2011 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3
2nd generation Mazda3 (BL, 2010-2013), second year of the redesign and the last model year before the 2012 refresh and SKYACTIV update.
Mazda positions the Mazda3 as a compact car for people who want more personality than the usual economy sedan or hatchback. The big selling points are sharp handling, a more upscale cabin than many rivals, and the choice of sedan or practical 5-door hatchback body styles. Mazda also leans on the model's available premium features and its fun-to-drive feel, presenting the Mazda3 as a small car that does not feel stripped down or anonymous.
The 2011 Mazda3 ranges from the simple, value-focused i SV and i Sport sedans to the better-equipped i Touring with alloy wheels, cruise control, and Bluetooth. The s Grand Touring pairs a stronger 2.5-liter engine with leather, heated front seats, a moonroof, and Bose audio, while the MAZDASPEED3 is the performance-focused hatchback with a 263-hp turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission.
What changed, by category
2011 Mazda MAZDA3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | 24 mpg | 22 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 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2011 Mazda3 and the 2010 model?
The biggest difference is broader standard safety equipment. For 2011, the entry-level i SV and i Sport gained stability control and traction control, making both systems standard throughout the lineup.
Was the 2011 Mazda3 redesigned?
No, the 2011 Mazda3 was not redesigned. It was the second model year of the generation introduced for 2010, with modest safety and upper-trim equipment updates.
What changed on the 2011 Mazda3 s Grand Touring?
The 2011 s Grand Touring made its one-touch power moonroof, Bose 10-speaker audio system, and satellite radio equipment standard rather than optional.
Did the 2011 Mazda3 receive a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2011 Mazda3 had no model-wide engine or transmission changes. The regular lineup continued with 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, while the MAZDASPEED3 retained its 263-hp turbo engine and six-speed manual.
Did the 2011 MAZDASPEED3 change significantly?
No, the 2011 MAZDASPEED3 was largely a carryover performance model. It retained its 263-hp turbocharged engine, six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned suspension, while benefiting from the lineup-wide standard safety systems.