Overview
The 2021 Mazda 3 will continue to look classier than its compact classmates, but it might also be significantly more powerful than it was before. Of course, that’s only if Mazda drops-in its 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine as multiple reports suggest. Regardless, the 3 sedan and hatchback have truly luxurious interiors that transcend everything else offered for less than $ 25,000. While they’re not exactly the exciting driving partners that alternatives such as the Honda Civic and VW Golf are, they are engaging and sophisticated enough to draw praise. Plus, they offer all of today’s most popular driver assists and infotainment features. We only wish the manual transmission option was more widely available across the lineup, and that the intriguing hatchback didn’t have such terrible rear visibility. Still, the Mazda 3 makes luxury affordable and defies stereotypes about so-called economy cars.
What’s New for 2021?
While the zoom-zoom brand hasn’t officially said what changes—if any—it will make to the 2020 Mazda 3 lineup, there are reports that it will add two new engine options. The most notable is the company’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on models such as the Mazda 6 sedan and CX-5 compact crossover. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the most powerful engine would coincide with a return of the high-performance MazdaSpeed model. Likewise, it likely won’t be available with a manual transmission. Pity. There’s word that a smaller 2.0-liter engine will become the new base engine, which will drop the 3’s starting price below the current $ 22,445. We also expect Mazda to offer its smallest sedan and hatchback with a special 100th Anniversary Edition.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Base 2.0:$ 21,000 (est.)
- Base 2.5T: $ 23,000 (est.)
- Select: $ 24,000 (est.)
- Preferred: $ 26,000 (est.)
- Premium: $ 28,000 (est.)
- Premium Plus: $ 30,000 (est.)
Since Mazda hasn’t confirmed the new engine additions or pricing for the 2021 models, we’re handcuffed to our recommendations from the previous year. That means the Mazda 3 Preferred sedan, which comes standard with front-wheel drive but can be equipped with all-wheel drive for $ 1400. We’d skip that option and simply appreciate the trim’s desirable standard features. These include an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a Bose stereo system, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
For now, all Mazda 3 models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 186 horsepower. However, there’s a chance a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a top-of-the-line turbocharged 2.5-liter four (likely making 250 horses and 310 lb-ft of torque) could join it for 2021. While a manual transmission is offered on the current hatchback, all-wheel-drive versions and the sedan have an automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive can be had with the automatic. While every 3 responds quickly to gas-pedal inputs, none are particularly quick, and Mazda doesn’t make a performance-oriented version. Instead, both the hatchback and sedan have a refined ride quality and feel composed on straight and twisty roads. We’ve praised the new Mazda 3 for retaining the fun-to-drive nature of the outgoing model, with tight body control, natural-feeling steering, and a firm ride that manages to not punish occupants over rough roads.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The government hasn’t released fuel-economy ratings for the 2021 Mazda 3, but unless there are changes to its current 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain, we expect its estimates to carry over unchanged. Of course, the potential 2.0-liter engine and turbocharged 2.5-liter will carry their own set of ratings. Still, the 2020 Mazda 3 isn’t the most fuel-efficient compact car, with some rivals cracking an EPA-rated 40 mpg on the highway, but its real-world mpg exceeds those expectations. The front-drive 3 is rated up to 27 mpg city and 36 highway; adding all-wheel drive drops those numbers to as low as 24 mpg city and 32 highway. We tested an automatic, AWD sedan on our 200-mile fuel-economy route, and it posted an outstanding 41 mpg highway—8 more than its estimate. We also tested an automatic, AWD hatch that beat its highway rating by 2 mpg (34 observed). Likewise, the stick-shift, FWD version returned 38 mpg (3 more than estimated).
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mazda 3’s cabin is thoughtfully designed and lined with premium materials. Both body styles can be outfitted with a slew of desirable features, but the best ones are bracketed into the trim-level hierarchy. That means a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are all reserved for the top-most trims. Still, the 3 sedan and hatchback have supportive seats and comfortable passenger accommodations. However, the five-door model has the worst rear visibility among compact hatchbacks due to its curvaceous design taking priority over sightlines. Interior cubby storage is adequate but those who want the most cargo-carrying ability should choose the sedan, which held an extra carry-on bag in the trunk than the five we fit behind the hatchback’s rear seat—both held 16 bags with the back seat folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.8-inch infotainment display is standard and looks even larger than it is, thanks to a nicely designed bezel that floats between two pillowlike dash pads. The system is easy to use and is controlled solely by a console-mounted rotary knob. Those who want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability will have to look at versions pricier than the base model, and the available 12-speaker Bose audio system and even SiriusXM satellite radio are only found on top two models.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 Mazda 3 hasn’t been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the 2020 model earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Every model also boasts a bevy of standard driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. Other key safety features include:
- Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mazda covers the 3 sedan and hatchback with a conventional warranty plan that is bested by Hyundai and Kia‘s lengthy 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Likewise, Toyota is the only competitor to offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
