“It's beautiful to look at, fun to drive, and is comparable to more expensive cars.”
Mazda MAZDA3: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Mazda Mazda3 is a compact car offered as a sedan or hatchback, known for sharp styling, a richer-than-typical cabin, and a driver-focused feel. Recent fourth-generation models include front- or all-wheel drive, with a turbocharged model at the top of the range.
Across its generations, the Mazda3 has paired everyday compact-car usefulness with a more engaging drive than the usual small car. Successive redesigns pushed its styling and cabin quality upscale while adding refinement, safety, and efficiency. Performance shifted from the earlier Mazdaspeed3 hot hatch to later turbo AWD models, but the driver-focused character remained.
Strengths
- The Mazda3 makes everyday driving feel more engaging than the typical compact car.
- Its cabin design and materials give it a richer, more premium feel than most mainstream small cars.
- The sedan handles traditional commuting duties, while the hatchback adds flexibility for bulkier cargo.
- Core driver-assistance features have been standard across the fourth-generation lineup since 2020.
- Later fourth-generation models broaden the appeal with AWD and a stronger turbocharged version.
Who it's for
The Mazda3 best fits a commuter or small-car shopper who cares about design, cabin feel, and how a car responds on the road. The sedan suits traditional daily use, while the hatchback makes sense for someone who regularly carries bulkier gear. Later AWD versions also suit buyers who want added traction without moving to an SUV.
Mazda MAZDA3 lineup
The 2.5 S is the straightforward entry point, while Select Sport is the next rung for shoppers who want to move beyond the base car without climbing far up the range. Preferred occupies the middle, and Carbon Edition is the style-focused alternative that has sat between Preferred and Premium since its 2022 debut. Premium is the upper non-turbo choice; in recent years, it has also been the hatchback-only home of the manual transmission. Turbo Premium Plus sits at the top for buyers who prioritize stronger acceleration and standard AWD.
Mazda MAZDA3 generations
From 2009 to 2026, the MAZDA3 spans four generations. The current 4th Generation — BP arrived for 2019, following the 3rd Generation (2014–2018).
4th Generation — BP (2019–Present)
The fourth-generation Mazda3 brought new sedan and hatchback styling, a quieter cabin, a standard 8.8-inch center display, and reworked seats, body structure, and suspension. It also introduced AWD, with turbo models joining later.
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2026Trim changes
An eight-speaker audio system replaces the six-speaker setup on models without Bose audio.
2025
The entry-level 2.5 S trim joins the hatchback lineup. Select Sport and higher trims also gain built-in Alexa.
2024Trim changes
The 2.5 S Select Sport and 2.5 Carbon Turbo trims join the lineup. Turbo models also gain a larger touchscreen and wireless phone connectivity.
2023Trim changes
The 2.0-liter base model leaves the lineup, making the stronger 2.5-liter engine standard across the range.
2022Trim changes
The style-focused Carbon Edition trim joins the non-turbo lineup.
2021Trim changes
New 2.0-liter base sedan and turbo AWD trims broaden the lineup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also become standard on the 2.5 S.
2020
Core driver-assistance features become standard across the lineup.
2019New generation
A full redesign brings new styling, a new cabin, a standard 2.5-liter engine, and the Mazda3’s first AWD option.
3rd Generation (2014–2018)
The third generation introduced Mazda’s KODO styling and SKYACTIV engineering, with a lighter, stiffer body, more rear-seat room, and a more upscale cabin. It also brought the Mazda Connect touchscreen system and newer safety technology.
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2018Trim changes
More safety, convenience, and lighting equipment becomes standard across the trim range.
2017Mid-cycle update
Refreshed styling and cabin details join quieter road manners and standard G-Vectoring Control. Trim names are also simplified.
2016Trim changes
A rearview camera becomes standard across the lineup, and upper trims gain more convenience equipment.
2015
The Mazda Connect touchscreen system spreads to most trims, and the 2.5-liter engine gains a manual-transmission pairing on upper models.
2014New generation
A full redesign brings new styling, a lighter and stiffer body, more rear-seat room, and a more upscale cabin.
2nd Generation — BL (2010–2013)
The second generation arrived with new sedan and hatchback bodies, a more upscale cabin, a stronger structure, and revised suspension. The stronger 2.5-liter engine replaced the previous 2.3-liter engine in s models, while the Mazdaspeed3 also moved to the new body.
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2013Trim changes
The fuel-saving 2.0-liter engine and six-speed transmissions become standard on the i Sport sedan. More comfort and safety equipment also spreads through the lineup.
2012Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling and cabin details arrive with a more efficient 2.0-liter engine setup and new sedan and hatchback versions.
2011
Stability and traction control become standard across the lineup.
2010New generation
A full redesign brings new bodies, a more upscale cabin, a stronger structure, and revised suspension. The redesigned Mazdaspeed3 also joins the range.
1st Generation — BK (Through 2009)
The BK is the original Mazda3 generation represented here by its final 2009 model year, including the regular Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3. A fully redesigned second generation replaced it for 2010.
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2009
ABS and side-impact airbags become standard across the lineup. Some models also receive light cabin updates.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mazda MAZDA3.
2026 Mazda MAZDA32025 Mazda MAZDA32024 Mazda MAZDA32023 Mazda MAZDA32022 Mazda MAZDA32021 Mazda MAZDA32020 Mazda MAZDA32019 Mazda MAZDA32018 Mazda MAZDA32017 Mazda MAZDA32016 Mazda MAZDA32015 Mazda MAZDA32014 Mazda MAZDA32013 Mazda MAZDA32012 Mazda MAZDA32011 Mazda MAZDA32010 Mazda MAZDA32009 Mazda MAZDA3
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mazda3 come as a sedan or a hatchback?
Both. The Mazda3 is sold as a four-door sedan with a separate trunk and a four-door hatchback with a liftgate and a more flexible cargo area. Both body styles seat five.
Is the Mazda3 a hybrid?
No. U.S. Mazda3 models from 2009 through 2026 use gasoline engines rather than a hybrid system. Newer models center on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, with a turbocharged version in upper trims.
Does the Mazda3 have AWD?
Yes, on some models. AWD joined the U.S. Mazda3 with the 2019 redesign. In newer lineups it is tied to trims such as the Carbon Edition and turbo models, while many regular trims use front-wheel drive. Check the exact year and trim.
Can I find a Mazda3 with a manual transmission?
Yes, but the body style and trim depend on the year. In the latest lineup, the manual is limited to the 2.5 S Premium hatchback, while the turbo uses an automatic. Earlier Mazda3 and MAZDASPEED3 models offered other manual versions.
What is the Mazda3 known for?
The Mazda3 is known for sharp styling, a richer-feeling cabin, and more responsive steering than many everyday compact cars. Its appeal is less about maximum space and more about making daily driving feel polished and engaging.
Who is the Mazda3 a good fit for?
It suits drivers who want a compact commuter that feels more upscale and engaging than a basic economy car. The sedan works well for traditional trunk users, while the hatchback better fits shoppers who carry bulky items or prefer a sportier shape.
How do the Mazda3 generations break down?
The first U.S. generation ended after 2009. The second ran from 2010 through 2013, the third from 2014 through 2018, and the fourth began in 2019. The 2019 redesign brought a new cabin and styling, an 8.8-inch display, and the model’s first AWD option.
Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mazda MAZDA3.
4.2
Mazda MAZDA3
(3,039 reviews)
“The Mazda 3 gets high marks from me for gas mileage and included features. The front seats are spacious and comfortable and the hatchback model provides ample storage space. My only complaint is that the back seat is a bit cramped, particularly for getting a child in and out of a car seat, but that's a relatively minor issue.”
“I'm very happy with my 2016 Mazda 3. It sits a little low and I have trouble getting out of it, but other than that, it feels very safe and is fun to drive.”
“Has great gas mileage. drives sportier than other cars in its class. Perfect size for me”
“I love driving my car. It can fit everything I need and it gets me to where I need to go in style. Its quick and very fun to drive. The interior is very versatile to accommodate my different needs.”
“This is my second Mazda 3 I've been very happy with the performance very good gas mileage no problems with the engine service has been excellent”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2025 08 19 2026 Mazda3 Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2024 06 06 2025 Mazda3 Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — Safety Feature Chart
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 11 27 Mazda Reveals All New Mazda 3 Hatchback And Sedan
- news.mazdausa.com — 2023 06 13 2024 Mazda3 Pricing and Packaging
- mazdausa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Mazda3 Sedan
- news.mazdausa.com — 2022 08 16 2023 Mazda3 Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2023 06 06 Introducing Carbon Turbo for Select Mazda Vehicles
- news.mazdausa.com — 2021 12 02 2022 Mazda3 Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 01 23 2019 Mazda3 Leading Mazda Into A Bold New Era
- mazdausa.com — 2022 / M3 / 2022 Mazda 3 Hatchback And Sedan Compact Cars
- news.mazdausa.com — 2020 08 04 2021 Mazda3 2 5 Turbo Full Reveal