2025 Mazda3 Sedan Model Comparisons

Trim Levels

The 2025 Mazda3 Sedan offers a wide variety of trims to suit different budgets and driving preferences, ranging from the value-packed 2.5 S to the high-performance 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. It features unique styling options, turbocharged power, and all-wheel drive—standout traits in this segment. In contrast, the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Corolla offer fewer powertrain choices and focus on efficiency. The GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf GTI/R trims cater more toward performance but come at a higher price point. Meanwhile, sedans like the Nissan Sentra and Kia Forte keep trims simple and affordable but don't offer as much variety in performance or luxury.

Interior Comfort

Inside, the Mazda3 Sedan feels near-premium. Materials are upscale, with available leather upholstery, red leather options in the Carbon Edition, and an elegant, driver-focused layout. The Honda Civic offers a sleek cabin with user-friendly technology and a distinctive honeycomb dash design. The Hyundai Elantra’s cabin is modern but less refined in terms of materials. The Volkswagen Jetta offers good space and comfort, though its design is more conservative. The Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla feature practical interiors, while the GR Corolla’s cabin is stripped-down for performance. The Mazda3 stands out for blending comfort with class-leading fit and finish.

Drivability

The Mazda3 Sedan is widely praised for its sporty handling, especially with the turbo engine and standard all-wheel drive. It delivers confident cornering, excellent ride balance, and a quiet cabin. The Honda Civic also offers a well-rounded driving experience, particularly in the Sport and Touring trims. The Elantra N is fun to drive but less refined at cruising speeds. The Jetta GLI and Golf GTI both provide engaging handling and peppy acceleration. While the Subaru Impreza emphasizes all-weather traction with standard all-wheel drive, it doesn't feel as dynamic. The Sentra, Forte, and base Corolla prioritize smoothness and comfort over spirited performance. For enthusiasts who still want everyday drivability, the Mazda3 Sedan strikes the right balance.

Cargo Space

The Mazda3 Sedan offers 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which is competitive in the compact sedan segment. While not class-leading, the space is well-shaped and usable. The Jetta leads the class with over 14 cubic feet, followed closely by the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Toyota Corolla and Kia Forte offer similar space, while the Subaru Impreza hatchback naturally offers more versatility with up to 56 cubic feet with seats folded. The Mazda3 Hatchback is a better pick for cargo flexibility, but the sedan version remains functional for daily needs and weekend getaways.

Fuel Economy

With the base engine, the Mazda3 Sedan delivers up to 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Turbo models lower those numbers slightly due to increased performance. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla achieve similar or slightly better fuel economy, with hybrid options that extend efficiency further. The Hyundai Elantra leads in this category with a hybrid model capable of exceeding 50 mpg. The Kia Forte and Nissan Sentra offer excellent fuel economy with their base engines, while the Subaru Impreza and GR Corolla see lower ratings due to all-wheel drive and performance tuning. Overall, the Mazda3 balances power with respectable efficiency.

Safety

The 2025 Mazda3 Sedan includes Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It continues to earn a 5-star NHTSA rating and Top Safety Pick+ recognition from the IIHS. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla also offer excellent standard safety tech and top safety scores. The Subaru Impreza includes EyeSight on all trims and also scores highly for crashworthiness. The Elantra, Sentra, and Forte include advanced safety features but may lack refinement in calibration. The GR Corolla prioritizes driving engagement over safety tech but still offers essentials. The Mazda3 Sedan remains one of the safest picks in the segment.

Technology

All Mazda3 Sedan trims come with a standard 8.8-inch infotainment display, with higher trims offering a 10.25-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with wireless capability on upper trims. Premium trims add a head-up display, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. The Civic and Corolla offer intuitive interfaces and solid tech features, while the Elantra and Jetta offer larger screens and high-end audio in upper trims. The GR Corolla focuses less on entertainment, emphasizing performance data. The Impreza's dual-screen setup can feel cluttered, and the Sentra and Forte provide value-focused tech. The Mazda3 offers one of the most refined infotainment systems in the class when equipped with higher trim content.