2021 Mazda Mazda3 Review
The 2021 Mazda3 is one of our top-ranked compact cars. It boasts athletic handling and a high-end interior, and it offers several peppy engines.
Pros & Cons✔ Sharp handling
✔ Powerful engine lineup
✔ Upscale cabin materials
✔ User-friendly infotainment system
✖ Tight back-seat space
New for 2021
✔ Standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
✔ Available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine
✔ More trim levels
✔ Available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine
✔ More trim levels
Research & Rankings
The Mazda Mazda3's #1 ranking for 2021 comes from its performance in the Compact Cars category. The Mazda Mazda3 currently has an 8.6 out of 10 scores based on our analysis of 32 pieces of research and data elements gathered from various sources.
#1 in Compact Cars
#1 in Hatchbacks
#1 in Small Cars
2021 Mazda Mazda3 Photos:
- Exterior Photos:
- Interior Photos:
Is the Mazda3 a Good Automobile?
The Mazda3 is a good compact car in 2021. This sporty sedan offers dynamic steering, responsive brakes, and quick acceleration, making it one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class. It also has a smooth ride that absorbs the majority of road imperfections. The Mazda3 comes with a user-friendly infotainment system and upscale materials throughout the cabin. The most obvious flaw is the cramped back seat.
Why You Should Have Faith in Us: Analyzed 32 reviews
We looked at 32 Mazda3 reviews, as well as performance specs, interior dimensions, fuel economy ratings, and more, to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed car purchase.
This Mazda3 review for 2021 includes relevant research for all models in this generation, which debuted in 2019.
Should I Invest in a Mazda3?
With top-notch safety scores and agile performance, the Mazda3 stands out as one of the best vehicles in a highly competitive class. Still, rivals with more seating space or better fuel economy, such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla – or even Mazda's own CX-30, a highly ranked subcompact SUV – may be worth considering.
What's the Difference Between the Mazda3 2020 and 2021?
Mazda has made a few changes to the Mazda3 for 2021. Three new trims are available: Both sedan and hatchback body styles are available in the new 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trims. A new 155-horsepower four-cylinder engine is now standard in the base 2.0 trim, and a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard in the top two trims. Depending on whether you use regular or premium gas, this turbo-four engine produces 227 or 250 horsepower.
The following are the most significant changes to the Mazda3 over the last few years:
2017: Trims were renamed and the suspension was fine-tuned , and traffic sign recognition was added.
2018: Low-speed forward collision warning was added to the list of standard features
2019: Completely redesigned with increased horsepower and a larger infotainment display (8.8 inches, up from 7); automatic emergency braking is now available; manual transmission is only available in Premium hatchbacks.
2020: increased the number of standard safety features
2021: adds a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, as well as additional trims with a stronger 2.5-liter turbo-four engine.
What is the price of a Mazda3?
The sedan version of the Mazda3 starts at $20,500, while the hatchback version starts at $22,500. Those are higher-than-average prices for the class.
How Much Does a Mazda Mazda3 Cost to Insure?
The cost of insurance for a Mazda Mazda3 is determined by a number of factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage you desire, and the type of insurance you select. Your insurance rates are affected by your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving record. To find the best policy for you, look over our car insurance guide.
The Mazda3 vs. Its Rivals
Honda Civic vs. Mazda3
Although both the Honda Civic and the Mazda3 have precise steering and agile handling, there are some significant differences between them. The turbo-four engine in the Civic Type R is more powerful than the top turbo-four in the Mazda3. Furthermore, the sedan and hatchback body styles of the Civic are more spacious than those of the Mazda3. The Mazda3 has all-wheel drive, which the Civic lacks, as well as a more upscale interior than the Honda. Personal preference will most likely determine which of these two high-ranking compact cars you choose.
Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda3
In our compact car rankings, the Toyota Corolla ranks in the bottom half. It's an excellent choice if you need a daily driver with good fuel economy, a smooth ride, and a lot of standard features. The Corolla, on the other hand, isn't the car for you if you want to spice up your daily commute. The Mazda3 has a more spirited ride and better interior quality.
Mazda3 Interior: A Sophisticated Cabin with Limited Space
Cargo Capacity Mazda3
The Mazda3 sedan has a cargo capacity of 13.2 cubic feet, which is below average for the class, but the hatchback has a capacity of 20.1 cubic feet, which is adequate for a small hatchback. The rear seats fold down to make it easier to stow longer items, regardless of which configuration you choose.
How many people can the Mazda3 accommodate?
The Mazda3 has seating for up to five people. The driver and front-seat passenger can find a comfortable position in the front seats, but the rear seats are much smaller.
Mazda3 and Car Seats for Children
The Mazda3's rear outboard seats have two complete sets of LATCH connectors. There is also a tether anchor in the rear middle seat, as well as the ability to borrow lower anchors from the adjacent seats. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the highest rating of Good+. The “+” indicates that the system is one of the most user-friendly and adaptable.
Mazda3 Interior Quality
Even the entry-level Mazda3 has superior interior materials that are pleasant to the touch. Synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, as well as heated front seats, are available as options.
Mazda3 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
The Mazda3's infotainment system is operated by a simple rotary knob located near the gear selector. The 8.8-inch display has clear images and straightforward navigation. You'll need to upgrade to the 2.5 S model to receive Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which aren't standard.
An 8.8-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker stereo, HD Radio, voice command, two USB ports, and Bluetooth are among the standard features of the infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system are among the available features for the infotainment system.
Additional standard features: push-button start and remote keyless entry.
Other available features: a moonroof
Mazda3 Performance: Peppy and Agile
Mazda3 Engine
Mazda3 will be available with three engines in 2021. The base sedan model now comes standard with a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The only engine available in the midlevel grades is a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the previous model year. You'll need one of the top two trims to get the most power out of this Mazda, which come with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 227 or 250 horsepower depending on whether you use regular or premium gas. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a six-speed manual transmission available only in Premium hatchback specification.
Mazda3 Gas Mileage
The base Mazda3 sedan achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which is comparable to class rivals' fuel efficiency estimations. The base Mazda3 hatchback gets 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is slightly less than the competition. These figures will be reduced even further if all-wheel drive is added or a model with the new turbocharged engine is selected.
Mazda3 Ride and Handling
The Mazda3 has one of the most enjoyable driving experiences in the compact car segment. Expert cornering, dynamic handling, and well-weighted steering are all features of this tiny automobile. All-wheel drive is optional, although front-wheel drive is normal (a rarity in this class).
Mazda3 Reliability
Is the Mazda3 Reliable?
The Mazda3 2021 is anticipated to have a reliability rating of 74 out of 100. A predicted dependability score of 91-100 is considered to be the best, 81-90 is considered to be excellent, 70-80 is considered to be average, and 0-69 is considered to be below ordinary.
Mazda3 Warranty
A three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are included with the 2021 Mazda3.
Mazda3 Safety
Mazda3 Crash Test Results
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety accorded the 2021 Mazda3 a Top Safety Pick+ title after giving it the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests. For how well its headlights illuminate the road ahead, the Mazda3 achieved a Good or the second-highest rating of Acceptable, depending on the trim.
Collision avoidance features are graded on a distinct scale by the IIHS. For its front crash prevention systems, the Mazda3 2021 achieved the highest score of Superior.
The 2021 Mazda3 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in the frontal collision, side crash, and rollover tests.
Mazda3 Safety Features
Standard advanced safety features:
Rearview camera
Automatic high-beam headlights
Driver attention monitoring
Adaptive cruise control
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Available advanced safety features:
Blind spot monitoring
Rear cross traffic alert
Head-up display
Traffic sign recognition
Adaptive headlights
Surround-view parking camera system
Traffic jam assist (manages braking, acceleration, and steering in low-speed traffic conditions)
Mazda3 Dimensions and Weight
The Mazda3 sedan is 15.3 feet in length, while the Mazda3 hatchback measures 14.6 feet in length. Its curb weight ranges from 3,022 to 3,383 pounds.
Where Is the Mazda3 2021 Manufactured?
Mazda develops the 2021 Mazda3 in Mexico.
Which Mazda3 Model Is Most Appropriate for Me?
The Mazda3 sedan is available in seven different trim levels for 2021: 2.0 Sedan, 2.5 S Sedan, Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The Mazda3 hatchback is available in six different trim levels: Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus are all available in the 2.5 S Hatchback model.
The majority of vehicles are powered by a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The base 2.0 Sedan trim, which comes with a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the top two 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trims, both of which come with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, are the only exceptions.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the front-wheel-drive Premium hatchback, while a six-speed automatic is standard on all other variants. Except for the 2.0 Sedan, 2.5 S Sedan, and 2.5 S Hatchback, all trims have all-wheel drive for $1,400.
The base sedan and hatchback trims both come with a lot of safety and technological amenities, but the base engine is only average. You'll want to go for one of the higher models if you want more zoom-zoom in this Mazda.
Mazda3 Sedan 2.0
The base 2.0 Sedan (MSRP: $20,500) contains the 2.0-liter engine as well as an 8.8-inch display, an eight-speaker radio, HD Radio, voice command, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. A rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlamps, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are included in the 2.0 Sedan, which also has cloth upholstery, front sport seats, push-button start, and remote keyless entry.
Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback 2.5 S
The 2.5 S Sedan and 2.5 S Hatchback start at $21,500 and $22,500, respectively. They have a 2.5-liter engine that is more powerful, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mazda3 Select is a Mazda3 model.
Dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat armrest with cup holders, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic warning are all included in the Select trim. The sedan version costs $22,700, while the hatchback version costs $23,700.
Mazda3 is the preferred vehicle.
The base price for the Preferred sedan is $24,350, while the hatchback starts at $25,350. A sunroof, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats are included in this model.
Mazda3 Premium (premium)
The Premium sedan and hatchback start at $26,850 and $27,850, respectively. Genuine leather upholstery, paddle shifters, satellite radio, GPS, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive headlights are all available on both models. The front-wheel-drive Premium hatchback is the only model having a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.
Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus and 2.5 Turbo Premium
A 2.5-liter turbo-four engine is included in both the sedan (MSRP: $29,900) and hatchback (MSRP: $30,900). They get a heated steering wheel, but navigation and traffic sign recognition aren't included.
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus sedan starts at $32,450 and the hatchback at $33,750. Perforated leather upholstery, GPS, traffic sign recognition, a surround-view parking camera system, and traffic jam assist are all included in this trim level.
The Last Word
The 2021 Mazda3 is a delightful car to drive, with responsive steering, lively handling, and powerful engine options. The inside of this little automobile is polished, and the entertainment system is simple to use.