“Sample car. Strong, but plasticy inside, easily scratched. Needs stereo /navigation and selection readings.”
Mazda MAZDA2: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mazda Mazda2 is a subcompact five-door hatchback known for its light weight, easy maneuvering, and playful driving feel. The U.S. version was a gas-powered, front-wheel-drive car sold from 2011 through 2014.
The Mazda2 kept the same basic formula throughout its short U.S. run: small size, low weight, simple controls, and useful hatchback flexibility. It focused more on being easy and enjoyable to drive than on offering lots of power or luxury features. Updates were minor, so the experience stayed consistent from its 2011 arrival through its final U.S. model year in 2014.
Strengths
- Its light weight and nimble handling give it a more playful feel than many small everyday hatchbacks.
- Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in traffic and around tight city spaces.
- The hatchback layout adds useful cargo flexibility without making the car bulky.
- Its gas engine was rated at 34 mpg on the highway in 2014.
- Simple controls help make everyday driving straightforward.
Who it's for
The Mazda2 fits commuters and city drivers who want a small, straightforward car that is easy to place in traffic and offers more cargo flexibility than a sedan. It also suits shoppers who value a lively feel and simple operation more than strong acceleration, a roomy back seat, or a long feature list.
Mazda MAZDA2 lineup
Across its U.S. run, the Mazda2 had a simple two-trim lineup. Sport was the entry trim, so pick it when the core Mazda2 experience is the priority. Touring was the step-up trim for shoppers who prefer the higher-grade version. Both trims shared the same basic gas-engine, front-wheel-drive formula, making their differences less fundamental than their names might suggest.
Mazda MAZDA2 generations
From 2011 to 2014, the MAZDA2 spans 1 generation. The current 2nd Generation — DE arrived for 2011.
2nd Generation — DE (2011–2014)
This was the Mazda2’s only U.S.-market generation, sold as a small five-door hatchback. It used a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
5 In Stock
2014
The two-trim lineup carried over for the final U.S. model year, apart from a small Touring trim detail change.
2013
A USB audio input became standard on both trims, along with a few small interior and wheel-detail changes.
2012
Automatic models received slightly better fuel-economy ratings; the rest of the lineup carried over.
2011New generation
The all-new Mazda2 launched in the U.S. as a five-door hatchback in Sport and Touring trims.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mazda MAZDA2.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mazda2 only a hatchback?
Yes. The U.S.-market Mazda2 was sold as a five-door hatchback. Its rear liftgate and split-folding back seat make it more flexible for cargo than a small sedan with a separate trunk.
Does the Mazda2 come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market Mazda2 is gas-only. Every model in its 2011–2014 U.S. run uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine.
Does the Mazda2 have AWD?
No. U.S.-market Mazda2 models use front-wheel drive. AWD was not part of the 2011–2014 U.S. lineup.
What engine and transmissions does the Mazda2 use?
The U.S. Mazda2 uses a 100-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The lineup was offered with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
What is the Mazda2 known for?
The Mazda2 is known for being light, easy to maneuver, and more playful to drive than many basic subcompact cars. It favors simple controls and city-friendly dimensions over an extensive luxury-feature list.
Who is the Mazda2 a good fit for?
The Mazda2 suits commuters and city drivers who want a small, simple hatchback that is easy to park. It seats five, though its 33 inches of rear legroom make the back seat better suited to smaller passengers or shorter trips.
How many generations of the Mazda2 were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. received one Mazda2 generation, sold for the 2011–2014 model years. It was the globally sold second-generation Mazda2, also known by the DE generation code.
Mazda MAZDA2 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mazda MAZDA2.
4.2
Mazda MAZDA2
(21 reviews)
“My Mazda2 is a joy to drive. It is very quiet and comfortable. The gas saving is even better than my Toyota.”
“Obviously I love the Mazda2 as I have purchased four of them in the past 3 years.”
“My Mazda2 is a decent commuter car but has no power whatsoever. Getting to 70 is a struggle. Hills? Forget about them. Driver seat is a little thin. Good visibility.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2014 Mazda2 Specifications
- news.mazdausa.com — 2014 Mazda2 Overview FINAL
- news.mazdausa.com — 2013 Mazda2 Specifications
- news.mazdausa.com — 2013 Mazda2 Overview FINAL
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 08 03 Mazda Reports July Sales
- news.mazdausa.com — 2013 01 01 2013 Mazda2
- portal.mazdausa.com — Brochures / 2013 / 2013 Mazda2 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2012 Mazda2 Overview
- portal.mazdausa.com — Brochures / 2012 / 2012 Mazda2 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2011 MAZDA2 Specifications
- news.mazdausa.com — 2011 MAZDA2 Overview