“Fun, sporty, economical. Powerful engine, 2.5 liter, matches well with the 5 speed manual transmission. Favorite car I have ever owned.”
2017 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Mazda3 gets a mid-cycle refresh led by standard G-Vectoring Control, which makes steering responses feel smoother and more settled. Mazda also quieted the cabin, updated the styling and interior, and simplified the trim names.
About the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3
3rd generation (2014-2018), mid-cycle refresh year
Mazda positions the Mazda3 as a compact car for drivers who want everyday usefulness without settling for dull transportation. Official messaging leans hard on the connection between driver and car, sharper steering feel, upscale cabin quality, and a more premium look inside and out. Against rivals, the Mazda3’s identity is not maximum space or lowest price; it is style, control, and a richer driving experience in both sedan and hatchback form.
The 2017 lineup runs from the straightforward Sport to the more comfortable Touring, with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen, automatic emergency braking, heated seats, and blind-spot monitoring depending on trim. The hatchback-only Touring 2.5 combines Touring equipment with the stronger 184-hp engine, while Grand Touring adds leather, Bose audio, and a full-color head-up display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The engine range is reorganized around the renamed trims. Touring 2.5 is a hatchback-only version with the 184-hp 2.5-liter engine, and Grand Touring uses that engine as its sole setup.
Styling
The sedan and hatchback receive subtle front-end revisions, and the hatchback gets a redesigned rear bumper. Interior touch points are also updated.
Safety
G-Vectoring Control becomes standard on every trim, gently adjusting engine power to help the car respond more smoothly during steering. Touring also gains standard low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
The dashboard display housing is updated, a full-color head-up display is added to Grand Touring, and an electronic parking brake becomes standard across the lineup.
Structural
Added sound insulation and vibration-reduction work make the cabin quieter and the car feel more refined.
2017 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, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 26–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 35 mpg | 35–36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 155 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft | 47.1 cu-ft | 12.4–47.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mazda3 a full redesign?
No. The 2017 Mazda3 is a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation model, not a full redesign. Its main updates are standard G-Vectoring Control, reduced cabin noise, revised styling and interior details, and simpler trim names.
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Mazda3?
The biggest change is standard G-Vectoring Control on every 2017 Mazda3. It makes small adjustments to engine power while the driver steers, helping the car feel smoother and more settled through turns.
How did the Mazda3 trim names change for 2017?
Mazda dropped the old i and s engine badges for 2017. The i Sport became Sport, i Touring became Touring, s Touring became Touring 2.5, and i Grand Touring became Grand Touring; the separate s Grand Touring trim was dropped.
Which 2017 Mazda3 trims have the 184-hp 2.5-liter engine?
The 2017 Touring 2.5 and Grand Touring have the 184-hp 2.5-liter engine. Touring 2.5 is hatchback-only, while Grand Touring was sold in sedan and hatchback body styles.
What does the 2017 Mazda3 improve over the 2016 model?
The 2017 Mazda3 improves refinement and standard equipment rather than changing the basic vehicle. It adds G-Vectoring Control across the lineup, more noise insulation, refreshed exterior and cabin details, an electronic parking brake, and broader safety equipment on Touring.
2017 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3.
4.3
2017 Mazda MAZDA3
(642 reviews)
“I have had Mazda in my household for years and they have been reliable, fun and comfortable to ride and drive.”
“Outstanding design for the cost. Very reliable with many safety features available.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2016 09 19 Compact Car Large Scale Updates 2017 Mazda3
- news.mazdausa.com — 2016 08 09 2017 Mazda3 Raises the Standard With G Vectoring Control Refined Performance
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 08 06 2016 Mazda Lineup
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 08 02 2018 Mazda3 Gains More Standard Equipment in all Trim Levels
- mazdausa.com — 2017 / M3Sm3H / 2017 M3 Ebrochure
- mazdausa.com — 2017 / M3S / 2017 Mazda M3S Features Specs
- mazdausa.com — 2017 / 2017 Mazda3 5 Door / 2017 Mazda M3H Features Specs V02