When it comes to small cars with big value, the 2024 Mazda3 pushes all the right buttons. Its sleek design and upscale interior rival some small luxury brands, while its taut suspension and razor-sharp handling make it as fun to drive as some sports cars.
Offered in sedan and 5-door hatchback forms, the Mazda3 is a worthy rival to such stalwart names as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf hatchback, and Hyundai Elantra sedan.
The base Mazda3 models derive power from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 191 horsepower, while the turbocharged trims ratchet output to 250 hp. One model, the S Premium hatchback, offers a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Carbon Edition and turbocharged trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
Sadly, you can’t get the turbo, AWD, and manual transmission together. If you want that combo, go with the Golf R hot hatch or Subaru WRX sports sedan.
Prices provided are current at the time of publishing.
What’s New:
For 2024, Mazda adds a new 2.5 S Select Sport trim for the sedan and hatchback while slimming down the overall trim count.
The base 2.5 S gains a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
Turbo trims gain a 10.25-inch infotainment display with partial touchscreen capabilities when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which now features wireless connectivity.
Heated side mirrors are added to the Preferred and Premium trims, while the Premium Plus gains an updated version of traffic jam assist called Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS).
Our Recommendation:
The Preferred trim brings the best combination of value, features, and economy. It’s offered in sedan and hatchback forms, giving even more choice to buyers with differing needs.
Mazda3 2.5 S
Starting at $24,170 | See listings
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Push-button start
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- See more
Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport
Starting at $24,690 | See listings
- 18-inch wheels
- Heated side mirrors
- Proximity keyless entry
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leatherette upholstery
- Sedan or hatchback models
- See more
Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred
Starting at $26,190 | See listings
- 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
- Driver’s seat memory
- Heated front seats
- Power moonroof
- Tilt-down in reverse side mirrors
- 18-inch wheels
- See more
Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition
Starting at $29,060 | See listings
- All-wheel drive
- Polymetal Gray Metallic paint
- Red leather upholstery
- Black-finish 18-inch wheels
- Eight-speaker Mazda Harmonics Acoustic audio
- Wireless charge pad
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- See more
Mazda3 2.5 S Premium
Starting at $30,350 | See listings
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Leather upholstery
- Head-up display
- Bose audio
- Navigation
- 6-speed manual transmission
- See more
Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Turbo
Starting at $31,750 | See listings
- 250-hp turbocharged engine
- AWD
- Terracotta-colored upholstery
- 10.25-inch touchscreen display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Tilt-down-in-reverse side mirrors
- See more
Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Starting at $35,450 | See listings
- Auto-dimming side mirrors
- Windshield wiper de-icers
- Heated steering wheel
- 360-degree monitor
- Reverse automatic braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- CTS traffic jam assist
- See more
2024 Mazda3 2.5 S: $24,170
The 2.5 S is the least expensive Mazda3 trim and comes only in sedan form. The standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, making for a surprisingly quick small car with impressive ride and handling characteristics.
The 2.5 S comes loaded with a healthy dose of standard driver assists, all part of the i-Activsense suite. Included in the mix are forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functions.
New for 2024 is the addition of a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and rear seat alert.
A quick walk around the 2.5 S exterior reveals 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off LED headlights and daytime running lights, fob-activated remote keyless entry, and body-colored power side mirrors.
The cabin features manually adjustable front seats covered in black cloth, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, a push-button starter, and manual air conditioning.
One-touch up/down power windows and 60/40-split folding rear seats are here, as is a 7-inch LCD screen for the speedometer and other information. The LCD is flanked by an analog tachometer on one side and fuel and temperature gauges on the other.
On the infotainment front, the 2.5 S features an 8.8-inch center display with Command rotary knob controller (no touchscreen). The system includes a 6-speaker AM/FM radio, Mazda Connect apps, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Two USB-C ports provide data and charging capability, but the once-standard 12-volt charge port has been removed.
Mazda Connected Services include remote start, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and various vehicle alerts such as status, location, and service notifications.
Although there are no option packages on any Mazda3 trim, several dealer accessories exist. Most notable is navigation, which adds $450.
With the $1,165 delivery charge ($1,210 in Alaska), the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S costs $25,335. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $478. See 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S models for sale near you
2024 Mazda3 2.5 S includes:
- Push-button start – With the key fob in your purse or pocket, you only need to push a button to start the engine.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – These apps allow pairing with a compatible smartphone, granting access to music, navigation, and messages.
- i-Activsense driver assists – The new suite of standard driver aids alerts the driver to potential hazards, with some systems intervening to help avoid a collision.
2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport: $24,690 (sedan), $25,690 (hatchback)
The Mazda3 2.5S Select Sport builds off the S and includes a hatchback body style.
Opting for this trim brings 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, which features a proximity key fob that unlocks the doors when touching the handle.
Cabin upgrades include leatherette upholstery, rear seat air vents and cup holders, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an overhead console with a sunglasses holder, and lighted visor vanity mirrors.
Hatchback models include a rear wiper washer and a rear spoiler.
With the $1,165 delivery charge ($1,210 in Alaska), the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport costs $25,855. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $488. See 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport models for sale near you
2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred: $26,190 (sedan), $27,390 (hatchback)
The 2.5 S Preferred trim level brings even more features for only a little more out-of-pocket. Moving up to this trim nets you a power moonroof, black or greige (a mix of gray and beige) leatherette upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and memory feature, and heated front seats.
Eighteen-inch silver-finish wheels (sedan) or gray metallic-finish wheels (hatchback) come standard, as do tilt-down-in-reverse side mirrors with integrated turn signals. A gloss-black grille wraps up the exterior changes.
With the $1,165 delivery charge ($1,210 in Alaska), the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred costs $27,355. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $516. See 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred models for sale near you
2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred includes:
- 8-way power driver’s seat – The Preferred trim’s power driver seat makes locating the perfect driving position easy and includes a memory feature.
- Power sunroof – A power sunroof allows more light into the cabin when closed and more fresh air when opened.
- Tilt-down side mirrors – The side mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, helping the driver better see curbs that might damage the wheels.
2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition: $29,060 (sedan), $30,260 (hatchback)
The Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition brings some exciting features to the Mazda3, notably AWD. It builds off the Preferred trim but comes in only one color: Polymetal Gray. Further distinguishing the Carbon Edition are red leather upholstery, black-finish 18-inch wheels, and gloss-black mirror caps.
The audio system is upgraded with eight speakers, HD Radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is also included.
With the $1,165 delivery charge ($1,210 in Alaska), the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition costs $30,225. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $570. See 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition models for sale near you
2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium: $30,350
The Premium trim is unique to the hatchback and the only model to offer the option of a 6-speed manual transmission. Even without the turbocharged engine, this is the model to get if you’re a driving purist.
The Mazda3 2.5 S Premium builds off the Preferred, adding front and rear LED signature lighting, piano black side trim, and adaptive LED headlights.
You also get a choice of red or black leather upholstery. Other standard hardware includes a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, steering wheel paddle shifters (automatic only), and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
The Premium’s infotainment system gains navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 3-year trial subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link services.
We should note that while the Premium with the manual transmission retains all standard driver assists, the adaptive cruise control works differently. Drivers are alerted if they need to shift up or down, and the system gets temporarily deactivated when the clutch or brake is depressed or when the gear lever is shifted into neutral (such as when needing to stop in heavy traffic).
With the $1,165 delivery charge ($1,210 in Alaska), the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium costs $31,515. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $595. See 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium models for sale near you.
2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium includes:
- Bose audio – If you love great sound, the Premium’s 12-speaker Bose audio system is a must-have.
- Navigation – The voice-activated navigation system helps you quickly find your next destination and doesn’t require a cell signal.
- 6-speed manual – The manual transmission is fast going the way of the dodo, but for those who still love to row their own gears, the Premium trim’s 6-speed manual is one of the best in the business.
2024 Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Turbo: $31,750 (sedan), $32,950 (hatchback)
The Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Turbo ups the ante with a 250-hp turbocharged engine. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission choice, and AWD comes standard. However, getting 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque requires premium 93-octane fuel. Opting for regular 87-octane gas results in a lower output of 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Building off the Carbon Edition, the Carbon Turbo features exclusive Zircon Sand exterior paint, tilt-down-in-reverse side mirrors, piano black trim, and 18-inch black metallic wheels.
The interior gains Terracotta-colored leatherette upholstery with red stitching and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with touchscreen capability when using the wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
With the $1,165 delivery charge ($1,210 in Alaska), the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Turbo costs $32,915. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $621. See 2024 Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Turbo models for sale near you.
2024 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $35,450 (sedan), $36,650 (hatchback)
At the top of the Mazda3 pecking order is the Turbo Premium Plus. It packs all the punch of the Carbon Turbo, then adds premium upgrades like the Bose audio system, head-up display, navigation with traffic sign recognition, and leather-trimmed seats in black or white (sedan) or black or red (hatchback).
Unique to the Turbo Premium is a black rear spoiler, black front air dam (hatchback), auto-dimming side mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icers.
Also standard is a frameless auto-dimming mirror, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree monitor, front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, adaptive LED headlights, and Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS), which is an upgraded version of traffic jam assist that can autonomously steer, brake, and accelerate when driving in low-speed stop-and-go traffic.
With the $1,165 delivery charge ($1,210 in Alaska), the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs $36,615. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $691. See 2024 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus models for sale near you.
2024 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus includes:
- Turbocharged engine – The Turbo Premium Plus trim’s turbocharged 2.5-liter engine pumps out 250 hp, enabling a 0-60 mph time of about 6.5 seconds.
- Rear emergency braking – The Premium Plus’s rear braking activates when sensing you’re getting too close to an object or when encountering rear cross-traffic.
- Heated steering wheel – Pushing a button is all it takes to quickly warm the steering wheel rim, making winter driving without gloves much more comfortable.
