2019 Mazda 3 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

The Mazda 3 is fully redesigned for 2019Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019

　　With crossovers becoming the de facto choice for many buyers, the humble compact sedan needs to offer something a little extra to stay competitive. Luckily, the redesigned 2019 Mazda 3 delivers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Mazda 3 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$126/mo  for 3 Base

　　3 Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $21,000 MSRP4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $23,600 MSRP4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $25,000 MSRPSelect 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $22,600 MSRPSelect 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $24,000 MSRPPreferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $24,200 MSRPPreferred 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $25,200 MSRPPreferred 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $25,600 MSRPPreferred 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,600 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,500 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,500 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M) - $27,500 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,900 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Mazda 3's aptitude for sharp handling stretches back several generations and continues with the new model. Last year's optional 2.5-liter engine is now standard across the board, ensuring that every 3 has plenty of power, too. Mazda has also made all-wheel drive an available option this year. AWD gives the 3 enhanced grip on low-traction surfaces such as snow and will undoubtedly be a draw for shoppers living in cold-weather climates.

　　As long as you can accept the limited amount of rear-seat space, the Mazda 3's interior is sure to impress. The cabin is elegantly detailed with expensive-looking aluminum trim, solid-feeling switchgear and, on all but the base sedan, faux leather door accents. Select the Premium package, and the Mazda 3's cabin will seem worthy of an Audi badge.

　　The Mazda 3 isn't perfect. As noted, the rear seat is quite tight, and there's a fair bit of tire noise at highway speeds. But in the big picture, there's nothing here that should seriously dissuade shoppers. For car shoppers looking for an upscale and fun-to-drive small sedan or hatchback, the 2019 Mazda 3 is a great pick.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Mazda 3 as one of zzdcar' Best AWD Sedans for this year.

　　

What's the Mazda 3 like to live with?

The Mazda 3 has been one of our favorite small cars for years now, and several examples have graced our long-term fleet over the last decade. Read our Best AWD Sedans to learn more about what it's like to live with day to day over the course of 20,000 miles. Note that while our tester is a 2020 Mazda 3, there are no significant changes between our 2020 Preferred model and its 2019 equivalent.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mazda 3 Premium Sedan (2.5L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

8.0

　　Mazda has always prioritized excellent driving characteristics, and this Mazda 3 is no different. The handling is crisp, and the steering has a light but engaging feel. It's so good that we think the 3 could handle a more powerful engine even though it doesn't need it.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　The non-turbocharged four-cylinder is eager and delivers smooth power from the onset, but it really gets going from the middle of the rev range up to the redline. Merging onto freeways isn't a problem, and its 8.3-second 0-60 mph acceleration is better than many in its class.

　　

Braking

7.5

　　The brake pedal feels reassuringly firm and delivers a sure response. Drivers will find it very easy to modulate smoothly in stop-and-go traffic, and the car feels quite stable when the brakes are applied suddenly. A 60-0 mph panic stop took 121 feet at our test track, which is average for this class.

　　

Steering

7.5

　　The steering is quick and precise but has a light, almost too-easy feel about it. However, the driver gets decent feedback and can genuinely feel what the car is doing. The 3 makes tidy U-turns, and the steering wheel feels good in your hands.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　When the road stops being straight, Mazda 3 delivers handling that is comfortable and confidence-inspiring. It feels balanced, changes directions readily and stays controlled around turns. There's lots of grip, too.

　　

Drivability

8.5

　　Aggressive drivers might find the automatic transmission to be a tad sluggish in normal mode. For them there's Sport mode, which makes the transmission more responsive. Either way, the throttle delivers the engine's power smoothly. Available all-wheel drive makes the Mazda 3 a strong choice for winter driving.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　Mazda has succeeded in delivering a sporty premium experience without sacrificing comfort. Credit its compliant ride, comfortable and supportive seating, and sufficiently noise-insulated cabin. It's not perfect, though: Our test car's climate control system didn't seem sufficiently powerful, and some of our drivers felt the headrests were set at an uncomfortable angle.

　　

Seat comfort

7.5

　　The front seats in the Mazda 3 are comfortable and supportive. The power driver's seat offers a good amount of adjustment, and the side bolsters are effective at holding you tight without being confining. Some editors thought the headrests leaned too far forward, though. The rear seats are nicely contoured.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The Mazda 3 is meant to be a sporty sedan, so it has a well-controlled suspension that limits body motion. While this makes the ride stiffer than most, the suspension is compliant and absorbs bumps and pavement irregularities quite well. The amount of comfort for your daily commute is impressive despite this car's sporty nature.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.0

　　Generally speaking, the Mazda 3 has a quiet cabin. There is some road and wind noise, but it's more akin to background noise than something that grabs your attention. We didn't detect any unwanted mechanical vibrations either. It all lines up well with Mazda's stated desire to deliver a premium environment in a sporty-themed car.

　　

Climate control

6.5

　　The dual-zone climate controls are logically arrayed along the upper shelf of the center dashboard and feature accessible temperature knobs. The recirculation/fresh air button is there, too, but the labeling is unclear. We had to dial our car's Auto setting quite low to get it to blow cold air, and the seat heaters were slow to warm up.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　The Mazda 3's interior is well-thought-out and nice to be in. Front-seat occupants will enjoy their space, but taller drivers may wish for more steering wheel reach. Mazda seems to have sacrificed rear passenger legroom and headroom in the name of sleeker styling.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　While the Mazda 3 display screen lacks touchscreen functionality, the single-knob controller is intuitive. This controller-based interface is one of the best around. Nothing is complicated in this car. The controls and buttons are easy to see and understand. The setup doesn't take long to get used to, and once you do, a glance is all it takes to verify and select a function.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　The front seats are set low, so you'll have to settle onto the side bolster and then slide in. The roofline slopes downward, so even passengers of moderate height might need to duck to get into the back.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　The Mazda 3 has a pleasing driving position because the broad, flat dash and hood give a commanding view ahead. The driver's seat is positioned well and readily adjustable. Our tallest driver wished for a bit more telescoping range from the steering wheel, but it was a minor point.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　The front seating area delivers a fair amount of leg, head and shoulder space, and the broad, expansive dashboard styling further enhances that spacious sensation. But rear legroom and headroom are below average, so the rear seating area can feel snug if the front-seat occupants slide their seats back.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　Mazda's 3 provides decent visibility to the front and sides. Direct rear and rear-quarter visibility is limited by the sloping roofline, high rear deck and thick rear pillars. Thankfully, the 3 comes equipped with a blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera as standard equipment.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　Craftsmanship is solid in the Mazda 3. The panel gaps are tight, the controls feel solid, and the materials are of high-quality. The chrome accent that adorns the dash is a nice touch. And with the elimination of the touchscreen, there are no fingerprints around the screen area.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　While we can't say the Mazda 3 is an exceptionally utilitarian sedan, its capacity and usability are at least average for the segment. And while it is easy to fit car seats in the back, bigger ones may impinge on front occupants simply because the Mazda 3 doesn't have a lot of rear legroom.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　The doors have average-size pockets that can easily hold a typical water bottle. The center console is shallow but somewhat broad, and there is a small bin to the left of the steering wheel. Another cubby sits ahead of the shifter, and it is big enough for a larger smartphone. Only the passenger-side rear seatback is equipped with a pocket.

　　

Cargo space

6.5

　　With only 13.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Mazda 3 trails slightly behind the class leaders. It does offer a wide loading area, and the trunk is deep. But the wheelwells intrude and pinch down the width from each side. In all, it's still quite useful, and the rear seatbacks do fold down in a 60/40-split.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

　　The car seat anchors are easy to find and clearly marked in each of the outboard rear seat positions. But larger rear-facing car seats are more apt to encroach on front-passenger space because the Mazda 3's rear legroom isn't as generous as that of its main rivals.

　　

Technology

7.0

　　The 3 offers a strong suite of active safety gear, but it's not standard on all versions. The audio system sounds great, and the 8.8-inch infotainment screen looks vibrant and works well with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And while we do like the single-knob controller, the lack of touchscreen functionality ultimately limits what the system can do.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The audio system in the Mazda 3 is quite good — very clear with no distortion even in higher volumes. The navigation system is straightforward, has a good feature set, and gives especially clear directions if you opt for a model with the head-up display.

　　

Smartphone integration

6.5

　　Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard on the Mazda 3. The single-knob controller is easy and intuitive to use on either platform, but the lack of touchscreen functionality negates some of the usefulness. During testing, we had connection issues with an Android Auto device.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　The Mazda 3's comprehensive suite of active safety gear is standard on all but the base model. You get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beam control, and lane keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control holds speed well but can stop abruptly when it's not strictly necessary in traffic.

　　

Voice control

6.5

　　The subpar voice recognition system requires exact syntax. Navigation requires the complete address, category search only seems to work with gas stops and restaurants, and the number of points of interest is limited. Thankfully, smartphone voice controls integrate seamlessly and can be activated by holding the voice button longer.

　　

Which 3 does zzdcar recommend?

　　If you're buying a sedan, skip straight past the base model and choose at least the Select package. It doesn't cost much more but adds a ton of useful comfort, entertainment and safety features. The 3 hatchback is automatically configured this way, so no upgrades are needed. However, we recommend spending a little more for the Preferred package, which adds a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a crisp-sounding 12-speaker Bose audio system.

　　

2019 Mazda 3 models

　　The 2019 Mazda 3 is a small sedan or hatchback sold in a small number of trims, which Mazda now calls "packages." The base model sedan is very lightly equipped, but the Select package adds quite a bit of equipment at a reasonable cost. Base hatchbacks include the Select package. The Preferred package adds heated seats and a kicking sound system, while the top-level Premium package adds a sunroof and leather upholstery, among other upgrades. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all versions except the base sedan.

　　Every Mazda 3 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 horsepower, 186 pound-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is optional on the front-wheel-drive hatchback with the Premium package.

　　The base Mazda 3 sedan comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights and daytime running lights), a rearview camera, push-button start, a driver information screen, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, an 8.8-inch central display, Bluetooth, voice commands, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio and two USB ports.

　　Choosing the Select package adds 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, vinyl door trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, a rear armrest, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additional safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beam control, and lane keeping assist.

　　The base hatchback is equipped with the contents of the sedan with the Select package, plus a rear roof spoiler and a cargo cover.

　　Add the Preferred package, and you'll get a power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory functions, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio.

　　The top-trim Premium package further adds adaptive headlights, a sunroof, a head-up display, leather upholstery, and paddle shifters for models with the automatic transmission. Hatchbacks also receive black-painted wheels.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 3 articles

　　

2019 3 Highlights

Type: HatchbackSedanSedan

　　Trim: BaseSelectPreferredPremiumBase

　　

Base MSRP	$21,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$126/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles