The entry-level Sport comes equipped with air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a CD player, and an audio auxiliary jack. A towing package, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are all optional. This variant adds Mazda's four-wheel-drive system.

The "i" trims get a 2.3-liter four-cylinder mill, generating 153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 22/28 mpg, and the modest 2.3-liter engine will accommodate 1,500 pounds in tow.