling and nicely weighted steering remain the Mazda 3’s hallmarks, but a lone 6-speed manual is still offered, just not on hatch or turbo models. Turbos come with all-wheel drive, and it is optional on higher grades with the 2.5 S.
The sedan version of the Mazda 3 shows off the best of the compact class, with lovely curves, a long nose, and balanced proportions. With its solid rear, the squat hatchback takes on a more binary look, of either appearing ready to pounce or in the midst of bloat. Both cars have an attractive interior with a high grade of fit and finish, well above their pay grade.
Getting in and out of the Mazda 3 is good for your core, and once nestled inside, the supportive front seats provide plenty of range adjustments, as well as available heating, cooling, and leather on upper grades. The back seats are less successful, but can fit two adults if needed, though the 60/40-split will most often be folded down to haul up to 20 cubic feet in the hatchback; the sedan has only two-thirds of that space.
The Mazda 3 earns top marks from the NHTSA and the IIHS in sedan and hatchback form, and they come with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and automatic high beams.
How much does the 2023 Mazda 3 cost?
The base Mazda 3 S sedan costs $23,615, including a $1,065 destination fee. The hatchback costs $1,000 more. Standard features include cloth upholstery, 16-inch wheels, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Of the Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Turbo, and Turbo Premium Plus models, we like the Turbo’s performance but its $33,515 starting price can be a bit high. The $26,615 Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred packages the best value with its heated front seats, power sunroof, and power driver seat. The Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus hatch tops the lineup with standard AWD and a $36,365 price.
Where is the 2023 Mazda 3 made?
It’s made in Japan.
