2019 Mazda 3 Review

Name: 2019 Mazda 3 Review
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $16,998 - $21,999

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51 cars

$19,665 avg. price

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Appraise My 2019 Mazda 3

Mazda 3 model years

Mazda 3 for Sale

Mazda 3 types

Sedan
Hatchback

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers^{Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Premium interior materials in the upper trim levels provide a classy vibe
The seats are supremely comfortable and supportive
Spirited handling
Excellent audio quality from both available sound systems

Cons

Not much legroom in the back seat
New Skyactiv-X engine won't be available at launch
Less cargo space than other compact sedans

What's new

The Mazda 3 is fully redesigned for 2019
Part of the fourth Mazda 3 generation introduced for 2019

With crossovers becoming the de facto choice for many buyers, the humble compact sedan needs to offer something a little extra to stay competitive. Luckily, the redesigned 2019 Mazda 3 delivers.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

51 listings

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2019 Mazda 3
Select Sedan
$21,998
fair price
$459 below market
- 12,781 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Norwood (274 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Norwood, MA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (25 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1BPBAM8K1144135
Stock: 27320085
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2019 Mazda 3
Base 4dr Hatchback
$19,998
good price
$1,199 below market
- 30,645 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Canoga Park (2,413 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Canoga Park, CA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (26 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JM1BPALM0K1111296
Stock: 26902922
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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The Mazda 3's aptitude for sharp handling stretches back several generations and continues with the new model. Last year's optional 2.5-liter engine is now standard across the board, ensuring that every 3 has plenty of power, too. Mazda has also made all-wheel drive an available option this year. AWD gives the 3 enhanced grip on low-traction surfaces such as snow and will undoubtedly be a draw for shoppers living in cold-weather climates.

As long as you can accept the limited amount of rear-seat space, the Mazda 3's interior is sure to impress. The cabin is elegantly detailed with expensive-looking aluminum trim, solid-feeling switchgear and, on all but the base sedan, faux leather door accents. Select the Premium package, and the Mazda 3's cabin will seem worthy of an Audi badge.

The Mazda 3 isn't perfect. As noted, the rear seat is quite tight, and there's a fair bit of tire noise at highway speeds. But in the big picture, there's nothing here that should seriously dissuade shoppers. For car shoppers looking for an upscale and fun-to-drive small sedan or hatchback, the 2019 Mazda 3 is a great pick.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Mazda 3 as one of Edmunds' Best AWD Sedans for this year.

What's the Mazda 3 like to live with?

The Mazda 3 has been one of our favorite small cars for years now, and several examples have graced our long-term fleet over the last decade. Read our long-term Mazda 3 test to learn more about what it's like to live with day to day over the course of 20,000 miles. Note that while our tester is a 2020 Mazda 3, there are no significant changes between our 2020 Preferred model and its 2019 equivalent.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mazda 3 Premium Sedan (2.5L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.0

Driving

8.0

Mazda has always prioritized excellent driving characteristics, and this Mazda 3 is no different. The handling is crisp, and the steering has a light but engaging feel. It's so good that we think the 3 could handle a more powerful engine even though it doesn't need it.

Acceleration

8.0

The non-turbocharged four-cylinder is eager and delivers smooth power from the onset, but it really gets going from the middle of the rev range up to the redline. Merging onto freeways isn't a problem, and its 8.3-second 0-60 mph acceleration is better than many in its class.

Braking

7.5

The brake pedal feels reassuringly firm and delivers a sure response. Drivers will find it very easy to modulate smoothly in stop-and-go traffic, and the car feels quite stable when the brakes are applied suddenly. A 60-0 mph panic stop took 121 feet at our test track, which is average for this class.

Steering

7.5

The steering is quick and precise but has a light, almost too-easy feel about it. However, the driver gets decent feedback and can genuinely feel what the car is doing. The 3 makes tidy U-turns, and the steering wheel feels good in your hands.

Handling

8.0

When the road stops being straight, Mazda 3 delivers handling that is comfortable and confidence-inspiring. It feels balanced, changes directions readily and stays controlled around turns. There's lots of grip, too.

Drivability

8.5

Aggressive drivers might find the automatic transmission to be a tad sluggish in normal mode. For them there's Sport mode, which makes the transmission more responsive. Either way, the throttle delivers the engine's power smoothly. Available all-wheel drive makes the Mazda 3 a strong choice for winter driving.

Comfort

7.5

Mazda has succeeded in delivering a sporty premium experience without sacrificing comfort. Credit its compliant ride, comfortable and supportive seating, and sufficiently noise-insulated cabin. It's not perfect, though: Our test car's climate control system didn't seem sufficiently powerful, and some of our drivers felt the headrests were set at an uncomfortable angle.

Seat comfort

7.5

The front seats in the Mazda 3 are comfortable and supportive. The power driver's seat offers a good amount of adjustment, and the side bolsters are effective at holding you tight without being confining. Some editors thought the headrests leaned too far forward, though. The rear seats are nicely contoured.

Ride comfort

8.0

The Mazda 3 is meant to be a sporty sedan, so it has a well-controlled suspension that limits body motion. While this makes the ride stiffer than most, the suspension is compliant and absorbs bumps and pavement irregularities quite well. The amount of comfort for your daily commute is impressive despite this car's sporty nature.

Noise & vibration

8.0

Generally speaking, the Mazda 3 has a quiet cabin. There is some road and wind noise, but it's more akin to background noise than something that grabs your attention. We didn't detect any unwanted mechanical vibrations either. It all lines up well with Mazda's stated desire to deliver a premium environment in a sporty-themed car.

Climate control

6.5

The dual-zone climate controls are logically arrayed along the upper shelf of the center dashboard and feature accessible temperature knobs. The recirculation/fresh air button is there, too, but the labeling is unclear. We had to dial our car's Auto setting quite low to get it to blow cold air, and the seat heaters were slow to warm up.

Interior

7.5

The Mazda 3's interior is well-thought-out and nice to be in. Front-seat occupants will enjoy their space, but taller drivers may wish for more steering wheel reach. Mazda seems to have sacrificed rear passenger legroom and headroom in the name of sleeker styling.

Ease of use

8.5

While the Mazda 3 display screen lacks touchscreen functionality, the single-knob controller is intuitive. This controller-based interface is one of the best around. Nothing is complicated in this car. The controls and buttons are easy to see and understand. The setup doesn't take long to get used to, and once you do, a glance is all it takes to verify and select a function.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The front seats are set low, so you'll have to settle onto the side bolster and then slide in. The roofline slopes downward, so even passengers of moderate height might need to duck to get into the back.

Driving position

8.0

The Mazda 3 has a pleasing driving position because the broad, flat dash and hood give a commanding view ahead. The driver's seat is positioned well and readily adjustable. Our tallest driver wished for a bit more telescoping range from the steering wheel, but it was a minor point.

Roominess

7.0

The front seating area delivers a fair amount of leg, head and shoulder space, and the broad, expansive dashboard styling further enhances that spacious sensation. But rear legroom and headroom are below average, so the rear seating area can feel snug if the front-seat occupants slide their seats back.

Visibility

7.0

Mazda's 3 provides decent visibility to the front and sides. Direct rear and rear-quarter visibility is limited by the sloping roofline, high rear deck and thick rear pillars. Thankfully, the 3 comes equipped with a blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera as standard equipment.

Quality

9.0

Craftsmanship is solid in the Mazda 3. The panel gaps are tight, the controls feel solid, and the materials are of high-quality. The chrome accent that adorns the dash is a nice touch. And with the elimination of the touchscreen, there are no fingerprints around the screen area.

Utility

7.0

While we can't say the Mazda 3 is an exceptionally utilitarian sedan, its capacity and usability are at least average for the segment. And while it is easy to fit car seats in the back, bigger ones may impinge on front occupants simply because the Mazda 3 doesn't have a lot of rear legroom.

Small-item storage

7.0

The doors have average-size pockets that can easily hold a typical water bottle. The center console is shallow but somewhat broad, and there is a small bin to the left of the steering wheel. Another cubby sits ahead of the shifter, and it is big enough for a larger smartphone. Only the passenger-side rear seatback is equipped with a pocket.

Cargo space

6.5

With only 13.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Mazda 3 trails slightly behind the class leaders. It does offer a wide loading area, and the trunk is deep. But the wheelwells intrude and pinch down the width from each side. In all, it's still quite useful, and the rear seatbacks do fold down in a 60/40-split.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

The car seat anchors are easy to find and clearly marked in each of the outboard rear seat positions. But larger rear-facing car seats are more apt to encroach on front-passenger space because the Mazda 3's rear legroom isn't as generous as that of its main rivals.

Technology

7.0

The 3 offers a strong suite of active safety gear, but it's not standard on all versions. The audio system sounds great, and the 8.8-inch infotainment screen looks vibrant and works well with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And while we do like the single-knob controller, the lack of touchscreen functionality ultimately limits what the system can do.

Audio & navigation

8.0

The audio system in the Mazda 3 is quite good — very clear with no distortion even in higher volumes. The navigation system is straightforward, has a good feature set, and gives especially clear directions if you opt for a model with the head-up display.

Smartphone integration

6.5

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard on the Mazda 3. The single-knob controller is easy and intuitive to use on either platform, but the lack of touchscreen functionality negates some of the usefulness. During testing, we had connection issues with an Android Auto device.

Driver aids

7.5

The Mazda 3's comprehensive suite of active safety gear is standard on all but the base model. You get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beam control, and lane keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control holds speed well but can stop abruptly when it's not strictly necessary in traffic.

Voice control

6.5

The subpar voice recognition system requires exact syntax. Navigation requires the complete address, category search only seems to work with gas stops and restaurants, and the number of points of interest is limited. Thankfully, smartphone voice controls integrate seamlessly and can be activated by holding the voice button longer.

Compare 2019 Mazda 3 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Mazda 3 models

The 2019 Mazda 3 is a small sedan or hatchback sold in a small number of trims, which Mazda now calls "packages." The base model sedan is very lightly equipped, but the Select package adds quite a bit of equipment at a reasonable cost. Base hatchbacks include the Select package. The Preferred package adds heated seats and a kicking sound system, while the top-level Premium package adds a sunroof and leather upholstery, among other upgrades. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all versions except the base sedan.

Every Mazda 3 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 horsepower, 186 pound-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is optional on the front-wheel-drive hatchback with the Premium package.

The base Mazda 3 sedan comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights and daytime running lights), a rearview camera, push-button start, a driver information screen, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, an 8.8-inch central display, Bluetooth, voice commands, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio and two USB ports.

Choosing the Select package adds 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, vinyl door trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, a rear armrest, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additional safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beam control, and lane keeping assist.

The base hatchback is equipped with the contents of the sedan with the Select package, plus a rear roof spoiler and a cargo cover.

Add the Preferred package, and you'll get a power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory functions, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio.

The top-trim Premium package further adds adaptive headlights, a sunroof, a head-up display, leather upholstery, and paddle shifters for models with the automatic transmission. Hatchbacks also receive black-painted wheels.

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Mazda 3 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded in New Jersey.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey

$124/mo

$156/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#15 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda 3 from 2008-2022.}

$386/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.09x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Mazda 3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

34 reviews

5(62%)

4(11%)

3(6%)

2(9%)

1(12%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Brakes keep locking up. Smart Brake System defect

BP, 10/04/2020

2019 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I bought this 2019 Mazda 3 AWD fOr my daughter. The “smart brake system” keeps malfunctioning. Out of nowhere, for no reason, it slams on the brakes until stopped. Picture yourself driving on a highway at highway speeds with no car in front and the car stops short with incredible force. Do you see yourself getting rear ended? It happened before the recall and it continues to happen …

Amazing Value and Style!

Mike, 05/07/2019

2019 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I am throughly impressed with the 2019 Mazda 3 Premium Hatchback. It comes fully loaded with so many safety and tech features, and on top of that, it is extremely luxurious inside. This Mazda is much more luxurious than Mazda vehicles of previous generations. I have owned a BMW, Land Rover, Volvo, Lexus, and a Mercedes, and this vehicle is just as luxurious on the inside as any of …

I got the LEMON!

Natalie, 05/28/2020

2019 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I traded in my 2014 Mazda 3 which I never had any issues with for the 2019 Mazda 3 premium. After 2 weeks the Bluetooth no longer worked , on 2 occasions now the brakes slammed on all on their own almost getting me rear ended and now owning it for only 9 months and 3000 miles - it would not start. The car was parked in my garage and I needed to call to have it towed which wasn't an easy …

European character with Japanese flare

Jay H, 07/04/2019

2019 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I purchased this car for a few reason, it's gorgeous inside and out and it offers AWD. I've always wanted an AWD sedan for the way they handle and for the added traction and stability they offer in the rain, snow or what have you. I did my due diligence and read many reviews as well as watched video reviews on this car so I thought I was well prepared and knew what I was getting. A … good number of the reviews are done by journalists in markets other than the USA so they mention features that are not on my car. I was excited about this car because I wanted Traffic Sign Recognition, 360 degree camera, Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Centering. All are features that are only offered in markets other than the USA and all are described in the owners manual of the car. Needless to say I purchased the car and didn't even realize that these features were not on it. I assumed that the Premium model that I purchased would be fully loaded. Also, the Traffic Sign Recognition only works if you pay an additional $400 for the digital maps needed to activate the GPS system. I found the maps on eBay and bought it for $150, a huge savings. I got lucky and it works just fine. It did add Speed Limit notifications next to my Speedometer but not true Traffic Sign Recognition. The speed limits that it displays are stored as part of the GPS maps, not read by the camera system to be displayed on the fly. I also feel that the GPS maps should be included as standard. This car has been recalled a few times already, one for loose lug nuts and the most recent for the Cylinder Deactivation System which could malfunction and seize the engine. It's a software fix so I'm not overly concerned. Also, I get a warning that the Auto Headlights are malfunctioning if the car sits all day in the hot sun. When I get into the hot car and start it I get the warning message. Mazda is aware of this too but so far no recall to fix the issue. The engine is very smooth and revs willingly. The transmission is probably the fastest shifting automatic that I've ever encountered. It's shifts are silky smooth, precise and always in the right gear. So far fuel economy is nothing special. The trip computer says that I get between 19-22 City and 26 Highway. I'll give it a while longer to see if it improves as the car breaks in. The interior is a bit small but that's fine with me, I'm only 5'8" and I like everything to be within reach.

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2019 Mazda 3 video

2019 Mazda 3 First Look | LA Auto Show

Edmunds Vehicle Testing Manager Jonathan Elfalan is at the reveal of the all-new Mazda 3 for 2019. The Mazda 3 competes in the compact-car segment alongside cars such as the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Golf and comes in sedan and hatchback configurations. The current 2018 model has been around since 2014, so the Mazda 3 was due for an update to stay competitive with an…

2019 3 Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$124/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 3 models:

Smart Brake Support: Warns you if you are rapidly approaching a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Can apply the brakes to reduce the severity of a collision.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-selected distance between the Mazda 3 and the car in front.
Lane Departure Warning System: Alerts the driver if the Mazda 3 begins wandering outside its lane.

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