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The Greenest Car of 2024 Isn’t an EV2021 Mazda 3 Review: An Upscale Compact
What do our experts think of the 2021 Mazda3? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2021 Mazda3?
Featuring a “mature interpretation” of Kodo design language, the 2021 Mazda3 is part of the fourth-generation that was rolled out in 2019. On sale since 2004, the 3 has a reputation for crisp driving dynamics and reasonable pricing. Of late, Mazda has refined the design and materials to give the 3 an upmarket feel without breaking the bank. It seems to be working as U.S. News and World Report named Mazda the Best Car Brand in 2021. The biggest news for 2021 models is the addition of a 2.0L inline-four to base models and turbocharged 2.5L variant for top-tier trims. You can read more about the turbocharged excitement of the Mazda 3 Turbo here.
2021 Mazda3 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2021 Mazda3 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Standard 8.8-inch display
Base engine sips gas
Clean interior design
Stick shift barely hanging on
No smartphone mirroring on entry model
Infotainment screen is not touch-controlled
Offering Audi-level design for less
2021 Mazda3 Specs
- 155 horsepower from base engine
- 150 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 13.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Traffic Jam Assist handles low speed steering
- Top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
- Three years of roaddside assistance
2021 Mazda3 Powertrain
The base 2021 Mazda3 comes with a 2.0L four-cylinder making 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels. A 2.5L version with 186 horsepower and 186 torques is fitted to the four middle trims with AWD as a $1,400 option. Top models sport a turbocharged variant of the 2.5L motor that can put down 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of twist, but only when running on premium gas. Filling up with 87 octane reduces those figures to 227 and 310, respectively. AWD is standard on the turbocharged models, the better to counteract torque steer. For a deeper dive on engines, take a look at our engines explained article.
A 6-speed automatic transmission is fitted across the board, though enthusiasts can find a 6-speed manual, but only on the Premium level hatchback. G-Vectoring Control Plus system is included on every 2021 Mazda3 to keep things controlled in the corners. An interesting change on this fourth-gen model was swapping the multi-link independent rear suspension from the last generation – that we compare here – for a torsion beam axle. Mazda notes this simpler design is better suited for daily driving thanks to quieter operation and improved packaging. Given the automakers’ reputation for lively handling, it no doubt meets the Zoom-Zoom mark.
2021 Mazda3 Fuel Economy & MPG
Front-wheel-drive Mazda3s with the 2.0L engine boast fuel economy estimates of 28 mpg in city driving and 36 on the highway. Equipped with the 2.5L engine, this does not change much with figures of 26/35 mpg in city/highway driving, though adding AWD drops them to 25 and 33, respectively. The more powerful turbocharged engine achieves 23 mpg around town and 32 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback body style, the 2021 Mazda3 is a five-seater compact with a refined yet simple interior layout. The hatchback does add between $1,000 and $2,000 in cost, depending on trim level, while bumping cargo volume from 13 cubic feet to 20. A downside to watch out for with the hatch is that beefy C-pillar that could be an irritating blind spot. Upholstery ranges from cloth and faux-leather up to real animal hides that, on top-spec models, are offered in white or red two-tone schemes that look quite snazzy.
The rear seats do not fold flat, but they do offer 60-40 split-fold functionality to accommodate longer cargo needs. The 35.1- inches of rear legroom, for both body styles, is within a whisker of the space found on Volkswagen GTI that we compare here. Every 2021 Mazda3 is equipped with air conditioning, power windows and push button start but the best features like a heated steering wheel and moonroof require moving up the trim ladder as Mazda does not offer traditional package upgrades.
Entertainment & Technology
Eschewing the typical touchscreen-controlled infotainment system, the 2021 Mazda3 features rotary-dial control that the automaker dubs the Multifunction Commander Control. Located in the center console, it manages systems within the 8.8-inch screen sprouting from the dash. Every model, except for base trim, includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Even base models come with Mazda Connected Services that enables remote start, door lock control and vehicle location via smartphone app. There is also integrated navigation, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system and head-up display with Traffic Sign Recognition available on higher trim levels.
Safety Features
i-Activsense, Mazda’s suite of active driver aids, consists of six systems that are included across the lineup. It features radar cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist and high beam control. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is added to Select trim and above, but you’ll need the priciest 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus for the most advanced tech. That model comes with smart rear brake support and traffic jam assist that can manage steering at speeds up to 40 mph. This strong level of driver-aid tech helps the 2021 Mazda3 earn both a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.
2021 Mazda 3 Trims & Pricing
2.0 – $21,645
The only 2021 Mazda 3 with the small engine, this base model sports 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting and rain-sensing wipers. Black cloth is the cabin fabric of choice with amenities like cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel on hand. A 7-inch LCD screen in the gauge cluster displays vehicle information and the 8.8-inch infotainment screen is included, though Apple and Android smartphone mirroring is not. For a less expensive Mazda 3 option, check out our used comparison with the Kia Forte.
2.5 S – $22,645
The first of four trims with the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, the 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 S models unlock access to Deep Crystal Blue and Snowflake White Pearl paint options. Power-adjustable side mirrors and push button start are standard and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto tech are included from here on up.
Select – $24,845
AWD can be optioned on Select models that come with 18-inch wheels and access to the pretty Soul Red Crystal finish. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and faux leather upholstery spruce up the cabin while blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is added to the driver-aid roster.
Preferred – $25,495
Preferred trim comes with a gloss black front grille and rear spoiler to add a touch of class as well as a power-operated moonroof. It also boasts heated front seats with power-adjustability and memory settings on the driver’s side.
Premium – $27,995
Mazda’s Signature lighting on the 2021 Mazda 3 Premium model includes adaptive headlamps that swivel based on steering input to improve nighttime visibility. Inside, you can choose from an all-black leather cabin or a sharp two-tone black and white scheme.
2.5 Turbo – $31,045
Along with the boosted engine and AWD, 2.5 Turbo trim features black-finished 18-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel and heads up display with traffic sign recognition. Audiophiles will appreciate the 12-speaker audio system from Bose, SiriusXM satellite radio and upscale aluminum speaker grilles.
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus – $33,595
Top-of-the-heap 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is both a mouthful and fully loaded with exclusive features like smart rear brake support and traffic jam assist plus a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror and 360° view monitor. Hatchback models bring a front air dam, larger rear roofline spoiler and beefed-up exhaust outlets.
Warranties
Mazda’s warranty meets the industry average with a 3-year/36,000 term on the limited vehicle coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain protection. There is no complimentary maintenance but there is 3 years or 36,000 miles of roadside assistance.
What we think
2021 Mazda3 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2021 Mazda3 on Carsforsale.com
The compact sedan segment is competitive, though like the larger-sized segment it continues to shrink with the likes of Ford exiting it completely. So, it’s great to see vehicles like the 2021 Mazda3 still available in both four-door and five-door hatch style, not to mention the nearly extinct manual transmission option. Mazda knocks design out the park with this latest iteration of their slinky Kodo approach and AWD is impressive at this price point. Though it’s not quite a Mazdaspeed, I would be hard pressed not to walk off a dealer lot with the turbocharged 2.5L motor, in either trim level.
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