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Buy this Ford vs Ferrari GT40 Movie Car2023 Mazda3: Compact, Agile, and Turbocharged
What do our experts think of the 2023 Mazda3? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Mazda3?
Mazda has made some adjustments to the 3’s 2023 lineup, most notably dropping the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The new entry-level engine—a 2.5-liter four-cylinder—was offered as an upgrade on the 2022 Mazda3. This engine gets an upgrade on the 2023 model gaining 5 horsepower and an increased fuel economy thanks to the addition of cylinder deactivation.
New for 2023 is the Mazda3 Carbon Edition trim is now available with all-wheel drive. Mazda now offers and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the board.
2023 Mazda3 models – news.mazdausa.com | Shop 2023 Mazda3 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
High quality interior materials
Agile handling
Quick acceleration
Cramped rear seat
Poor rear visibility
Limited cargo space
Compact but still fun to drive
2023 Mazda3 Specs
- 191 horsepower from base engine
- 186 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 13.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 8.8-inch infotainment display
- Standard driver-attention monitoring
- 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty
2023 Mazda3 Powertrain
Two engines are offered on the Mazda3, starting with the base 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine comes with front-wheel drive for most trim levels; however the Carbon Edition and Premium trims are equipped with AWD.
The top trims offer a 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. A six-speed manual is available with front-wheel drive models, and all-wheel drive models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Mazda3 base engine is an improvement over the previous model and makes for a spirited drive. The turbocharged engine is where it’s at, though, for effortless acceleration without any lag to speak of. Control is the word for the Mazda3 with proper feedback from the brakes and responsive steering that takes corners and winding roads with very little effort.
2023 Mazda3 Fuel Economy & MPG
A Mazda3 sedan with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is estimated to be the most fuel efficient, offering 28 miles per gallon in urban areas and 37 miles per gallon when driving on highways. The hatchback model with the turbocharged engine is the least fuel efficient and gets an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
To see how the Mazda3’s fuel efficiency compares with other makes and models check out our lineup of The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2022.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Mazda did a great job fitting the 3 with quality interior materials that rival the details on some luxury cars. The most premium features like heated front seats and leather upholstery are tied to the utmost trim levels, but all models have supportive and spacious front seats that lend to all day driving and riding for adults. The 3 does fall short on rear seat accommodations, though, with leg, head, and shoulder room falling below average for its segment. Small rear windows and a sloping roofline make rear visibility less than ideal and requires some extra attention when backing out of parking spots.
The Mazda3 sedan body style is lacking in cargo space with only 13.2 cubic feet of storage in the trunk. Hatchback models have slightly more space with 20.1 cubic feet of storage, which is comparable to other compact cars. The rear seats of both the sedan and hatchback body styles fold down to accommodate more cargo.
If you find you’re needing more space, check out our review of the 2023 CX-30, Mazda’s subcompact SUV offering.
Entertainment & Technology
Every Mazda3 comes standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that is controlled solely by a console-mounted rotary knob instead of a touchscreen. Operating the system takes some practice to get used to, especially while driving, leaving us wishing at least some of the functions were controlled through a touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, an eight-speaker stereo, HD radio, Bluetooth, voice command, and two USB ports are standard, but SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system will cost extra.
Safety Features
Every model comes standard with rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, driver-attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive headlights.
Available driver-assistance features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, head-up display, traffic-sign recognition, a surround-view parking camera system, and traffic-jam assist. Learn more about these and other safety features in our New Safety Tech Explained article.
Overall, the 2023 Mazda3 has received very favorable crash test ratings: the IIHS gave the Mazda3 the highest rating of “Good”, and the NHIS gave the Mazda3 a top five start rating in frontal crash and rollover tests.
2023 Mazda3 Trims & Pricing
The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback and comes in the following trim levels.
2.5 S – $22,550
The Mazda3 base trim comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available on this trim. Also standard on the 2.5 S is 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a folding 60/40-split rear seat, an eight-speaker audio system, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Every Mazda3 also comes standard with forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and drowsy driver monitor.
2.5 S Select – $23,950
The 2.5 S Select package provides a variety of features including 18-inch wheels, faux leather upholstery, two-zone climate control, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, and remote start and entry.
2.5 S Preferred – $25,550
The 2.5 S Preferred package adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, heated front seats, and a sunroof.
2.5 S Carbon Edition – $27,200
The 2.5 S Carbon Edition package includes features from the Preferred package and adds 18-inch black-painted wheels, black heated mirrors, gray exterior paint, red leather interior, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
2.5 S Premium – $29,250
The 2.5 S Premium package Includes features from the Preferred package and adds 18-inch wheels, upgraded exterior lighting with adaptive headlights, head-up display, leather seats, paddle shifters, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and an integrated navigation system.
2.5 Turbo – $32,450
The 2.5 Turbo model offers three different packages – the 2.5 S Select, Preferred and Premium – that do not include a navigation system or leather interior. It features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive, 18-inch black-painted wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a heated steering wheel.
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus – $34,000
The range-topping Turbo Premium Plus adds front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, a spoiler, navigation, leather upholstery, a surround-view camera system, universal garage door opener, lane keeping system, and rear automatic braking.
Before you begin your search for a new Mazda3, be sure to check out our New Car Incentives article for a comprehensive list of all the leasing options, finance offers, and other specials being offered.
Warranties
The Mazda3 is covered by a 3 year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5 year or 50,000-mile powertrain warranty. There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.
What we think
2023 Mazda3 – news.mazdausa.com | Shop 2023 Mazda3 on Carsforsale.com
The Mazda3 is a stylish compact car that really packs a punch with its available turbo engine. We’re impressed by its quality interior components that really set it apart in its class. If the daily commute and solo travel are what you’re looking to satisfy, then we say go with the 2.5 Turbo to get a great compact performer for a competitive price.
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