“I love the car, it's a little bit loud when on the freeway but that's about the only thing and it's not that bad. It gets great gas mileage.”
2015 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Mazda3 is more standard equipment, led by the 7-inch Mazda CONNECT touchscreen spreading to most trims. This is a light trim-and-feature update rather than a redesign.
About the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3
3rd generation (2014-2018), second model year
Mazda positions the Mazda3 as the compact car for shoppers who want strong fuel economy and everyday usefulness without giving up driving feel or upscale design. The big hooks are its sharp handling, clean sedan-or-hatchback choice, and a cabin that feels richer than many rivals in this class. In Mazda’s own messaging, it is a compact car that aims to feel special from behind the wheel while still handling commuting, family duty, and long-distance use.
The 2015 lineup ranges from the straightforward 2.0-liter i SV to the well-equipped i Grand Touring, which has navigation, heated front seats, and Bose audio. The 2.5-liter s Touring emphasizes stronger performance and adds a head-up display, while the s Grand Touring tops the range with leather seating, upgraded headlights, and premium convenience features.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 2.5-liter s Touring and s Grand Touring add a six-speed manual transmission pairing. No new engine family joins the lineup.
Styling
Fog lights become standard rather than optional on the i Touring and i Grand Touring. The s Touring also gains a standard power moonroof.
Safety
The i Touring gains a standard rearview camera. Its blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert continue to distinguish it from the i Sport.
Tech
The 7-inch Mazda CONNECT touchscreen system becomes standard on most trims, including the i Sport and i Touring. The i Touring also gains a standard smartphone interface, while upper-trim comfort and audio equipment is regrouped.
2015 Mazda MAZDA3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv / Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv / Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-MT | Auto, SKYACTIV-Drv / Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 27–28 mpg | 30 mpg | 27–28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 41 mpg | 40–41 mpg | 40–41 mpg | 37–39 mpg | 40–41 mpg | 37–39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 155 hp | 155 hp | 184 hp | 155 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Mazda3 a redesign?
No. The 2015 Mazda3 is the second model year of the third-generation design introduced for 2014. Its updates focus on standard equipment, trim packaging, and transmission pairings rather than major changes to the body or chassis.
What is the biggest difference between the 2015 and 2014 Mazda3?
The biggest difference is that the 2015 Mazda3 puts the 7-inch Mazda CONNECT touchscreen system on most trims as standard equipment. Mazda also upgrades the i Touring and reorganizes equipment on upper trims.
Did the 2015 Mazda3 get a new engine?
No. The 2015 Mazda3 continues with 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. The powertrain change is a new six-speed manual pairing for the 2.5-liter s Touring and s Grand Touring.
Which 2015 Mazda3 trims have the 7-inch touchscreen?
Every 2015 Mazda3 trim except the entry-level i SV has the 7-inch touchscreen system. That means it is standard on the i Sport, i Touring, i Grand Touring, s Touring, and s Grand Touring.
What became standard on the 2015 Mazda3 i Touring?
The 2015 i Touring gains the Mazda CONNECT touchscreen system, a smartphone interface, a rearview camera, and fog lights as standard equipment. It also retains blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2015 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Mazda MAZDA3.
4.2
2015 Mazda MAZDA3
(318 reviews)
“Smooth ride, great gas mileage. The rear view camera and blind spot alert system are great. Keyless entry and start were novel for me and seemed strange at first but work well. I wish there was a way to customize/update the 'infotainment' dashboard.”
“At first look evening seemed fine. After a couple dozen hand washes, I see scratches, tape lines from spray painting, bumpers colors are just a little different, orange peel from rattle can painting.”