2024 Mazda 3

Overview

The 2024 Mazda 3 is for people who like their ice cream with hot fudge on top. The 3 may be from a mainstream brand, but it's sweetened up enough to almost pass for a premium-class compact. The interiors of the top trims are appointed in stylish materials that convey a sense of quality that competitors like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra can't match. The 3 comes in sedan and hatchback body styles with a choice of two 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines—one of them a spunky turbo. Hatchbacks with the base four-cylinder and front-wheel drive can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox, and all-wheel drive is available across the lineup—but only with a six-speed automatic. Typical for a Mazda, the 3 has a fun-to-drive streak but it balances its nimbleness with a compliant ride. Its refined driving persona and upscale interior make for a delicious compact that feels like it's from a class above, and it is for these reasons that we picked it for a 2024 Editors' Choice award.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#4 in Best Compact Cars

1

Honda Civic

STARTING AT: $25,045

2

Toyota Prius

STARTING AT: $29,045

3

Toyota Prius Prime

STARTING AT: $34,070

4

Mazda Mazda 3

STARTING AT: $25,355

5

Volkswagen Jetta

STARTING AT: $22,660

6

Hyundai Elantra

STARTING AT: $22,775

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, Mazda is offering a special Carbon trim exclusively for the Turbo hatchback. Carbon Turbos come in handsome Zircon Sand Metallic paint and are swathed in dark trim, including gloss-black wheels, side mirrors, and grille. The interior mixes terracotta leather with black suede. Other improvements for 2024 include a new 10.3-inch infotainment display, but that's exclusive to models powered by the optional turbocharged engine.

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 front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter is available but only on the most expensive Turbo 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 well-controlled ride that manages not to punish occupants when going over rough roads.

View Photos

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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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. A larger, 10.3-inch display comes on Turbo models. With either screen, the infotainment interface 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

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

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

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