This week I bring you the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback. Currently in its fourth-generation, both the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan were last redesigned in 2019 with no official word on timing for a new generation. For 2025, the lineup gets a few, albeit nice, upgrades for 2025 including new available Alexa Built-in, an available enhanced navigation feature called Mazda Online Navigation, and a new entry-level package for the Hatchback. My test model is the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus with standard all-wheel drive.
Exterior
The Mazda3 hatchback's sleek silhouette makes it stand out on the road. It's modern and distinctive. My test vehicle wears a premium paint hue - Snowflake White Pearl - and rides on 18-inch aluminum alloy black metallic finish wheels.
Other gloss black aerodynamic accents distinguish the Turbo Premium Plus. They include a black finish front grill, black finish rear roof spoiler, a black aero rear roof spoiler and a black front air dam.
There are LED headlights and tail lights, plus new for 2025 the Premium Plus model gains an adaptive front lighting system. Other exterior features include front and rear signature illumination and black heated and power side mirrors.
Performance
A 2.5-liter Turbo engine delivers up to 250 horsepower and up to 320 pound-feet of torque when using Premium fuel. Filling up with regular drops it to 227 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission features sport and manual modes along with paddle shifters. Turbo models are equipped with all-wheel drive.
Interior
A sporty dark red and black interior greets you. The refined, near-luxury interior is meticulously crafted right down to the non-contrast stitching. The driver-centric cabin has an open feel to it thanks to the pushed-forward soft-touch multi-tiered dash. Door panels are soft touch, too, with terrific looking Bose aluminum speakers.
An 8-way power leather-trimmed sport driver seat is inviting and a perfect combination of supportive and cushiony. The front seats and steering wheel are heated in this trim. The leather on the silver-trimmed steering wheel is very smooth. A 7-inch center digital driver display is flanked by analog dials.
Center dash, the Premium Plus model enjoys a 10.25-inch center display with touchscreen functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I've never loved Mazda's infotainment system, Mazda Connect, as I find it cumbersome to use, but Mazda's kept it in its newest SUV models, so it's here to stay it seems. It does add Amazon Alexa, however. The Premium Plus also benefits from new Mazda Online Navigation technology that allows for over-the-air updates
The center stack is where you find traditional climate controls for the A/C, seats and steering wheel. A slim center console hosts a traditional leather-wrapped gear shift knob, drive mode select, the multi-function command knob, a wireless charger and two cup holders. The front center sliding armrest is nice and cushiony.
The red leather extends to the 60/40 split and folding back seat where passengers enjoy a drop-down center armrest with cupholders. But they don't get a ton of window real estate due to the overall design. Thank goodness for a power sunroof. There's not much headroom, either, due to the low height of the hatchback and stadium seating. So this is not a good choice for if you are carrying passengers who are tall.
The hatchback design lends itself to nice cargo pace and a built-in cargo cover hides your valuables.
Other standard Premium Plus features include dual zone climate, a 12-speaker Bose Sound system, 2 USB-C ports, HD Radio, an electronic parking brake and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Ride and Drive
Mazda's distinctive driving dynamics have won it many loyal fans over the years, myself included. Equipped with G Vectoring Control Plus, the Mazda3 delivers on expectations with its responsive steering and tight handling, making it an immensely fun hatchback to drive. Horsepower is excellent and acceleration feels great (premium fuel is used for the best performance.) I even admittedly like the performance of the 6-speed auto transmission. Note, however, it's low stance with just 5.5 inches of ground clearance.
Safety
The Premium Plus trim features standard i-Activsense safety features plus adds Traffic Jam Assist, 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, Smart Brake Support-Reverse and Smart Brake Support-Rear Crossing, Active Driving Display, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Options and What You'll Pay
As loaded as this top model is, there are two options. The special paint hue is $450 (up from $395 in 2023) and a stainless steel rear bumper guard adds on $135. This brings the total with destination to just shy of $39,000. The price has gone up a couple grand from 2023 when I reviewed a similarly equipped model that ran $36,895 as equipped.
Verdict
Mazda gave the Mazda3 some nice available tech updates for 2025. If you're looking for a every day fun-to-drive hatchback with sporty driving dynamics - the Mazda3 Hatchback won't disappoint.
- What I Liked Most: Driving characteristics, red leather-trimmed seats.
- What I would change: Not a fan of the keyless remote panic button on the key fob - too easy to set the alarm off. Also needs auto emergency braking if you forget to put it in park and get out.
- MSRP: Base Price: $36,950; Total MSRP $38,720 with transportation.
- Official Color: Snowflake White Pearl ($450).
- Fuel Economy: 23 city/31 highway/26 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested:: 969 miles.
- Weight: 3,397 pounds.
- Spare tire: Temporary.
- Length-Width-Height: 175.6” long/70.7" wide/56.7" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.7 gallons with the filler on the passenger side. (Premium fuel recommended.)
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback Premium Plus: A fun to drive hatchback with some nice tech and safety updates for 2025.
- Warranty: 3-year, 36,000-mile overall warranty; 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain protection.
- Final Assembly Location: Hofu, Japan.
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Manufacturer's website: Mazda
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