2025 Mazda3
Remember when Mazda made sedans? They still do.
The compact Mazda3 is a reminder that sedans – and hatchbacks – still matter to enthusiasts and those who are not looking for an SUV. In a size class full of sedans, the 2025 Mazda3 stands out for more than just its intended purpose.
After years of production, does it still stand out in its segment?
For starters, the KODO - Soul of Motion design forms a sleek silhouette for our sedan tester. The prominent front grille welcomes you to a unique driving experience, along with LED headlamps on each side. The side profile is also stylish, leading to a sculpted rear deck.
Our 2.5 S Carbon Edition tester sports a set of 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels to finish up the Mazda3’s looks.
Behind the wheel of the Mazda3, the instrument cluster combined analog and digital readouts in a very clean screen. This includes a large multifunction knob. There is now wireless smartphone connectivity, yet the screen itself to too far for most drivers to control by hand. This is why you still utilize the MazdaConnct knob and associated buttons on the center console to control the infotainment. All other controls are tactile and logical to use.
The 2.5 S Carbon Edition sports red leather seating as its distinctive touch. The front seats are supportive and have power-assisted adjustments for rake, recline, and lumbar support. There is plenty of headroom behind the wheel. Rear seat space is fine for average adults, but there is a driveshaft hump in the middle that may not fit five people comfortably.
Our sedan tester had 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which are expandable with the rear seatbacks folded down.
Powering our 2.5 S Carbon Edition sedan tester is the 191-horsepower 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine with 186 pound-feet of torque. It is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission connected to an all-wheel-drive system. This trim level is the only sedan with this driveline configuration.
Throttle response is quite good. Passing on the highway and going up on-ramps were decent with plenty of power when you need it. If you want more engagement with the Mazda3, flip the switch on the center console to “Sport.” This drive mode will hold the gears longer and higher on the tachometer.
In turn, we experienced a fuel economy average of 32.3 MPG.
We found the ride quality very solid but on the firm side. Where the Mazda3 shines is the way it handles. The cornering is sensational, as well as its response to evasive maneuvers.
The steering is sharp with excellent on-center feel and a tight turning radius. The brakes are equally good. Pedal feel is solid and stopping power is sharp in normal and panic situations.
The 2025 Mazda3 lineup consists of six sedans and seven hatchbacks. Pricing starts from $24,150 for the sedan, $25,150 for the hatchback. Our 2.5 S Carbon Edition sedan tester came with a sticker price of $31,095.
The Mazda3 is usually seen as the sportiest of all compact sedans and hatchbacks. It is still compared with its mainstream compact rivals, along with its premium-branded counterparts. Those competitors include the Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Subaru Impreza, Acura Integra, MINI 4-door Hardtop, and Audi A3.
In the 2025 Mazda3, you have several choices to which model will satisfy your soul. No matter which one you select, you still get a sporty car that delivers on efficiency, as well as fun.
