Starts at $24,170
2024 3 Selector
2024 Mazda 3
FAST FACTS
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2024 Mazda 3 that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
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The base 3 sedan is a compelling package, pairing good fuel economy with above-average power and torque.
The base 3 hatchback has the advantage of being about eight inches shorter than the 3 sedan while offering the same passenger space and significantly more cargo space. It costs a bit more, too, but we'd say it's worth it.
It's notable that all-wheel drive is available with the Mazda 3 sedan's base engine, because economy sedans are typically front-drive-only. But you can only get AWD if you opt for the pricey Carbon Edition, which is why this configuration starts north of $29k — an aggressive ask, in our opinion.
As with the all-wheel-drive 3 sedan, the base Mazda 3 hatchback with AWD is surprisingly expensive due to the fact that it's only offered in upscale Carbon Edition trim. If it were our 3 hatchback, we'd want the turbocharged engine, which also comes with all-wheel drive and isn't a huge stretch pricewise.
There can't be many folks anymore who want a manual transmission in a small hatchback, but if you're one of them, you're in luck. Mazda will be happy to sell you a 3 hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission and the base 191-horsepower engine. Alas, there's no manual option for the turbocharged engine, but we'll take what we can get.
The turbocharged 3 sedan is the way to go if you can swing the price. For less than $3k more than the regular 3 sedan with AWD, you keep the AWD here and get way more power and torque with the turbo. This is a seriously quick economy car, giving entry-level luxury sedans like the Audi A3 some real competition. Note that the turbo engine's output drops significantly — to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft — if you use regular 87-octane gas.
The turbocharged Mazda 3 hatchback costs a pretty penny by economy-car standards, but it also competes with entry-level luxury cars in terms of acceleration and handling. If you're going to get all-wheel drive in your 3 hatchback, you want the turbo motor if at all possible. It transforms the character of the car. As with the turbo sedan, it's worth noting that output drops a fair bit on 87 octane, slipping to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft.
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
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