Mazda Mazda3 Sedan i-ACTIV AWD Sedan or Sedan, starting at 24,000 $

The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan i-ACTIV AWD Sedan or Sedan impresses with 227 HP and an attractive starting price of 24,000 $ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from $24,000
Mazda3 Sedan

Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All Wheel, Front Wheel
  • Power HP : 191 - 227 HP

Design & Presence

The Mazda3 Sedan leans into elegance rather than drama, with clean surfacing, a long hood, and a tucked tail that gives it a mini luxury-car vibe. Slim headlights and a low stance make it look pricier than most compact sedans parked nearby. Subtle wheel designs and dark-trim packages add attitude without shouting. It’s the kind of shape that still looks sharp after a few winters and car washes.

Interior & Usability

Inside, the Mazda3 favors simple controls, rich materials, and tight panel gaps that feel a class up. The driving position is spot-on, with clear gauges and a straightforward rotary controller for the center display. Buttons for climate and audio remain real and easy to hit on the move. The result is a cabin that feels calm and premium, not like a gadget lab.

Space & Everyday Practicality

Front seats offer generous support and long-trip comfort, while the rear bench is usable but not limo-like for tall passengers. Headroom and legroom in back are adequate for adults on shorter trips, better for kids or teens. The 13.2 cu ft trunk swallows a week’s groceries or two big suitcases, though the opening is on the narrow side. Split-folding rear seatbacks help with longer items, but hatchback-level flexibility is not the mission here.

Powertrains & Performance

Most trims use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft, paired to a 6‑speed automatic, driving the front wheels or available AWD in select versions. There’s also a turbocharged 2.5 with 227 hp and a stout 310 lb-ft, standard with AWD, delivering brisk thrust for easy passing and highway merges. Expect roughly 0–60 mph in about 7.9 seconds for the non-turbo and around 5.8 seconds for the turbo, putting the latter in hot-hatch territory with a trunk. Current flavors range from the 2.5 S family to the Carbon Edition with available AWD and the Carbon Turbo/Turbo Premium Plus pairing for maximum shove.

On the Road

The Mazda3 feels planted and eager, with steering that’s precise without being twitchy. Body control is tidy, so corners are more fun than they have any right to be in a compact sedan. Ride quality is firm but well-damped, especially on 18-inch wheels; it stays composed over potholes without losing its cool. AWD versions add confident traction in wet or snowy weather without dulling the car’s playful edge.

Efficiency & Range

Fuel economy is strong for the class: the non-turbo FWD returns an EPA-rated 27/37 mpg city/highway, while similar AWD versions are rated up to 26/35 mpg. The turbo AWD comes in around 23/32 mpg, trading a few mpg for far stronger acceleration. With a 12.7–13.2‑gallon tank, expect 350–450 miles between fill-ups depending on engine and driving mix. In everyday terms, the standard engine keeps fuel stops infrequent; the turbo is still reasonable if your right foot behaves.

Tech, Safety & Infotainment

Mazda’s interface uses a rotary controller for most functions, which reduces distraction once muscle memory kicks in. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, with wireless connectivity available on many trims, plus a well-tuned optional Bose audio system. Safety tech is robust: adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are widely available. Upper trims add extras like Traffic Jam Assist and a 360-degree camera for tight parking garages.

Who Is It For?

This is a compact sedan for drivers who care how a car feels, not just how it looks on a spreadsheet. Daily commuters will appreciate the calm cabin, easy ergonomics, and low running costs, while enthusiasts will quietly enjoy the sharp steering on an empty on-ramp. The standard engine suits most buyers, and the turbo is a stealth upgrade for those who want real punch without going full sport-compact. If a refined drive, upscale fit-and-finish, and all-weather confidence are on the wish list, the Mazda3 Sedan hits the sweet spot.

Costs and Consumption

Price
24,000 - 35,800 $
FuelEconomy City
23 - 27 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
32 - 37 MPG
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
12.7 - 13.2 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
i-ACTIV AWD Sedan, Sedan
Seats
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,124 - 3,395 lbs
Trunk Volume
13.2 cu. ft.
Length
183.5 in.
Width
70.7 in.
Height
56 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel, Front Wheel
Power HP
191 - 227 HP
Torque
186 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2,025
Brand
Mazda
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