“The Mazda3 Hatchback makes you feel secure in the vehicle. The color "red" of the car is beautiful. It has great safety features that one may need. It get great gas mileage.”
2020 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Mazda3 is that its core driver-assistance features become standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light equipment update rather than a redesign.
About the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3
4th generation (2019-2024), second model year after the full redesign.
Mazda positions the Mazda3 as a compact car with a more upscale look and feel than the usual class choices. The sedan leans elegant and clean, while the hatchback is sold as the more emotional, sportier take. Across both bodies, Mazda’s message centers on sharp design, a driver-focused cabin, polished road manners, and premium touches that make it feel richer than many mainstream compact rivals.
The 2020 Mazda3 remains a polished compact offered as a sedan or hatchback, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an 8.8-inch infotainment display. Preferred models emphasize comfort with heated front seats, a power driver seat, and Bose audio, while Premium models add leather seats, a windshield-projected driver display, a moonroof, and upgraded LED lighting.
What changed, by category
Safety
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention alert become standard across the lineup. Base sedans also gain automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
2020 Mazda MAZDA3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26–27 mpg | 27 mpg | 25–27 mpg | 26–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35–36 mpg | 36 mpg | 35–36 mpg | 35–36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 186 hp | 186 hp | 186 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2–20.1 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2–20.1 cu-ft | 13.2–20.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Mazda3 redesigned?
No. The 2020 Mazda3 is the second model year of the fourth generation introduced for 2019, so its body styles, basic trim ladder, and overall design carry over.
What is the main difference between the 2020 and 2019 Mazda3?
The main difference is that the 2020 Mazda3 makes its core driver-assistance features standard across the lineup. This especially improves the base sedan's equipment compared with 2019.
Does every 2020 Mazda3 have adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking?
Yes. Every 2020 Mazda3 has adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and automatic emergency braking, along with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention alert.
Did the Mazda3 engine change for 2020?
No. The 2020 Mazda3 keeps the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the same basic transmission and AWD availability as the prior year.
Did both 2020 Mazda3 body styles receive the same updates?
No. The safety suite becomes standard for both body styles, but the base sedan also gains automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers; the base hatchback's equipment is largely unchanged.
2020 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3.
4.2
2020 Mazda MAZDA3
(213 reviews)
“Mazda 3 is a good car. The Preferred model has a few nice features and worth considering.”
“The vehicle is not a rocket ship, but is fast enough for an average commuter. There are no turbos to go wrong and the transmission is fairly responsive, while not being herky-jerky; I do recommend The flappy paddles to preload a great going into turns though since the transmission sometimes confuses itself.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 09 24 Benefited By More Standard Features 2020 Mazda3 Is Refined For Every Sense
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 01 23 2019 Mazda3 Leading Mazda Into A Bold New Era
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 07 08 2021 Mazda3 Well Suited With Added Powertrains
- mazdausa.com — 2020 / M3 Sedan / 2020 Mazda3 Sedan Features Specs
- mazdausa.com — 2020 / M3 Hatchback / 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback Features Specs