2023 Mazda Mazda3 review

1. Uncommon hatchback option

The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 is a stylish four-door sedan with a few options that most cars of this type don't offer, including a hatchback (versus a sedan trunk), making it easier to load bulky items like golf clubs or camping gear. The trims that allow for the sedan hatchback upgrade include the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Package, 2.5 S Preferred Package, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium Package, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. If you go with the hatchback option, you also gain a six-speed manual transmission. Gear heads who love the feel of a stick shift in the palm of their hand will fall in love!

2. Front-wheel or AWD upgrade

It's not common to find a sedan with multiple drivetrain options, but the 2023 Mazda3 delivers! For those in temperate climates, buzzing around on city streets and highways, the standard front-wheel drive offered on the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Package, 2.5 S Preferred Package, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, and 2.5 S Premium Package (with manual transmission) trims is solid. If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, or you'll be navigating rural roadways, look out for the AWD option on the 2.5 S Carbon Edition or choose the 2.5 S Premium Package, 2.5 Turbo or 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus that come with AWD standard.

3. Eight trims to browse

Love choices? The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 comes in eight loaded trim options. The base model features a rearview camera, side airbags, and power mirrors. The second-level trim, the 2.5 S Select package, adds leatherette seats and a blindspot monitoring system to assist new teenage drivers. The third level offers a sunroof and front seat heaters for extra comfort in winter. Choose the Carbon Edition to gain access to leather seats and optional AWD. The 2.5 S Premium Package features a manual transmission and a Bose^® sound system to make long weekend drives extra entertaining. Choose the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus and enjoy a heated steering wheel.

4. Two engine choices

It's not surprising that the sporty styling of the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 comes with standard and turbo-powered engine options. A Skyactiv-G 2.5L 191-hp four-cylinder engine can be found on the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, and 2.5 S Premium. If you crave more get-up-and-go, the four-cylinder Skyactiv-G turbocharged 2.5L with 250 hp on the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus can crank out a zero to 60 in a mere 6.1 seconds (according to the manufacturer when new). That's not too shabby for a daily driver sedan — and helpful if you often navigate interstate entrance ramps and lane changes.

5. Technology-loaded cabin

If you enjoy having access to the latest technology, the2023 Mazda3 showcases it beautifully. Inside the base trim 2.5 S, you'll spot an 8.8-inch center display infotainment system, Android Auto^™ and Apple CarPlay^® connectivity, two USB ports to plug in cellphones or other devices, Bluetooth^® connectivity to stream music from your phone, an available Wi-Fi hotspot and an eight-speaker sound system.

For those new to driving, the standard lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and smart brake support features are helpful.