Mazda3

　　

2024 Mazda 3 Sedan Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　The Mazda 3 is a compact car offered as either a sedan or hatchback. It can be equipped with one of two engines: a base four-cylinder or an upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder, which also comes with standard all-wheel drive. It might not be as practical or efficient as some of its competitors, but the Mazda 3 has one key thing going for it: It's exceptionally fun to drive.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$119/mo  for 3 2.5 S

　　3 2.5 S

　　2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $24,170 MSRP2.5 S Select Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $24,690 MSRP2.5 S Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,190 MSRP2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,060 MSRP2.5 Carbon Turbo 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $31,750 MSRP2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $35,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Mazda 3 stands out from the crowd with its responsive steering and impressive handling, which contribute to an enjoyable daily driving experience — especially when paired with the available turbo engine. Sadly, the Mazda 3's available six-speed manual transmission is only offered with the base engine and front-wheel drive.

　　For 2024, the Mazda 3 receives new trim packages, including a Carbon Turbo specification, which brings many of the features from the Carbon Edition package to the 2.5 Turbo model. Also new is the Select Sport package, which replaces the previous Select package. But the biggest news is the addition of an available 10.25-inch center touchscreen. We found the rotary dial interface of the standard 8.8-inch screen a bit cumbersome, so this is a welcome change. The system comes standard on 2.5 Turbo models and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

　　The compact car segment has dwindled over the years, but there are still plenty of small hatchback and sedan rivals left for the Mazda 3, including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide if the Mazda 3 is right for you.

　　

What’s it like to live with?

To get an idea of the ownership experience, check out the zzdcar 2020 Mazda 3 long-term test. We evaluated a Mazda 3 sedan over the course of one year, and overall, it impressed us, though the non-turbo engine left us wanting for more power. Read all about what we liked and what we didn't.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the 3 Sedan drive? Mazda has always prioritized excellent driving characteristics, and this Mazda 3 is no different. When the road stops being straight, the Mazda 3 delivers handling that is comfortable and confidence-inspiring. It feels balanced, changes directions readily and stays controlled around turns. The steering is quick and precise too.

　　The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is eager and delivers smooth power from the onset, but it really gets going from the middle of the rev range. Merging onto freeways isn't a problem. In zzdcar' testing, our all-wheel-drive Mazda 3 sedan covered 0-60 mph in a reasonably quick 8.3 seconds.

　　Want more get-up-and-go? The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine certainly delivers, whittling the 0-60 mph time way down to 6.1 seconds in our track test of the hatchback. That's a whole new ballgame. It's refined too, with an abundance of thrust that's readily available. Just a gentle prod of the throttle enables easy passing and merging.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the 3 Sedan? Mazda has succeeded in delivering a sporty premium experience without sacrificing comfort. Credit goes to the supportive front seats and quiet cabin at highway speeds. It's not perfect, however. Our test car's air-conditioning system didn't seem sufficiently powerful, and some of our expert drivers found the seat's head restraint too intrusive.

　　The Mazda 3 is meant to be a sporty sedan, so it has a well-controlled suspension that limits body motion. While this makes for a comparatively stiffer ride, the suspension is still compliant and absorbs bumps and pavement irregularities quite well.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below