After extensive testing and research, CR determined this car to be:
- SAFE AND RELIABLE
- GOOD PERFORMANCE
- COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT
one of our 111 recommended Small cars
2023 Mazda 3
Road Test Results
Overall
Acceleration
Transmission
Braking
Emergency Handling
Fuel Economy
Ride
Noise
Usability
Owner Reports
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Highs
- Fit and finish
- Quietness for class
- Braking
Lows
- Controls
- Automatic parking brake doesn't release automatically.
- Rear seat room
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 2.5-liter engine for its balance of power and fuel economy.
Sedan buyers should consider the Select version because of its Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility (which isn't available on the base model).
To get a power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support and heated front seats, buyers need to step up to the Preferred version.
Learn more about how we test
About CR Small cars testings
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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.