2025 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork allowed it to stand confidently alongside luxury vehicles. The front featured squinting headlights with LED turn signals and stylish round lighting elements, adding to its dramatic and expensive-looking design. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the hatchback was favored for its better looks and more usable storage space. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, priced at $38,210, impressed with its material quality and comparative value, especially when paired with the striking red leather interior.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback continued the brand's tradition of elegant design with its long hood, tapered greenhouse, and stubby rear. The Polymetal Gray paint over red leather created a visually appealing combination. The interior was driver-oriented, with clean design and high-quality materials, though the gloss black plastic trim on the center console showed wear easily. The 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo model series offered a range of trims, with prices starting at $25,150. The 2.5 S Premium hatch, the only version with a manual transmission, was well-equipped and priced at $33,045, including destination.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine required premium fuel for maximum power, but could run on regular fuel with reduced output. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The six-speed manual transmission was exclusive to the Hatchback S Premium with FWD. Fuel economy varied by configuration, with the turbocharged AWD hatchback achieving 23/31/26 mpg. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, with tight steering and minimal body roll, though the torsion beam suspension could become unsettled on rough pavement.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 also featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with the turbocharged version delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The standard engine was smooth and refined, providing ample power. Most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Premium trim offered a manual gearbox. The manual transmission achieved 30 mpg in combined driving, with the test car averaging 29.1 mpg. The Mazda3's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling and stability, though the torsion-beam rear suspension could magnify road imperfections. The steering response was precise, but road noise was elevated at highway speeds.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with some rivals but less than the Honda Civic Hatchback. Total cargo space was 47.1 cubic feet. Rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan provided 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The hatchback's design created a significant blind spot at the C-pillar, and rearward visibility was poor due to the small rear window and rear lip spoiler.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 felt compact, with snug seating and limited stretch-out room. The seats were comfortable, and the test car's eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat allowed for a perfect driving position. Forward visibility was excellent, but rear visibility was compromised by the design. The reversing camera lacked guidance lines, and the surround-view camera system was reserved for the top trim. Rear-seat legroom was tight, and passengers noted the absence of air vents and USB ports. Cargo space was practical, with 20.1 cubic feet behind the back seat, but Mazda did not provide a maximum cargo space measurement.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a rotary controller for its infotainment system, which some found safer than a touchscreen. The system included an 8.8-inch display on most trims, with a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on select trims. A wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi with an AT&T subscription were available. The Bose stereo in higher trims offered good sound quality.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be used via touchscreen, but most functions required the rotary controller or voice recognition. Alexa Built-in faced connectivity issues, and the native voice-recognition system struggled with commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were recommended for a better experience, with a USB-C cable needed for most models. The 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system provided excellent sound. Other features included Wi-Fi hotspot access and a one-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 received five stars from the NHTSA and was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go was also included, with the Turbo Premium Plus trim offering Cruising and Traffic Support.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The test car had adaptive cruise control, but without stop-and-go capability due to the manual transmission. The lane departure warning system issued inaccurate alerts, but the adaptive cruise control reacted smoothly in traffic. The head-up display showed blind spot warnings, and the automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive front lighting system enhanced safety.