“It is a luxury car without the price tag. Not only does it feel like luxury, but it drives like it too. It's very smooth and has features that cater to the driver.”
2023 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Mazda3 is the loss of the old 2.0-liter base engine, making a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine the new standard. This is a packaging and powertrain update rather than a redesign.
About the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3
4th generation (2019-present), fifth model year; no redesign for 2023, but the lineup is repackaged around the stronger 2.5-liter base engine.
Mazda positions the Mazda3 as a compact car for drivers who want sharper styling, a more upscale cabin, and a more engaging drive than the typical small sedan or hatchback. The sedan leans toward everyday commuting, while the hatchback adds a sportier personality and extra cargo flexibility. What sets the Mazda3 apart in this class is its near-entry-luxury interior feel, available AWD, and available turbo power, all wrapped in a driver-focused layout.
The 2023 Mazda3 ranges from the well-equipped 2.5 S to upscale and performance-focused trims. Carbon Edition adds leather seats and Bose audio, Premium pairs leather with navigation and a head-up display, and the Turbo models combine stronger acceleration with standard AWD.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 2.0-liter base model is dropped, so the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder becomes the starting engine. It rises from 186 to 191 horsepower, receives updated cylinder deactivation, and delivers better fuel economy. Carbon Edition adds an AWD version, while automatic Premium models move to standard AWD.
Styling
A rear spoiler becomes standard on the 2.5 Turbo.
2023 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, Turbo, 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 |
| 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 | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27–28 mpg | 27–28 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 27–28 mpg | 23 mpg | 27–28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35–37 mpg | 35–37 mpg | 35–36 mpg | 31 mpg | 35–37 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 35–37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 227 hp | 191 hp | 227 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2–20.1 cu-ft | 13.2–20.1 cu-ft | 13.2–20.1 cu-ft | 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 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Did the 2023 Mazda3 get a redesign?
No, the 2023 Mazda3 is not redesigned. It keeps the same fourth-generation body and cabin layout, with the main updates focused on its base engine and trim packaging.
What engine is standard in the 2023 Mazda3?
A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower is standard in the 2023 Mazda3. The former 2.0-liter entry model is no longer part of the lineup.
Is the 2023 Mazda3 more fuel-efficient than the 2022 model?
Yes, non-turbo 2.5-liter versions of the 2023 Mazda3 have improved fuel economy. Mazda updated the engine’s cylinder-deactivation system, which shuts down some cylinders when full power is not needed.
Which 2023 Mazda3 trims changed their AWD packaging?
The Carbon Edition adds an AWD version for 2023, while automatic Premium models have standard AWD. The 2.5 Turbo and Premium Plus continue with standard AWD.
Is the 2023 Mazda3 worth choosing over the 2022 model?
The 2023 Mazda3 is the more appealing choice if you want the stronger 191-horsepower non-turbo engine, better fuel economy, or broader AWD coverage. Otherwise, the two years are similar because 2023 keeps the same basic design, cabin, and turbo engine.
2023 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3.
4.2
2023 Mazda MAZDA3
(187 reviews)
“It's a highly rated car for safety, it's reliable, compact and will also make a great car to teach my kids to drive on.”
“This vehicle offers sleek styling to stand out amongst drab old traffic each day. With driver comfort and longevity in mind, this vehicle will make you feel as if it's personally tailored like a fine suit.”