Flash Drive

2020 Mazda3 AWD

May 12, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Mazda3 Sedan Premium Package AWD

The 2020 Mazda3 with AWD is available in a handsome sedan configuration. It’s great for city and highway driving.

Engine:2.5-liter I-4, 186 horsepower, 186 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined

Base Price: $27,900

As Tested: $30,770

Performance:

Peppy engine, solid acceleration

Efficient 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters

The 2020 Mazda3 is also available in a hatchback body style with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Available 6-speed manual transmission

Strong fuel economy—our best was 27.9-mpg combined

Sport mode

Full-time AWD

Great safety features

Steering wheel vibrates to indicate lane departure

Nimble city driving

Pleasant highway cruiser

Fun on twisty back roads

A subtle AWD badge proclaims the new drivetrain option.

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom at the expense of rear seat room

Very tight rear seat unless fronts are moved up a lot

Driver power lumbar support

Heated front leather seats (3 temps)

Wide range tilt/telescopic steering column

Large console dial for infotainment control

Soft rear seat folding armrest

Front seat room and comfort are great, but the back seat is snug.

Utility:

Sedan model has pretty big trunk

Hatchback model has greater flexibility

Split, folding rear seats with slight slope

Flat trunk floor

Good access to child safety seat anchors

Big blind spot indicators in side mirrors

Large front door bins

Medium size console bin with soft, sliding armrest cover

There are lots of good auxiliary controls, but the lower row chrome ones are hard to see.

One seatback pouch

Small rear door bins

WOW Factors:

All-wheel-drive availability

Available 6-speed manual transmission

Great safety suite including head-up display

Lots of upscale features for the money

Fun to drive

Whines:

Limited backseat legroom

Chrome auxiliary steering wheel controls hard to see

The AWD feature makes and already great Mazda3 even better.

Too small key fob controls on thin side of fob

Bottom Line:

The Mazda3 sedan has always been a great value–an excellent blend of economy and fun. The 2020 Mazda3 Premium with AWD is easily the best iteration. The available 6-speed manual ups the fun factor and the available all-wheel-drive contributes to both fun and safety. The 2020 Mazda3 is offered in sedan and hatchback versions. The sedan is better looking, but the hatchback is more cargo friendly.