In the compact segment, you’ll find plenty of overachievers. One of those is the 2025 Mazda3, a car that punches so high it competes with mainstream and entry-level luxury cars. Available as a sedan or hatchback, this stylish four-door gives you so much. From the way it drives to its inviting interior, the Mazda3 turns every drive into a treat.
2025 Mazda3: A Class Above
One look at the Mazda3 and it’s clear that this compact car is special. Smooth surfacing, clean lines, and a look that’s unmistakably Mazda, while adding to its upscale feel. Despite being on the market for nearly six years, the current generation Mazda3 remains fresh and modern. Even with controversial design elements like the thick C pillar on the hatchback, this car grabs attention. Additionally, details like black 18-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts hint at the Mazd3’s sporty drive.
Step inside and discover a cabin that’s a class above. Everything you touch screams expensive. From the softly padded door cards and dashboards to the supple leather on higher trims, the Mazda3 feels special. The front seats offer a nice blend of support and cushiness, while the hatchback’s optional red leather interior adds a nice pop of color. Meanwhile, controls all fall into place nicely, from the shifter to the infotainment controls. However, the Mazda3’s rear seats are quite small, so it’s best to use them for short trips only. Additionally, the hatchback’s sexy C pillar creates a massive blind spot, forcing you to rely on your mirrors and driver assistance features.
Tech with a (Slight) Learning Curve
Infotainment remains one of the Mazda3’s weaker points. The standard 8.8-inch display requires you to use the knob and button setup to toggle through the menus, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although the larger 10.25-inch display on some models becomes a touchscreen when using smartphone integration, it’s too far away from the driver, making it finicky to use in this manner while on the move. The learning curve can feel steep, but once you learn it, the system works fine. On the other hand, the available 12-speaker Bose premium audio system remains a standout. It’s clear, crisp, and it offers an incredible surround sound experience no matter where you’re sitting.
Mazda’s i-ActivSense driver assistance suite comes standard on every 2025 Mazda3. However, the way it’s calibrated can get quite intrusive. The lane departure warning tends to freak out incessantly if you’re not perfectly centered. When you do drift away, it takes a while before it makes a correction and can do so abruptly. On the other hand, the blind spot monitor tends to make false alarms, especially when driving in traffic.
Refined and Engaging
The Mazda3 manages to blend two things that most cars in its price point can’t. Engaging handling and a refined ride. This little hatchback takes corners confidently with minimal body roll. Despite wearing standard all-season tires, the Mazda3 has plenty of grip to help you slice through corners. Meanwhile, its steering is both communicative and direct, allowing the driver to feel connected to the vehicle. However, it could be slightly quicker for a sportier feel.
Agile handling is just one part of the Mazda3’s incredible driving experience. It’s also about a plush ride. Good damping keeps things well controlled, all while maintaining a sporty demeanor with just enough firmness. However, the torsion beam rear can get bouncy over expansion joints and poorly maintained surfaces with plenty of potholes.
A responsive powertrain remains a Mazda3 hallmark. This specific example uses a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, more than enough for this 3,086-pound hatchback. Paired to a six-speed manual transmission with a nice mechanical shift feel, it builds power smoothly. Its strong mid-range torque heightens its refined feel, particularly when cruising on the highway. Quibbles? The clutch engages near the end of the travel and feels overly springy. Additionally, the transmission’s long gearing can cause the car to feel lazy, especially when you’re trying to get up to speed.
2025 Mazda3: The Driver’s Compact Car
For those wanting the most driver-focused compact car, the 2025 Mazda3 remains the one to get. Although it lacks a high-performance variant, the Mazda3 proves that cars don’t need extreme track capabilities or high levels of complexity to maximize fun factor. This modest compact hatchback delivers exhilaration every single day without risking your driver’s license. Best of all, the Mazda3 comes with a premium cabin that rivals entry-level luxury cars, making it a more compelling choice for driving enthusiasts in search of a fun yet refined daily driver.
