Hatchbacks are often seen as practical, budget-friendly options; great for commuting and cargo space, but not always exciting or upscale. But one model in 2025 breaks that mold, delivering the kind of driving excitement and interior refinement usually reserved for far more expensive cars.
This impressive hatchback offers sharp handling, punchy acceleration, and precise steering, making every drive feel like an event. Yet it doesn’t sacrifice comfort in the name of speed. Inside, you’ll find high-quality materials, supportive seats, and a premium tech suite thatrivals many entry-level luxury vehicles.
It’s a rare blend of fun and function, appealing to drivers who want excitement without giving up comfort or practicality. Whether you’re carving through back roads or cruising through traffic, this hatchback proves you may have it all, and look good doing it. Here’s why it stands out as a unique option in today’s competitive market.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The 2025 Mazda 3 Is Fun, Plush, and Surprisingly Affordable
Mazda may not have as much broad appeal as some other brands from Japan, but the value they offer through their cars is undeniable. While SUVs and crossovers definitely rule the roost right now, there is still space forhatchbacks like the Mazda 3to shine, and shine it does.
$25,150
$26,190
$27,890
$30,760
$30,850
$33,450
Turbo Premium Plus
$37,150
There are a number of trims to choose from when picking out your 2025 Mazda 3. While we much prefer the hatchback, it can also be had in sedan form. In any case, it’s a sleek, good-looking car that comes impressively well-equipped for its price point. For what you pay, you get a plush little car that is extremely fun to drive.
Each trim caters to an individual buyer. If you’re looking for the model that will give you the best bang for your buck, the Preferred balances features and price very well. However, if you want your Mazda 3 to be just as quick as it is athletic, then you might want to go for the turbocharged Carbon Turbo model.
Changes For 2025
Before, the most affordable Mazda 3, the S trim, was reserved solely for sedan models, but this year you can get it in hatchback form as well. The Carbon trim can also now be had with the non-turbocharged engine, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, a unique paint option and a bevy of other features.
Newly standard on all models other than the base trim is Alexa, which has been integrated into the infotainment system. When it comes to sound systems, Mazda has also made the Bose premium sound system standard on the Premium and Turbo Premium models, with it being an optional extra on every other trim.
Warranties and Maintenance
This is one area where Mazda currently falls behind many of its top competitors. The bumper-to-bumper coverage and powertrain warranty on offer is on the low side of average for this segment. Hyundai and Kia both offer powertrain warranties which last for ten years or 100,000 miles. Toyota also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance.
The Mazda 3 Is a Ton of Fun to Drive, Turbocharged or Not
One of the things that defines Mazda as a brand is their ability to create cars that make you smile. The Mazda 3 certainly proves this point. You can choose between a naturally aspirated or a turbocharged enigne, but what will impress you most is just how athletic the little hatchback can be.
6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic
191 HP
250 HP
186 LB-FT
320 LB-FT
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
126 MPH
134 MPH
A 2.5-liter four-banger sits under the hood of every Mazda 3, coming either with or without a turbocharger. Non-turbo models can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. you may also geta six-speed manual transmissionin non-turbo models if you go with the front-wheel drive Premium trim. Turbocharged models come solely with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic. The turbo engine operates best on premium fuel; it can take regular gas, but output gets reduced to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Turbocharged models are the quickest off the line, followed by front-drive automatic models. Front-drive manual models get to 60 miles per hour in as little as 7.3 seconds, while all-wheel drive non-turbo models take 7.5 seconds to get there. This means that, regardless of which model you choose, the hatch is impressively nippy.
More impressive than its speed, though, is its handling prowess. It feels exceptionally composed around twisty backroads. It is taught and responds quickly to throttle and steering inputs. It also offers an impressively well-controlled ride that finds a good balance between sportiness and comfort.
27 MPG
35 MPG
30 MPG
26 MPG
36 MPG
33 MPG
29 MPG
23 MPG
31 MPG
The Mazda 3 isn’t quite as efficient as some of the segment’s leaders, but it isn’t all that far off either. There isn’t that big of a difference between any of the non-turbocharged models, returning very similar estimates in the EPA’s testing. The turbocharged model does take a hit when it comes to efficiency, but it remains pretty decent considering the performance boost you get.
A Classy and Thoughtfully Laid-Out Cabin Awaits You in the Mazda 3
Mazda has slowly but surely started to move themselves slightly upmarket, while still managing to retain mainstream pricing. This is obviously most noticeable when it comes to interior quality. Despite being so reasonably priced, the Mazda 3 features one of the most impressive interiors in its segment, with top models coming pretty close to luxury rivals.
Cargo Capacity
20.1 Cubic Feet
All but the tallest passengers will be more than comfortable in the Mazda 3, with plenty of interior room available and supportive seats on offer. Cargo space is pretty generous in the hatchback model. It is worth noting, though, that the sedan strangely offers more cargo space. Regardless, the main downside to the hatchback is the fact that rear visibility is limited due to its curvaceous design.
When it comes to interior design, the Mazda 3 is very impressive, especially compared to other options in this class. On higher trims, features like leather upholstery and heated front seats are on offer. Premium materials have been used throughout the cabin regardless, though. We really appreciatehow Mazda has integrated techinto the hatch’s cabin without making it the focal point.
Infotainment and Technology
Standard in every Mazda 3 is an 8.8-inch screen, which rises out of the dashboard, floating between two soft-looking trim elements. Every model besides the base trim gets Alexa integration this year. Wired CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Upgrade to the 10.3-inch screen in the Turbo trims and wireless connectivity becomes available.
The infotainment screen is very easy to use, with thoughtfully laid-out menus. Models with the smaller screen are solely controlled by a rotary controller in the center console, but the upgraded system allows touch controls as well. There are also plenty of other physical controls throughout the cabin for those opposed to touchscreens.
A six-speaker sound system is standard, but a 12-speaker Bose system is available on all trims, standard on Premium and Premium Turbo models. Other high-end features such as wireless smartphone charging and a heads-up display are also available on top trims.
