2020 Mazda 3 Sedan

The price of the Mazda 3 is only slightly more than that of its main rival, the Civic Sedan. The range begins with a base price of $21,500 for entry-spec models, exclusive of tax, licensing, registration, and Mazda's new destination fee of $945 (previously $920). The destination fee applies to all regions in the USA besides Alaska, where it increases to $990. Next is the Select Package at an MSRP $22,700 and the Preferred Package at $24,200. Topping the range is the Premium Package we had on test at a cost of $26,500. The top three trims can be specified with all-wheel-drive for an extra $1,400.

Mazda has gained a reputation as the fun option amongst its Japanese rivals, though the company has since ditched its "Zoom-Zoom" slogan for "Driving Matters." Though both slogans emphasize driving enjoyment, the subtle differences between the two are clearly reflected in this new 3. Zoom-Zoom encompassed a sporty, youthful vibe with models like the turbocharged MazdaSpeed3, MazdaSpeed6, and MazdaSpeed Miata. 'Driving Matters' focuses instead on elements of driving such as steering feel and suspension tuning, shunning the immaturity of those old MazdaSpeed models.

What we are left with is a sedan that feels more fun than many of its competitors but lacks the edge found in dedicated sports models like the Honda Civic Si, Kia Forte GT, and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The steering offers light, direct response with decent feedback and the suspension feels compliant without allowing too much body roll. Our biggest gripe (aside from the lack of a turbo) was the Toyo Proxes All-Season tires, which cried and ran home any time we asked them to grip around a tight bend carrying any sort of speed. We'd describe the Mazda 3 as a car average drivers will find highly enjoyable but it lacks the power and handling prowess an enthusiast might crave. The AWD system might be fun to play with on a snow-covered back road but we didn't have a chance to test drive the car in such conditions.

Mazda still carries a strong reputation as the fun option amongst its Japanese competitors but with the lack of any MazdaSpeed or performance models, that reputation is starting to wear a bit thin. The 2020 Mazda 3 car is still enjoyable to drive but with options like the Civic Si and Jetta GLI out there on the market, enthusiasts will likely turn elsewhere. For average consumers who enjoy the 3's elegant styling and upmarket interior, the driving experience should reward them with enough enjoyment to warrant consideration.

Without any new engines or transmissions, this new Mazda 3 feels more like a redressing of the old car rather than a ground-up redesign. In the future, we'd like to see Mazda introduce a sportier version with more power to fully take advantage of the 3's handsome looks and premium interior. The addition of AWD for this new model is an interesting choice but we think it came a few years too late. Most of the shoppers who want AWD have already resigned themselves to crossover. People who are still shopping for a sedan in 2020 want more than just AWD, they want a fun experience that can not be matched in a crossover. Sadly, we don't think the new Mazda 3 fits the bill and that's why the CX-5 vastly outsells it.

If you are looking to buy a 2020 Mazda 3, our Premium Package tester with AWD was a bit too expensive for our tastes with an as-tested MSRP of $29,845 with destination. We loved the white leather interior but could easily live without the hassle of keeping it clean by opting for the Preferred Package. Cutting out AWD saves you $1,400 if you don't live in a cold weather climate and the only option we recommend as a must-have is the Soul Red Metallic paint for $595. As described, the Mazda 3 would cost $25,740.

The Civic is one of the top choices in this class and for good reason, combining a competitive price with a high-quality cabin, impressive road manners, and an efficient and powerful turbocharged engine on the upper trims. With up to 15.1 cubic feet of space, the Civic's trunk is bigger than the Mazda's, and the Honda also provides more space for passengers in the back seat. As nice as the Civic's cabin is, though, the Mazda feels even more inviting and features interior appointments that wouldn't feel out of place in a segment above. Although the Mazda's engine is more powerful, the Civic offers better fuel-efficiency and low-speed drivability by virtue of its available turbocharged engine. Unlike the Honda, the Mazda 3 is available with AWD for extra security in slippery conditions, but only the Civic Sedan can be had with a sweet-shifting manual transmission. If you have a family and prioritize aspects like space utilization and economy, the Civic wins. But if you want a compact sedan that feels more upscale, the Mazda 3 will fit the bill.

The Mazda 3's move upmarket makes this a more viable comparison than before. At $24,100, the base Mazda 6 Sport undercuts the top two Mazda 3 trims, has a similarly powerful 2.5-liter engine, a strong safety specification, and all while providing more space for rear passengers and a bigger trunk. For more power, the Mazda 6 Grand Touring is still under $30k but uses a turbocharger to deliver a much more impressive 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both of these Mazdas share stylish interiors that manage to feel more premium than those of many rivals, and the smaller 3 Sedan certainly doesn't feel like a step down in this department. They also each provide sparkling dynamics and are more fun to hustle than the average sedan. If you really need the extra space, then the midsize Mazda 6 will make more sense. If you don't, then a well-appointed Mazda 3 in one of its upper trims is a tempting proposition.