2025 Mazda 3 Review

2025 Mazda 3: Overview

The 2025 Mazda 3 continues to stand out in the compact car segment by delivering a premium experience at a mainstream price. With top-tier trims featuring an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury vehicle, the Mazda 3 easily surpasses rivals like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra in overall refinement. Available as either a sleek four-door sedan or a stylish five-door hatchback, the latter carries a higher price tag and is positioned as the more upscale choice—despite its shorter overall length.

Under the hood, the Mazda 3 offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a six-speed manual is offered exclusively on non-turbo, front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel drive is available, though only with the automatic gearbox.

True to Mazda tradition, the 3 delivers a rewarding driving experience with nimble handling and a ride that’s both composed and comfortable. Its sculpted exterior and richly appointed interior make it feel like a class above its competition, offering exceptional value for the price.

For 2025, the Mazda 3 remains one of our top picks in the compact car category and earns a well-deserved spot on our Editors’ Choice list.

When Is the 2025 Mazda 3 Coming Out?

The 2025 Mazda 3 is currently available at dealerships across the United States and other markets. Mazda has ensured a wide release, making it accessible to consumers seeking a blend of style, performance, and technology in a compact car.

What’s New for 2025 Mazda 3?

For 2025, Mazda expands the availability of the base Mazda 3 by offering it in both sedan and hatchback body styles—previously, the base trim was limited to the sedan. Across all non-base trims, Mazda has integrated Amazon Alexa functionality into the infotainment system, enhancing voice control and connectivity features.

A notable update for the Carbon Edition: it now comes equipped with the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine and standard all-wheel drive. This trim features Polymetal Gray exterior paint, 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, gloss-black heated side mirrors, and a distinctive red leather interior. Wireless device charging is also included as standard. The Carbon Turbo variant from the previous model year makes a return for 2025.

Additionally, a premium Bose audio system is now standard on the Premium and Turbo Premium Plus trims and available as an option on select lower trims.

Pricing and Which Model to Choose

The 2025 Mazda 3 pricing ranges from $25,135 for the base model to $36,985 for the fully loaded trims, depending on the options selected.

Turbo Premium Plus

While the Mazda 3 hatchback stands out with its unique styling, its rounded rear design can limit rear visibility. For that reason, we recommend opting for the sedan version. The Preferred trim strikes a great balance, offering key comforts like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory functions as standard.

If all-wheel drive is a priority, you’ll want to consider either the Carbon Edition or one of the Turbo trims, as AWD comes standard on these models.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 Mazda 3 offers two engine options to suit different driving preferences. The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For enthusiasts who prefer manual shifting, a six-speed manual transmission is offered—but only with the front-wheel-drive hatchback. Choosing all-wheel drive requires the six-speed automatic transmission.

For those seeking more power, Mazda offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 250 horsepower, but this upgrade is exclusive to the top-tier Turbo trims. These Turbo models come standard with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission.

Regardless of the engine, the Mazda 3 delivers responsive throttle performance, but the turbocharged variant stands out for its brisk acceleration and overall quickness. Both the sedan and hatchback exhibit composed handling on both straightaways and winding roads, paired with a refined and comfortable ride. The Mazda 3 continues to impress with its engaging driving dynamics, maintaining tight body control, intuitive steering, and a smooth ride that absorbs rough pavement without compromising passenger comfort.

0–60 MPH Acceleration Times

In our testing, the turbocharged Mazda 3 with all-wheel drive delivered a quick 0 to 60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. The front-wheel-drive sedan powered by the naturally aspirated engine and paired with an automatic transmission reached 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. The hatchback equipped with the manual gearbox recorded a slightly slower 7.3 seconds.

Among all configurations, the all-wheel-drive sedan with the base engine posted a 0 to 60 time of 7.5 seconds during our tests.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient version of the Mazda 3 is the sedan equipped with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, boasting EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the turbocharged hatchback with all-wheel drive is the least efficient, rated at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

In our real-world tests, an all-wheel-drive sedan with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission achieved an impressive 36 mpg on a 75-mph highway route. A similarly equipped hatchback exceeded its EPA highway rating by 2 mpg, reaching 34 mpg in our testing. The front-wheel-drive manual transmission model returned 38 mpg—3 mpg better than its estimated rating.

For more detailed fuel economy information on the Mazda 3, you can visit the EPA’s official website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Mazda has crafted the 3’s interior with a focus on premium materials and thoughtful design. Both the sedan and hatchback can be equipped with a range of appealing features, though the most luxurious touches—like a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery—are reserved for the higher trim levels.

The seats in both body styles offer strong support and comfort for passengers, making for a pleasant ride. However, the hatchback’s stylish, curvy design sacrifices rear visibility, making it one of the worst in its class for rear sightlines.

Storage-wise, interior cubbies are practical, but those needing more cargo room should opt for the sedan. It can hold up to six carry-on bags in the trunk, compared to five for the hatchback. When the rear seats are folded down, both models can accommodate up to 16 carry-on bags.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Mazda has integrated embedded Alexa technology across the Mazda 3 lineup, except for the base model. A standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen offers a sleek design that appears larger thanks to a floating bezel nestled between plush dashboard pads. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

Turbo models step things up with a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both screen sizes feature an intuitive interface controlled primarily by a rotary knob on the center console, though the bigger display also allows for touch inputs.

Audio quality is boosted with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, standard on the Premium and Turbo Premium Plus trims and available as an option on other models. SiriusXM satellite radio is also offered as an optional feature.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every Mazda 3 model comes equipped with a comprehensive set of standard driver-assistance technologies, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and automatic high-beam headlights. For detailed crash-test ratings and safety information, 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 offers a traditional warranty package for the 3 sedan and hatchback, which falls short compared to rivals like Hyundai and Kia that provide more generous powertrain coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, unlike Toyota, Mazda does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance in this segment.

• Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 50,000 miles

• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

2025 Mazda 3 – Full Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Mazda 3 continues to impress with its blend of performance, efficiency, and premium features. Its engaging driving dynamics, upscale interior, and comprehensive safety suite make it a standout choice in the compact car segment. Whether you prioritize fuel economy, spirited driving, or advanced technology, the Mazda3 offers a well-rounded package that caters to a variety of preferences.

2025 Mazda 3 Videos