“Great sporty little car. Handles quite well, has decent power, rare MT availability, but also plenty of interior space and function. Would be a decent family car without sacrificing too much driving enjoyment.”
2018 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Mazda3 is a light trim-equipment update, not a redesign. The main change is more standard equipment across all three trims, including a stronger engine for Touring, added safety equipment for Sport, and LED lighting for Grand Touring.
About the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3
3rd generation (2014-2018), refreshed for 2017; 2018 is the final model year before the all-new 2019 redesign.
Mazda sells the Mazda3 as a compact car for people who want everyday usefulness without giving up style or enjoyment behind the wheel. Mazda’s own brochure and news materials lean on nimble handling, a cabin that feels more carefully crafted than many rivals, and the choice of sedan or hatchback body styles. In 2018, the Mazda3 serves buyers who want a practical commuter with sharper steering and a more premium feel than the average small car.
Sport is the straightforward entry trim, with a 155-hp engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, push-button start, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Touring is the balanced step up, pairing a 184-hp engine with heated synthetic leather-trimmed seats, blind-spot monitoring, and dual-zone climate control. Grand Touring adds leather, a head-up display, Bose audio, a moonroof, and all-LED exterior lighting for a more upscale feel.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 184-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder becomes standard on every Touring model. The separate Touring 2.5 designation is dropped because the stronger engine is no longer limited to a distinct Touring version.
Safety
Sport gains standard low-speed automatic emergency braking.
Tech
Touring gains illuminated vanity mirrors and an overhead sunglasses holder as standard equipment.
Styling
Grand Touring gains standard self-leveling LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights.
2018 Mazda MAZDA3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv / Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv | Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drv |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27–28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37–38 mpg | 33–34 mpg | 33–34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 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 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 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 | |||
| 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 2018 Mazda3 a redesigned model?
No. The 2018 Mazda3 is the final model year of the third generation, which was refreshed for 2017; its updates focus on standard equipment rather than a full redesign.
What engine does the 2018 Mazda3 Touring have?
Every 2018 Mazda3 Touring has a 184-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. That is a notable change from 2017, when the regular Touring used a 155-hp 2.0-liter engine and the 2.5-liter engine was tied to a separate Touring 2.5 version.
Does the 2018 Mazda3 Sport have automatic emergency braking?
Yes. The 2018 Mazda3 Sport has standard low-speed automatic emergency braking, which can apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce a low-speed front collision.
What changed on the 2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring?
The 2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring makes self-leveling LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights standard. It also retains upscale features such as leather upholstery, a head-up display, Bose audio, and a moonroof.
Was the 2018 Mazda3 offered as both a sedan and a hatchback?
Yes. The 2018 Mazda3 came in sedan and hatchback body styles, and both used front-wheel drive.
2018 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3.
4.2
2018 Mazda MAZDA3
(460 reviews)
“Very happy with owning it. Great acceleration, comfortable and sporty. Seems well built.”
“Absolutely love the Mazda 3 Touring interior. White leather. Great car with dependable gas mileage and easy to maneuver through traffic.”