Model tested: 2025 Mazda 3 2.5T Premium Plus Hatchback AWD
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-5
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 227
Torque: 310 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 23/city, 31/highway, 26/combined
Base price: $36,950
As tested: $38,750
Overview: The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5T hatchback sedan packs a lot of driving fun in a compact package. The Mazda 3 excels at combining practicality and performance. The base car is well-designed, attractively priced and highly functional. As you climb the seven-tier-model ladder, luxury and performance escalate quickly, adding approximately $13,000 to the window sticker but still falling below premium-class compact sedan prices. We drove the top model — a 2.3 T Premium-Plus Hatchback AWD — but there are several great choices in the lineup.
Walkaround: We’re fans of Mazda styling, with a few exceptions, and the Mazda 3 hatchback is half of an exception. From the front doors forward, styling is the expected crisp and handsome, but the hunched-over look of the hatchback doesn’t work for us. The hatchback’s practicality is a huge plus, but the Mazda 3 sedan is a better-looking car. Rear visibility in the hatchback is poor. The fit, finish, wheel style and attention to even minor details are all excellent.
Interior: Upscale materials and features are plentiful in the Premium Plus Mazda 3. Our tester had heated, power-adjustable, leather front seats with lumbar support. Legroom is stretch-out spacious, and headroom is also generous, although this spaciousness affects rear seat room. The front seats remain comfortable even when moved forward. Both convenience and safety features are excellent and plentiful. The hatchback functionality is welcome, and small-item storage spaces are above average.
Behind the wheel: Mazda has always emphasized handling and driving fun. The compact size of the Mazda 3 enhances its fun factor, as the car is nimble and athletic. The powerful, turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive are an ideal combination for Pacific Northwest roads and weather. The standard six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is crisp and responsive, especially in sport mode. A six-speed manual transmission is only available on non-turbo front-wheel-drive Mazda 3s.
Bottom line: We liked the 2025 Mazda 3 for its fun and value factors. The compact size is great for city driving and freeway jousting. Driving dynamics are big on fun and sport without being harsh or unpleasant on long trips. Safety and comfort features are excellent and plentiful. Fuel economy is good, although not hybrid good. The build quality and number of sophisticated features pushed our loaded Mazda 3 very close to premium luxury compacts while keeping prices comfortably affordable.
