Our time with the 2025 Mazda3 officially comes to a close. We lived with this stylish compact car for half a year and we have plenty of thoughts. Early on, we praised the Mazda3’s ride and handling, despite its move to a torsion beam rear suspension. However, that tune changed after spending time in the mechanically related CX-30, our car’s subcompact SUV platform mate. On the other hand, we raved about the interior and the Mazda3’s overall refinement. With that said, let’s dive into the details and give this car the proper send off.
2025 Mazda3: Premium Minus the Price Tag
The best way to describe the 2025 Mazda3 is this: a premium compact car without the premium price tag. This little hatchback looks expensive, yet it’s relatively affordable by today’s standards. Most importantly, its exterior remains modern, despite being on the market since 2019 and featuring controversial bits like that massive C-pillar on the hatchback.
Moving inside, the premium vibe continues. Everything you touch feels expensive. Controls give you a sense of satisfaction when used. On the move, noise levels are kept at a minimum, adding to the Mazda3’s upscaleness. The 12-speaker Bose premium audio system has metal speaker grilles and provides an immersive listening experience. Features like two-tone red and black leather seats, and a head-up display contribute to this car feeling pricier than it is. Just remember to treat this as 2+2 because its rear seats are quite cramped.
On top of that, take the time to learn how to use the infotainment system. In most variant’s you must use the knob and buttons. Only the larger 10.25-inch display has touch functionality with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, only the Turbo Premium Plus comes with that feature.
In terms of value, the Mazda3 wins out, too. It has plenty of standard features and comes well-equipped across the lineup. We think the 2.5S Premium hits the sweet spot, provided you can drive a manual transmission. Otherwise, go for the Carbon Edition or go all out with the Turbo Premium Plus.
Sporty With a Caveat
Behind the wheel, the Mazda3 brings a sense of sophistication with its smooth-revving 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and user-friendly six-speed manual transmission. The available six-speed automatic isn’t bad either, and responds quickly to most of your requests. With 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, this isn’t a powerhouse, but it offers plenty of get-up-and-go for all types of situations, including hammering it in the twisties. A word of warning though: avoid lifting of the accelerator mid corner because this car has a penchant for sudden lift-off oversteer.
In terms of agility, the latest-generation Mazda3 matured while keeping its handling chops. While not as lively as the third-generation car, this one still offers plenty of engagement thanks to good body control and direct steering. However, the torsion beam rear suspension detracts from its overall balance and lacks the sharpness and sophistication of its predecessors.
The ride also takes a hit. As we noted in the beginning, we were fans of the Mazda3’s ride. That only lasted until we encountered more varying pavement and spent time in its SUV sibling, the CX-30. We noted that it’s easily upset over certain types of patchy surfaces. Additionally, it didn’t handle bigger impacts as confidently as our previous 2014 Mazda3, which had an independent rear suspension. Those caused this newer car to get quite upset, resulting in a ride that’s harsher than expected, erasing any notion of premium-ness.
2025 Mazda3: Still For The Driving Enthusiast?
Even though the 2025 Mazda3 no longers feels as sharp as its predecessors, it remains one of the sharper compact cars. Should you buy one? Yes, as long as you’re fine with its less sophisticated road manners and intimate yet upscale cabin. It feels premium most of the time, but loses any sense of it when you drive over bad pavement.
In terms of cost, the Mazda3 didn’t ask for much during our time with it. Our single oil change was $130, a little more than expected, especially versus my old 2014 Mazda3. The older car with the same engine and the auto instead of the manual cost little to maintain over the seven years we had it. We expect this newer version to have similar, if not ever so slightly higher running costs, despite using an identical powertrain and a cheaper chassis.
Overall, our time with the fourth-generation Mazda3 ended on a good note. Yes, it still offers sharper handling than some compact cars. Just don’t expect it to have the same level of finesse on the road because it’s so much more civilized. My only wish is that Mazda bring back the independent rear suspension for its next generation. Although it still rides better than some of its competitors, the current setup can only do so much and it easily falls on its face when the road gets really rough. Returning a fully independent setup should give the car its near-perfect ride and handling balance back. Most importantly, it’ll help improve the ride quality, too, allowing it to meet the expectations that its premium aspirations flaunt.
