2010 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2010 Mazda3 is an all-new, second-generation model, making this a major change year. The sedan, hatchback, and Mazdaspeed3 all move to redesigned bodies with more refined cabins and stronger underpinnings.

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About the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

2nd generation (BL), first U.S. model year of the redesign; Mazdaspeed3 also moves to the second-generation body this year.

Mazda positions the Mazda3 as the compact car for shoppers who want everyday usefulness without giving up driving enjoyment. The core pitch is simple: sharper steering, more engaging road manners, and a nicer cabin than many small-car rivals, with a choice of sedan or hatchback body styles. Even away from the performance trims, Mazda sells the Mazda3 as a practical daily driver with real personality rather than a bare-bones commuter appliance.

The lineup ranges from the simple 2.0-liter i SV sedan to the sportier 2.5-liter s Sport sedan and hatchback. The s Grand Touring adds leather-trimmed heated seats, adaptive headlights, and dual-zone climate control, while the Mazdaspeed3 is the performance hatch with a turbocharged engine, six-speed manual, and limited-slip differential for better traction during hard acceleration.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The s Sport and s Grand Touring replace the previous 2.3-liter engine with a stronger 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on these models. The redesigned Mazdaspeed3 retains its turbocharged 2.3-liter engine but gets revised six-speed gearing and recalibrated power delivery.

Styling

Both the sedan and hatchback receive completely new exterior and interior designs. The redesigned Mazdaspeed3 adds a prominent hood scoop and its own more aggressive appearance.

Safety

Side-curtain airbag coverage is revised. The i Touring gains standard stability and traction control, while the Mazdaspeed3 receives upgraded brake assist.

Tech

The i Touring gains Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a six-speaker stereo, and automatic door locks.

Structural

A stronger body structure and revised suspension improve ride, handling, and refinement. Better aerodynamics also help reduce wind noise.

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 specs and features by trim

Feature	2010 Mazda MAZDA3i SV0 in stock	2010 Mazda MAZDA3i Sport0 in stock	2010 Mazda MAZDA3s Sport0 in stock	2010 Mazda MAZDA3i Touring0 in stock	2010 Mazda MAZDA3s Grand Touring1 in stock	2010 Mazda MAZDA3MAZDASPEED3 Sport0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.3 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Manual Mode	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	25 mpg	25 mpg	21 mpg	25 mpg	21 mpg	18 mpg
MPG Highway	33 mpg	33 mpg	29 mpg	33 mpg	29 mpg	25 mpg
Horsepower	148 hp	148 hp	167 hp	148 hp	167 hp	263 hp
Torque	135 lb-ft	135 lb-ft	168 lb-ft	135 lb-ft	168 lb-ft	280 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	11.8 cu-ft	11.8 cu-ft	11.8–17 cu-ft	11.8 cu-ft	11.8–17 cu-ft	42.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Cruise Control
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Stability Control
Traction Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Power Locks
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry

How the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 compares

The most important change for the 2011 Mazda3 is that stability control and traction control became standard across the entire lineup. Otherwise, this is a light equipment update rather than a redesign.

See the full 2011 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Mazda3 a new generation?

Yes. The 2010 Mazda3 begins the second generation with redesigned sedan and hatchback bodies, a new cabin, a stronger structure, revised suspension tuning, and improved aerodynamics.

What changed under the hood of the 2010 Mazda3 s models?

The 2010 s Sport and s Grand Touring switch from a 2.3-liter engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. They also use a six-speed manual as their standard transmission.

Was the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 redesigned too?

Yes. The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 moves to the second-generation hatchback body and adds a hood scoop, a stiffer structure, revised six-speed gearing, recalibrated power delivery, updated steering, and upgraded brake assist.

Did both Mazda3 body styles change for 2010?

Yes. Both the Mazda3 sedan and five-door hatchback were redesigned for 2010 with new exterior styling, new interiors, stronger bodies, and revised suspension tuning.

What technology and safety equipment changed on the 2010 Mazda3 i Touring?

The 2010 i Touring gains Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, automatic door locks, and standard stability and traction control. These upgrades make it the better-equipped version of the 2.0-liter sedan lineup.