After extensive testing and research, CR determined this car to be:
- SAFE AND RELIABLE
- GOOD PERFORMANCE
- COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT
one of our 97 recommended Sedans
2025 Mazda 3
Road Test Results
Overall
Acceleration
Transmission
Braking
Emergency Handling
Fuel Economy
Ride
Noise
Usability
Owner Reports
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Highs
- Fit and finish
- Quietness for class
- Braking
- AWD, hatchback and turbo engine available
Lows
- Complicated infotainment system
- Rear seat room
- Rear and side visibility for hatchback
Best Version to Get
Buyers can choose a sedan or a hatchback body style. All-wheel drive is available, but only with the automatic transmission. We would pick the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine for its balance of power and fuel economy.
To get a power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support and heated front seats, buyers need to step up to the Preferred version.
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About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports puts people first. For more than 80 years, CR has provided consumers with independent research, ratings and recommendations to help make good purchase decisions. As a nonprofit consumer testing and advocacy organization, CR works with businesses and government to improve the safety, performance, value and reliability of products and services.
Every year CR puts manufacturer claims to the test for thousands of products, from cars and appliances to baby products and sunscreens. CR purchases all the products that we test and uses scientific research methods to develop our ratings.