Incredibly versatile and offered as either a sedan or a hatchback, the 2021 Mazda3 is a terrific little compact. It’s great to drive, and if the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder isn’t enough for you, there’s a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or even a 2.5-liter turbo to take the spirited performance up a notch.
The Mazda3 is definitely the driver’s choice of the segment, with great handling so you can confidently toss it into corners. With the Mazda3, you get a choice of body styles and powertrains, plus the option of all-wheel drive (front-wheel drive is standard). If you’re looking for a compact car, there’s likely a Mazda3 to suit your fancy.
Premium Feel
Despite its starting price of just over $20,000, the Mazda3 has a premium feel to it, with soft-touch materials and an 8.8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The lower trims get cloth seats, but upper trims feature synthetic or even real leather. Base trims have Bluetooth and an 8-speaker audio system, with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Even better features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come as you climb the trim ladder a bit.
The base Mazda3 2.0 ($20,650 + $1,000 destination) comes as a sedan only, with the 2.0-liter engine, front-wheel drive, push-button start, an 8.8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, and driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist. driver-attention monitor, and automatic emergency braking.
Above that is the 2.5 S, offered as either a sedan or hatchback with a 2.5-liter engine. It’s also the first trim that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It isn’t until you reach the next trim, Select, that you have the option of all-wheel drive.
However, if it’s sportiness and luxury you want, the top is the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus ($32,600 for the sedan, $33,900 for the hatchback). It comes with the 250-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive.
Other goodies include leather seating, a navigation system, and a 360-degree monitor. If you get the hatchback in Premium, non-turbo form, you can even option it with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Fully loaded, a Turbo Premium Plus sedan comes out to $35,215. Expect to pay a bit more for the hatchback.
- Turbocharged 2.5-liter 250-hp engine
- All-wheel drive
- Leather seating
- Navigation system
- 360-degree monitor
- Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic Paint: $595
- Wireless charging pad: $275
- Illuminated door sill trim plates (set of 4): $425
- Custom fitted cargo mat: $100
- Stainless rear bumper guard: $125
- All-weather floor mats, high wall: $150
2.5-liter turbocharged engine
If there’s one thing we love about the 2021 Mazda3, it’s this compact vehicle’s tremendous handling. So why not fully exploit that with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using 93 octane fuel? Blast through those corners with some turbo thrust.
All-wheel drive
Again, to our minds, the 2021 Mazda3 is a sporty car, and if you’re going to have that 2.5-liter turbocharged power, it only makes sense to have the confidence of all-wheel drive. It comes standard on the Turbo Premium.
Leather seating
Despite a low starting price, the 2021 Mazda3 has a lot of luxury touches. While the base cloth seats or even the synthetic leather of the higher trims are well-crafted, treat yourself to the soft supple leather that keeps you looking and feeling cool. It is standard in the Turbo Premium Plus.
360-degree monitor
We’re like this feature that’s becoming more and more common on cars these days. It gives you an added sense of what’s around you to prevent unwanted dings or even more serious accidents. It comes standard on the Premium Plus trim.
Soul Red Crystal Metallic Paint
There are a variety of sharp paint colors, including Deep Crystal Blue Mica and Machine Gray Metallic, and they all cost about the same. Let your colors show through with a premium metallic exterior hue.
Wireless charging pad
Of course, you can plug your phone into one of the many USB ports, but there’s nothing like simply laying it down on a pad and letting it charge up. It’s no fuss, no muss, no cords, and all for under $300.
Stainless rear bumper guard/Custom fitted cargo mat
Given that you want to protect your car, the stainless bumper guard helps shield the rear bumper from scratches when you load the trunk. There is also a custom-fitted cargo mat to keep the trunk clean and organized.
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