The company reduced the cost of the Mazda 3 compact car models by $200, the auto maker announced recently. This adjustment lowers the base cost to $25,135, which now incorporates a destination charge of $1,185, an increase from the previous year. Higher-tiered versions of the car saw a price surge of approximately $200.
As Mazda simplifies the trim options for 2025, the only additions to the features include Alexa Built-in for voice commands on premium models and an updated navigation system capable of remote enhancements. The hatchback model will hit the market this summer costing an extra $1,000-$1,350 (depending on the model) compared to the sedan, which will be available in the autumn season.
With no major overhaul since 2020, the Mazda 3 is poised for either a significant update or could potentially be phased out from the U.S. market soon.
The slash in price is a refreshing change from the 2024 version, where the Mazda 3’s starting cost soared by $1,620, making it notably pricier than competitors like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. Even as Mazda transitions to more upscale offerings with the debut of vehicles like the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and its counterpart, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 crossover SUVs, the company still acknowledges the importance of maintaining a competitively priced Mazda 3.
Now listed at $210 below the updated 2025 Honda Civic, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra still takes the lead on affordability in this class with a base price of $22,775.
While manufacturers like Hyundai and Honda present their base models with a hybrid variant, similarly to Toyota’s Corolla, Mazda continues offering the same pair of engine options as before. The Mazda 3 2.5 S models are powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic gearbox conducts power to the front wheels, except for the Premium trim, which offers a 6-speed manual transmission exclusive to hatchback editions. All-wheel drive remains exclusive to the Carbon and 2.5 Turbo editions.
The Turbo editions are equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque (or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel).
Included standard driver-assistance technologies feature automatic emergency halting, adaptive speed control, active steering guidance, side blind zone monitors, a rear occupant notification, and auto-activating high beam lights. Standard amenities encompass fabric covered seats, 16-inch rims, a push button start, and a complicated 8.8-inch interactive display supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
At a price of $26,675 ($1,300 more for the hatchback), the 2.5 S Select Sport edition this year upgrades to 18-inch aluminum-alloy rims and includes synthetic leather-clad seating, a steering wheel and gear selector covered in leather, and no-fuss entry.
The 2.5 S Preferred edition pricing starts at $27,525 for the sedan and ascends to $28,875 for the hatchback. Featured standards incorporate a sunroof, imitation leather, heated seating in the front, and an electronically controlled driver’s seat.
The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S Carbon Edition comes with an all-wheel drive system as a rule and is tagged at $30,595 for the sedan or $1,150 extra for the hatchback version.
Restricted to front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, and available only as a hatchback, the 2.5 S Premium is priced at $31,835.
Pricing for the Turbo models starts with the 2.5 Carbon Turbo version, which includes all-wheel drive as a default and is priced at $33,285 for the sedan; the hatchback demands an additional $1,150. External black trim accents are paired with 18-inch black metallic wheels, while the interior boasts a 10.3-inch display, wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a cordless phone charging option.
The premier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is valued at $36,985 for the sedan, with the hatchback requiring an extra $1,150. Standard provisions include a Bose 12-speaker audio setup, a panoramic camera arrangement, sensors for rear parking, a navigation feature, and the ability to recognize traffic signage.
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