2024 Mazda 3: A Premium Compact Experience
The 2024 Mazda 3 is like enjoying ice cream with hot fudge on top. Though it comes from a mainstream brand, it’s enhanced enough to almost pass for a premium-class compact car. The interiors of the top trims are crafted with stylish materials that convey a sense of quality unmatched by competitors like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.
The Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with a choice of two 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines—one of which is a lively turbo. Hatchbacks with the base four-cylinder and front-wheel drive can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while all-wheel drive is available across the lineup but only with a six-speed automatic.
True to Mazda’s reputation, the 3 has a fun-to-drive character that balances nimbleness with a comfortable ride. Its refined driving dynamics and upscale interior make it a standout compact car that feels like it’s in a class above, earning it a 2024 Editors’ Choice award.
2024 Mazda 3: New Carbon Trim and Feature Enhancements for 2024
For 2024, Mazda introduces a special Carbon trim exclusively for the Turbo hatchback. The Carbon Turbos feature striking Zircon Sand Metallic paint and dark trim, including gloss-black wheels, side mirrors, and grille. The interior combines terracotta leather with black suede. Additionally, a new 10.3-inch infotainment display is now available, but only on models with the optional turbocharged engine.
While the hatchback’s unique design is appealing, its rounded rear compromises visibility. Instead, the sedan is recommended. Opting for the Preferred trim level provides standard features such as heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the Carbon Edition or Premium models, and comes standard on Turbo models.
2024 Mazda 3: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Mazda offers two different engines for the 3: a base 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter, which is available only on the higher-end Turbo trims. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options are available with the base engine. A six-speed manual transmission is offered with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive models come with a six-speed automatic.
Although every Mazda 3 responds well to gas pedal inputs, the turbocharged engine provides a particularly quick performance, with a 5.6-second run to 60 mph in our tests. Both the hatchback and sedan handle straight and winding roads with composure and offer a refined ride. The new Mazda 3 maintains the fun-to-drive nature of the previous model, featuring tight body control, natural-feeling steering, and a well-controlled ride that smooths out rough roads.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most fuel-efficient version of the Mazda 3 is the sedan with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which earns EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The least fuel-efficient is the turbocharged hatchback with all-wheel drive, rated at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. In our highway fuel economy test, an all-wheel-drive automatic sedan with the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine achieved an impressive 41 mpg. A similarly equipped hatchback exceeded its highway rating by 2 mpg, achieving 34 mpg. The front-drive manual 3 returned 38 mpg, outperforming its estimate by 3 mpg. For more detailed information about the 3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Mazda has thoughtfully designed the 3’s cabin with high-quality materials. Both body styles can be outfitted with a range of desirable features, although the best ones are reserved for the higher trims. For instance, a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are available only on the top trims. The Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback both offer supportive seats and comfortable passenger accommodations. However, the hatchback’s curvaceous design limits rear visibility more than other compact hatchbacks. Interior storage is adequate, but those needing the most cargo space should opt for the sedan, which accommodates six carry-on bags in the trunk compared to the hatchback’s five. With the rear seats folded, both models can hold 16 bags.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The standard 8.8-inch infotainment display in the 2024 Mazda 3 appears larger than it is, thanks to its sleek bezel that floats between two pillow-like dash pads. Turbo models upgrade to a 10.3-inch display. Both screens feature an easy-to-use interface controlled by a console-mounted rotary knob. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a premium 12-speaker Bose stereo system and SiriusXM satellite radio are optional.
Driver-Assistance and Safety Features
Every Mazda 3 model is equipped with a range of standard driver-assistance technologies, including automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. For detailed crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mazda offers a standard warranty for the 3 sedan and hatchback, but it falls short compared to Hyundai and Kia’s extensive 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Toyota stands out as the only competitor in this segment to provide 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
