2023 Mazda 3 Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

Although it’s priced just like other compacts, the 2023 Mazda 3 aspires to compete with more premium cars—and in many ways it does. The 3 is available as either a sedan or a hatchback, and both are equally as handsome and agile. Two four-cylinder engines are offered, including a punchy turbo, and you can even have all-wheel drive if you want—though that means skipping the excellent six-speed manual. Other compact cars such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta might seem more practical or have more name recognition, but the Mazda 3 is made for those buyers who value a gratifying driving experience and seek premium interior materials in their small car.

What’s New for 2023?

Mazda has dropped the 3’s base 2.0-liter four-cylinder for 2023; its new entry-level engine—the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that was offered as an upgrade last year—gets a 5-hp bump to 191 horsepower. Cylinder deactivation has been added to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which helps it deliver more fuel-efficient EPA estimates of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The mid-range Carbon Edition model is now available with optional all-wheel drive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 3 hatchback is tempting because of its distinct appearance, but the hatch’s bulbous backside compromises visibility. Instead, we’d stick with the sedan. When you select the Preferred trim level, you get standard features such as heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. Those who want all-wheel drive will need to go with either the Carbon Edition or Premium models, where it is offered as an option, or one of the Turbo models as they come standard with that feature.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Mazda offers two different engines with the 3, starting with a base 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine is offered with front-wheel drive or, on the Carbon Edition and Premium trims, an all-wheel drive system. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter is available, but only on the most expensive trims. Buyers can get a six-speed manual if they stick with front-wheel drive. Opting for the all-wheel drive system mandates a six-speed automatic transmission. While every 3 responds readily to gas-pedal inputs, only the turbocharged engine makes the 3 satisfyingly quick. When we tested the turbocharged engine, we recorded a brisk 5.6-second run to 60 mph. Both the hatchback and sedan feel composed on straight and twisty roads and provide a refined ride. We’ve praised the new Mazda 3 for retaining much of the fun-to-drive nature of the outgoing model. It has taut body control, natural-feeling steering, and a firm ride that manages not to punish occupants when going over rough roads.

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Marc Urbano

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Car and Driver

More on the Mazda 3 Sedan / Hatchback

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  2023 Mazda 3 Drops Base Engine, Gains Horsepower

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient Mazda 3 is the sedan with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which earned ratings from the EPA of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The turbocharged hatchback model with all-wheel drive is the least fuel efficient, with ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. We tested an all-wheel-drive automatic-equipped sedan with the nonturbo 2.5-liter on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, and it posted an outstanding 41 mpg. We also tested a similarly equipped hatchback, which beat its highway rating by 2 mpg (for 34 mpg observed). The front-drive stick-shift 3 returned 38 mpg (3 more than estimated). For more information about the 3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Mazda thoughtfully designed the 3’s cabin with premium materials. Buyers can outfit either body style with a slew of desirable features, but the best ones are tied into the trim-level hierarchy. For instance, a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are all reserved for the topmost trims. Still, the 3 sedan and hatchback have supportive seats and comfortable passenger accommodations. However, the two-box model has the worst rear visibility among compact hatchbacks due to its curvaceous design taking priority over sightlines. Interior cubby storage is adequate, but those who want the most cargo space should choose the sedan, which held six carry-on bags in the trunk versus the hatch’s five. Both held 16 bags with the back seat folded.

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Marc Urbano

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Car and Driver

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.8-inch infotainment display is standard and looks even larger than it is, thanks to a nicely designed bezel that floats between two pillow-like dash pads. The system is easy to use and controlled solely by a console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard but a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and SiriusXM satellite radio cost extra.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every model also boasts a bevy of standard driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. For more information about the 3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mazda covers the 3 sedan and hatchback with a conventional warranty plan that can’t compete with Hyundai and Kia‘s lengthy 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Toyota is the only competitor to offer complimentary scheduled maintenance in this segment.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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Specifications

Specifications

2021 Mazda 3 Turbo AWD

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED

$33,790 (base price: $33,395)

ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement

152 in3, 2488 cm3
Power

250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque

320 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION

6-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): struts/torsion beam
Brakes (F/R): 11.6-in vented disc/10.4-in disc
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza EL440, 215/45R-18 89V M+S

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 107.3 in
Length: 183.5 in
Width: 70.7 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger volume: 91 ft3
Trunk volume: 13 ft3
Curb weight: 3392 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 5.6 sec
100 mph: 14.3 sec
130 mph: 28.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.0 sec
1/4 mile: 14.1 sec @ 99 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 25 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 27/23/32 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs