2023 Mazda 3

　　

2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiAssociate 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.

　　Small and economical sedans or hatchbacks aren't the penalty boxes they used to be. Today these affordable vehicles deliver far more refinement and panache, and the 2023 Mazda 3 is a prime example. From its sleek, attention-getting styling to its refined interior, the Mazda 3 is a standout in the class. Add in sporty driving dynamics and the option for a powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, and the case for the Mazda 3 gets stronger.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $22,550 MSRP2.5 S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $23,550 MSRPSelect 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $23,950 MSRPSelect 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $24,950 MSRPPreferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $25,550 MSRPPreferred 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,550 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,200 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,200 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,600 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,600 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M) - $29,150 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,400 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $30,400 MSRP2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $32,450 MSRP2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $34,000 MSRP2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $35,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　For 2023, Mazda has adjusted the 3's lineup slightly. The previous entry-level 2.0 sedan has been discontinued. This trim was the only one to come with a 2.0-liter engine, so now most 3s come with the 2.5-liter engine. It's also slightly improved this year, gaining 5 horsepower and increased fuel economy. The available turbocharged version of this engine, which can crank out a robust 250 hp, is still available.

　　The Mazda 3 does come up short on cargo space and rear legroom. As such, the Honda Civic, Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra might be a better pick if pragmatism outweighs performance in your book. For our test team's complete rundown of the 3's strengths and weaknesses, check out the Expert Rating below.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Want a more detailed ownership experience? Check out the zzdcar 2020 Mazda 3 long-term test, where we evaluated the vehicle over a full year. Overall, the Mazda 3 impressed us, but in non-turbo form it left us a little flat. 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 Mazda 3 Hatchback drive? Mazda vehicles tend to have pleasing driving dynamics, and that's true of the 3 hatchback. Above-average horsepower and acceleration make quick work of merges and on-ramps, while proper feedback from the brake pedal adds to a sense of control during typical driving and confidence during panic stops. The same goes for the steering and handling. Though not thrilling, both are pleasant in the daily grind.

　　At our test track, even the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder impressed with an 8.2-second sprint to 60 mph. But the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is a whole new ballgame, whittling the 0-60 time way down to 6.1 seconds. It's a refined turbo too, with minimal lag and an abundance of readily available thrust. You don't need to floor it; just a gentle prod of the gas pedal makes quick work of passing or merging.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Mazda 3 Hatchback? The 3's interior is a generally pleasant place to occupy, with comfortable and supportive front seats that allow for all-day driving. The most prevalent sound is some engine noise during moderate and heavy acceleration, but it doesn't have an annoying drone. In fact, the turbocharged engine makes a rather endearing baritone thrum. Across the lineup, irksome road noise is minimized.

　　Owing to the 3's more driver-focused mission, the ride transmits most bumps and vibrations into the cabin, but the suspension controls these motions in a way that keeps passengers from complaining. When it comes to air conditioning, you can simply set it to auto and forget it.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below