2021 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2021 Mazda3 is a new turbocharged 2.5-liter engine paired with standard AWD. This is a trim-expansion year rather than a redesign, with the lineup growing at both the entry and upper ends.

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About the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

4th generation (2019-2024), third model year; not a redesign year, but the year Mazda expanded the range with a new 2.0 entry sedan and the first turbo trims.

Mazda positions the Mazda3 as a premium-leaning compact car and hatchback with elegant styling, a driver-focused feel, and a more upscale cabin than most mainstream rivals. Across Mazda’s own messaging, the themes are sophisticated design and engaging driving dynamics rather than raw value or max space. For most shoppers, the Mazda3’s identity is simple: it offers the practicality of a compact car but feels a step richer inside and more polished to drive than many competitors like the Corolla or Elantra.

The 2021 range stretches from a straightforward 155-hp 2.0-liter sedan to turbocharged sedan and hatchback models with standard AWD. The 2.5 S serves as the middle ground with smartphone integration, while Preferred adds everyday comforts such as heated seats and a power moonroof. At the top, Premium Plus combines turbo power with leather seats, navigation, a 360-degree camera and extra low-speed driver aids.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

A new sedan-only 2 trim adds a 155-hp 2.0-liter engine. The new 2.5 Turbo and turbo-powered Premium Plus trims add a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with standard AWD. The prior Base trim is dropped, and 2.5 S joins the lineup.

Styling

Select expands from sedan-only to both sedan and hatchback. The Mazda3 does not receive an exterior redesign.

Tech

The new 2.5 S has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Preferred adds a power moonroof, although satellite radio is no longer standard on that trim. Premium makes navigation standard and adds a Bose 12-speaker audio system.

2021 Mazda MAZDA3 specs and features by trim

Feature	2021 Mazda MAZDA322 in stock	2021 Mazda MAZDA32.5 S1 in stock	2021 Mazda MAZDA3Select8 in stock	2021 Mazda MAZDA3Premium8 in stock	2021 Mazda MAZDA32.5 Turbo2 in stock	2021 Mazda MAZDA3Preferred2 in stock	2021 Mazda MAZDA3Premium Plus4 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter	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, Turbo, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	AWD	FWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	28 mpg	26 mpg	26 mpg	24–26 mpg	23 mpg	26 mpg	23 mpg
MPG Highway	36 mpg	34–35 mpg	34–35 mpg	33–35 mpg	31–32 mpg	34–35 mpg	31–32 mpg
Horsepower	155 hp	186 hp	186 hp	186 hp	227 hp	186 hp	227 hp
Torque	150 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	310 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	13.2 cu-ft	13.2–20.1 cu-ft	13.2–20.1 cu-ft	13.2–20.1 cu-ft	13.2–20.1 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	35.1 in	35.1 in	35.1 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rear View Camera
Top View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Heated Mirrors
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 compares

The 2022 Mazda3 is mostly a carryover, and its main change is the addition of the style-focused Carbon Edition. There is no redesign or lineup-wide powertrain, safety, or infotainment update.

See the full 2022 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2021 Mazda3?

The biggest change is the arrival of a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with standard AWD. It powers the new 2.5 Turbo and Premium Plus trims and gives the Mazda3 much stronger acceleration than the non-turbo versions.

Is the 2021 Mazda3 a redesigned model?

No, the 2021 Mazda3 is not redesigned. It remains part of the fourth generation introduced for 2019, but its engine and trim range expands substantially for this model year.

What engines does the 2021 Mazda3 have?

The 2021 Mazda3 has three engine choices: a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the entry sedan, a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the middle trims, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the Turbo and Premium Plus trims. The turbo models have standard AWD.

How does the 2021 Mazda3 Premium Plus differ from the 2.5 Turbo?

The Premium Plus adds more luxury and driver-assistance equipment to the turbo powertrain and standard AWD. Its notable features include leather seats, navigation, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking and Traffic Jam Assist.

Is the 2021 Mazda3 worth choosing over the 2020 model?

Yes, if you want the turbo engine, the new 2.0-liter entry sedan or the expanded trim equipment. The 2021 is otherwise not a redesign, so shoppers satisfied with the earlier engine range may find the two years broadly similar.

2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3.

4.3

2021 Mazda MAZDA3

(355 reviews)

5 stars (171)

4 stars (134)

3 stars (37)

2 stars (12)

1 star (1)

“Drive safely. Do not stop close to another vehicle when stopped at lights or turns.”

JPJoseph P.
2021 Mazda MAZDA3 4 Dr Hatchback (2.5L)

No rating

“in it's class, it's best for the buck. AWD for bad roads and weather, maneuverable, sporty, plenty of basic cargo capacity. great on mileage for what it is.”

RLRoman L.
2021 Mazda MAZDA3 4 Dr Hatchback (2.5L)

“Great handling. Infotainment system controls takes some getting used to but its not too bad. adaptive cruise control is nice.”

JCJin C.
2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Sedan (2.5L)