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2021 Mazda Mazda3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Mazda Mazda3 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Interior design feels classy
  • Fun to drive, especially with the optional turbo engine
  • Available all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Back seats feel a little cramped
  • Limited cargo capacity
  • No manual transmission on the sedan

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 31 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $25,998*

View our Mazda Mazda3 inventory
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All Mazda Mazda3 years

What is new for the 2021 Mazda Mazda3?

  • The Mazda3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, S, and Turbo.
  • Mazda3 trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, Parking Sensors, Turbo Charged Engine, and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
  • The Preferred trim now comes with Sunroof(s) as standard equipment.

2021 Mazda Mazda3 trims

Curious how Mazda Mazda3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 155-hp, 150-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • View our Mazda Mazda3 inventory

S:

Select:

Preferred:

Premium:

Premium Plus:

  • Includes all features available on the Premium
  • No significant upgrades found on the Premium Plus

Turbo:

2.5 Turbo:

2.5 Turbo Premium Plus:

Mazda Mazda3 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Mazda Mazda3

1. Well-appointed inside and out

Whether you opt for the 2021 Mazda3 base 2.0 trim, the mid-range 2.5 S, or the range-topping 2.5 Turbo, you'll find that this sedan is generously equipped. Standard equipment on this model's base trim includes everything from rain-sensing windshield wipers and an 8.8-inch touchscreen display to an eight-speaker sound system and LED headlights.

2. All-wheel drive on some models

Finding a sedan with all-wheel drive is pretty rare, but the 2021 Mazda3 offers it on some models. Specifically, the mid-range 2.5 S trim on the 2021 Mazda3 was available with an all-wheel-drive upgrade on its 2.5L four-cylinder engine when it was sold as new. If you live in an area that sees icy winters or otherwise adverse road conditions throughout the year, having a sedan with all-wheel drive can give you some additional traction and control behind the wheel.

3. Standard driver-assistance suite

The 2021 Mazda Mazda3 also comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features on every trim. This suite includes features such as frontal collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. It also includes adaptive cruise control, which will automatically adjust to help you maintain a consistent distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

4. Available turbocharged engine

Looking for a Mazda turbo? A turbocharged engine is standard on the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo trim. This turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine puts out 227 hp and comes standard with all-wheel drive for a little extra kick behind the wheel. Meanwhile, a 2.0L four-cylinder or 2.5L four-cylinder engine is standard on every other 2021 Mazda3 model.

5. Sleek and sporty styling

There's a lot to love about the stylish and sporty design of the 2021 Mazda3. With its bold front grille and sharp exterior styling, the 2021 Mazda3 will turn heads on the road. If you're looking for something even sportier, the 2021 Mazda3 is also available in a hatchback body style on some trim levels—so it may be worth checking one out as you shop around.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.2 out of 5

9 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Mazda Mazda3 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Mazda Mazda3 15th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mazda Mazda3

Mazda Mazda3 features and specs

Curious how Mazda Mazda3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Preferred 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Start

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

186

Torque (ft-lbs)

186

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

107.3"

Overall length

175.6"

Width

70.7"

Height

56.7"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 35.1"

Head room

F 38"/R 36.5"

Front tires

P215/45VR18

Rear tires

P215/45VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Mazda Mazda3 FAQ

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