The Mazda3 was first introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the Mazda 323/Protegé, quickly earning a reputation for its sporty handling and upscale design in the compact car segment. The latest redesign came in 2019, bringing a more refined look, improved interior quality, and advanced technology features. For 2025, the Mazda3 continues to offer seating for five passengers and is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. It competes with other compact cars like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2025 Mazda3 is available in multiple trims, including the base 2.5 S, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Carbon Turbo, and Turbo Premium Plus. Engine options include a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5-liter variant delivering up to 250 horsepower. Transmission choices consist of a six-speed automatic, with a 6-speed manual option only on the Premium hatchback. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is offered on higher trims.
Pricing for the 2025 Mazda3 starts at approximately $23,950 for the base sedan and goes up to $36,950 for the Turbo Premium Plus hatchback. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Available options include a premium Bose audio system, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a larger infotainment display. Changes for 2025 are minimal and include the integration of Amazon Alexa voice assistant and upgraded onboard navigation with over-the-air updates.
The 2025 Mazda3 offers two engine options, each catering to different driving preferences. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 192 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides solid acceleration, with 0-60 MPH times ranging from 7.3 to 8.0 seconds, depending on the trim and drivetrain. While it delivers a refined driving experience, it could use a bit more power for spirited driving. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder significantly boosts performance, generating 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. This engine allows the Mazda3 to sprint from 0-60 MPH in approximately 5.6 to 6.1 seconds, making it a strong contender in the compact performance segment. Engine noise levels are well controlled.
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across most trims, offering smooth shifts and responsive acceleration. For enthusiasts, a six-speed manual transmission is available exclusively on the 2.5 S Premium hatchback, providing a more connected and engaging driving experience. The manual transmission features short, precise throws, enhancing driver control and enjoyment. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on higher trims, improving traction and stability in various driving conditions.
The 2025 Mazda3 offers class competitive fuel efficiency across its various configurations. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway) in front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive version sees a slight drop, delivering 30 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway). The manual transmission hatchback is rated at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway). The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which provides more power, has lower efficiency, with 27 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway) in AWD. Real-world MPG varies based on driving conditions, but owners report figures close to EPA estimates.
The fuel tank capacity differs slightly between drivetrain options. Front-wheel-drive models come with a 13.2-gallon tank, while all-wheel-drive versions have a 12.7-gallon tank. This affects the highway driving range, with FWD models capable of approximately 488 miles on a full tank, while AWD models reach around 406 miles.
The 2025 Mazda3 continues Mazda's tradition of delivering an engaging driving experience with precise handling and strong road-holding capabilities. The steering feel is well-weighted and responsive, providing excellent feedback to the driver, making it easy to place the car accurately through corners. The brakes are strong and confidence-inspiring, with firm pedal feel and short stopping distances. Mazda has tuned the suspension to lean toward sportiness, offering a firm yet compliant ride that absorbs bumps effectively while maintaining excellent body control. The tire grip is solid, especially with the available all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction in various driving conditions.
While the suspension tuning ensures that the car remains composed over bumps and uneven surfaces, some drivers may find it slightly stiffer than competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. On bumpy roads, the Mazda3 absorbs most imperfections well, but sharper impacts can be felt, especially with the larger wheel options. Despite this, the car maintains excellent body control, preventing excessive bouncing or instability.
Mazda has worked to keep interior noise levels low, making the cabin quieter than many rivals. Road and wind noise are well-managed, contributing to a comfortable highway ride. At higher speeds, the Mazda3 feels stable and planted, with minimal vibrations or intrusive noise. Overall, the 2025 Mazda3 delivers a refined and engaging driving experience, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a balance of comfort and performance.
The 2025 Mazda3 boasts an upscale and well-crafted interior, often rivaling entry-level luxury cars in terms of materials and build quality. Mazda has prioritized premium finishes, with soft-touch surfaces, high-quality plastics, and available leather upholstery on higher trims. The dashboard design is sleek and minimalist, with a driver-focused layout that enhances ergonomics. The fit and finish are excellent, with tight panel gaps and a solid feel throughout the cabin. Even the base model benefits from Mazda's commitment to refinement, making the interior feel more premium than many competitors in the compact car segment.
The control layout is intuitive and uncluttered, with physical buttons and knobs for essential functions, ensuring ease of use while driving. The infotainment system is positioned high on the dashboard for better visibility, controlled via a rotary dial rather than a touchscreen, which helps reduce distractions. The steering wheel features well-placed controls for audio, cruise, and driver assistance systems, allowing for seamless operation. The climate controls are straightforward, with dedicated buttons and dials that provide quick access to temperature and fan settings. Overall, the 2025 Mazda3's interior combines premium materials, thoughtful design, and user-friendly controls, making it a standout choice in its class.
The 2025 Mazda3 offers comfortable and supportive seating, though space in the rear can feel a bit tight for taller passengers. The front seats provide excellent support, especially in higher trims with leatherette or leather upholstery. They are well-bolstered, making them ideal for long drives, and available heated seats add to the comfort in colder climates. The driver's seat is adjustable, allowing for a tailored driving position, and the passenger seat offers similar comfort. Legroom and headroom in the front are generous, ensuring a relaxed experience for most drivers and passengers.
The rear seats, while offering decent cushioning, are less spacious compared to some competitors. Legroom is somewhat limited, especially for taller passengers, and the hatchback model provides slightly more headroom than the sedan. Getting in and out of the front seats is easy, thanks to the wide door openings, but the rear seats require a bit more effort due to the sloping roofline, particularly in the hatchback. Outward visibility is good in the front, with large windows and slim pillars, but the rear visibility is somewhat restricted due to the thicker rear pillars, making the available blind-spot monitoring system a useful feature.
Like most competitors, the 2025 Mazda3 is packed with advanced technology and safety features. The Mazda Connect infotainment system features either an 8.8-inch or 10.3-inch display depending on trim. Both offer seamless access to navigation, music, and hands-free calling through a jog dial, rather than touch screen. They system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy smartphone integration. The MyMazda app adds convenience with remote start, vehicle health reports, and service reminders, ensuring drivers stay connected to their car from anywhere.
On the safety front, the 2025 Mazda3 continues Mazda's commitment to driver assistance and crash protection. The i-Activsense safety suite includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and an available 360-degree view monitor, helping drivers stay aware of their surroundings. In addition, top trims offer a head-up display, providing key driving information directly on the windshield to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.
The 2025 Mazda3 class-competitive cargo capacity, though the hatchback provides significantly more versatility than the sedan. The sedan features a 13.2-cubic-foot trunk, which is competitive for the compact car segment but falls short of some rivals. The hatchback, on the other hand, provides 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it a better choice for those needing extra storage. When the rear seats are folded down, the hatchback expands to 47.1 cubic feet, allowing for bulkier items like bicycles or furniture. Interior storage is well thought out, with ample cubbies, door pockets, and a center console that provides space for small items. The glovebox is moderately sized, and the rear seat passengers have access to storage compartments in the doors. Charging options include multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring passengers can keep their devices powered. Additionally, higher trims offer a wireless charging pad, allowing for convenient, cable-free charging of compatible smartphones.
Bottom Line -- The 2025 Mazda3 stands out in the compact car segment with its premium interior, engaging driving dynamics, and strong performance, but it does have some trade-offs compared to competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Jetta. In terms of passenger space, the Mazda3 offers a comfortable front row, but its rear seat legroom is tighter than rivals like the Civic and Corolla, making it less ideal for taller passengers. Cargo space is also a mixed bag-the sedan's 13.2 cubic feet is average, but the hatchback's 20.1 cubic feet is competitive, though still smaller than some hatchback alternatives. When it comes to ride quality and roadholding, the Mazda3 delivers a sporty and composed driving experience, with precise steering and strong braking performance. However, its suspension is firmer than some competitors, meaning it may feel less forgiving over rough roads compared to the Toyota Corolla or Subaru Impreza. The engine performance is a highlight, with the base 2.5-liter engine producing 191 horsepower and the turbocharged variant delivering up to 250 horsepower, making it one of the more powerful options in the segment. Pricing starts at $23,950, making it competitive with the Civic and Corolla, though higher trims can exceed $36,000, putting it closer to entry-level luxury models. Overall, the Mazda3 excels in driving enjoyment and interior quality, but rear-seat space, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency may make competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla more appealing for some buyers.
