2023 Mazda 3 Assessment, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

Though it’s priced identical to different compacts, the 2023 Mazda 3 aspires to compete with extra premium vehicles—and in many ways it does. The three is obtainable as both a sedan or a hatchback, and each are equally as good-looking and agile. Two four-cylinder engines are supplied, together with a punchy turbo, and you’ll even have all-wheel drive in order for you—although meaning skipping the wonderful six-speed guide. Different compact vehicles such because the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta may appear extra sensible or have extra identify recognition, however the Mazda 3 is made for these patrons who worth a gratifying driving expertise and search premium inside supplies of their small automotive.

What’s New for 2023?

Mazda has dropped the 3’s base 2.0-liter four-cylinder for 2023; its new entry-level engine—the two.5-liter four-cylinder that was supplied as an improve final 12 months—will get a 5-hp bump to 191 horsepower. Cylinder deactivation has been added to the two.5-liter four-cylinder, which helps it ship extra fuel-efficient EPA estimates of 28 mpg metropolis and 37 mpg freeway. The mid-range Carbon Version mannequin is now accessible with non-compulsory all-wheel drive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at the moment are customary on all trims.

Pricing and Which One to Purchase

Base

$23,615

Choose

$25,015

$26,615

Carbon Version

$28,265

Premium

$30,215

Turbo

$33,515

Turbo Premium Plus

$35,065

The three hatchback is tempting due to its distinct look, however the hatch’s bulbous bottom compromises visibility. As an alternative, we might keep on with the sedan. When you choose the Most well-liked trim degree, you get customary options resembling heated entrance seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with reminiscence settings. Those that need all-wheel drive might want to go along with both the Carbon Version or Premium fashions, the place it’s supplied as an possibility, or one of many Turbo fashions as they arrive customary with that characteristic.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

Mazda presents two completely different engines with the three, beginning with a base 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine is obtainable with front-wheel drive or, on the Carbon Version and Premium trims, an all-wheel drive system. A 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter is obtainable, however solely on the costliest trims. Consumers can get a six-speed guide in the event that they keep on with front-wheel drive. Choosing the all-wheel drive system mandates a six-speed computerized transmission. Whereas each 3 responds readily to gas-pedal inputs, solely the turbocharged engine makes the three satisfyingly fast. After we tested the turbocharged engine, we recorded a brisk 5.6-second run to 60 mph. Each the hatchback and sedan really feel composed on straight and twisty roads and supply a refined experience. We’ve praised the new Mazda 3 for retaining a lot of the fun-to-drive nature of the outgoing mannequin. It has taut physique management, natural-feeling steering, and a agency experience that manages to not punish occupants when going over tough roads.

Gasoline Financial system and Actual-World MPG

Probably the most fuel-efficient Mazda 3 is the sedan with the bottom 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which earned scores from the EPA of 28 mpg metropolis and 37 mpg freeway. The turbocharged hatchback mannequin with all-wheel drive is the least gasoline environment friendly, with scores of 23 mpg metropolis and 31 mpg freeway. We examined an all-wheel-drive automatic-equipped sedan with the nonturbo 2.5-liter on our 75-mph freeway gasoline financial system route, and it posted an impressive 41 mpg. We additionally examined a equally outfitted hatchback, which beat its freeway ranking by 2 mpg (for 34 mpg noticed). The front-drive stick-shift 3 returned 38 mpg (3 greater than estimated). For extra details about the three’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s website.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Mazda thoughtfully designed the three’s cabin with premium supplies. Consumers can outfit both physique model with a slew of fascinating options, however the most effective ones are tied into the trim-level hierarchy. As an example, a head-up show, heated entrance seats, and leather-based upholstery are all reserved for the topmost trims. Nonetheless, the three sedan and hatchback have supportive seats and cozy passenger lodging. Nonetheless, the two-box mannequin has the worst rear visibility among compact hatchbacks as a consequence of its curvaceous design taking precedence over sightlines. Inside cubby storage is sufficient, however those that need essentially the most cargo area ought to select the sedan, which held six carry-on baggage within the trunk versus the hatch’s 5. Each held 16 baggage with the again seat folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.8-inch infotainment show is customary and appears even bigger than it’s, due to a properly designed bezel that floats between two pillow-like sprint pads. The system is straightforward to make use of and managed solely by a console-mounted rotary knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are customary however a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio value additional.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Each mannequin additionally boasts a bevy of normal driver-assistance technology, resembling automated emergency braking and computerized high-beam headlights. For extra details about the three’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Commonplace automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Commonplace lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
• Accessible adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go expertise

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Mazda covers the three sedan and hatchback with a standard guarantee plan that may’t compete with Hyundai and Kia‘s prolonged 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection. Toyota is the one competitor to supply complimentary scheduled upkeep on this phase.

• Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled upkeep

More Features and Specs