Mazda 3 hatchback
Mazda 3 hatchback
Mazda 3

2021 Mazda 3 hatchback

Pros: Nimble handling; available all-wheel drive; long list of available features

Cons: Cramped back seat; some complicated controls; top models get pricey

CG Says: The 2021 Mazda 3 gains two new engine options. The new base engine is a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is the new topline engine. The turbo includes all-wheel drive.

The Mazda 3 was redesigned for 2019, gaining fresh styling, new technology features, and the availability of all-wheel drive—a rare feature in the compact-car class. The 3 comes as a 4-door sedan or 4-door hatchback.

In addition to the previously mentioned 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter turbo, a 186-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is also available. The standard transmission for all is a 6-speed automatic, but a 6-speed manual available on the front-wheel-drive hatchback with the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and mitigation, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other available safety features include a driver-attention monitor and front cross-traffic alert. Other available features include a head-up instrument display and rain-sensing wipers.

The Mazda 3 aspires to move upmarket and succeeds, while keeping the sporty attitude that has been a Mazda 3 tradition. Prices are on the high end for the class, tight passenger space is a shortcoming, and rear visibility is iffy in the hatchback. However, the long list of available features, sporty-yet-polished driving demeanor, and available all-wheel drive make Mazda 3 a compelling choice.

The Facts
Class Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mazda
Nation of Manufacture Japan
Base Prices 2.0 Base sedan: $21,445
2.5 S sedan: $22,445
2.5 S hatchback: $23,445
Select sedan: $23,645
AWD Select sedan: $25,045
Select hatchback: $24,645
AWD Select hatchback: $26,045
Preferred sedan: $25,295
AWD Preferred sedan: $27,290
Preferred hatchback: $26,295
AWD Preferred hatchback: $26,695
Premium sedan: $27,795
AWD Premium sedan: $29,195
Premium hatchback: $27,895
AWD Premium hatchback: $28,445
AWD 2.5 Turbo sedan: $30,845
AWD 2.5 Turbo hatchback: $31,845
AWD 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus sedan: $33,395
AWD 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback: $34,695

Base Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder (2.0 Base sedan)
Horsepower
155
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
28
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
36

Optional Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder (2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium)
Horsepower
186
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
6-speed manual
EPA City Range (mpg)
24-26
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
31-35

Optional Engine
turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus)
Horsepower
250
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
23
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
31-32

Mazda 3 sedan
2021 Mazda 3 sedan
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 5
100%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 4
80%

For complete ratings click here.

Share this: