Mazda’s compact hatchback is one of the few cars that still offer a manual transmission.

The Mazda 3 has long been celebrated as compelling and sporty among compact cars, and the 2025 Mazda 3 hatchback with the available manual transmission pushes those qualities to new heights. This lively hatch delivers pure driving joy, blending razor-sharp handling with a dash of elegance that feels a league above its class. With its bold design and engaging personality, the Mazda 3 hatchback is an easy standout.

Hatchbacks might not dominate the roads like they once did, and competition in the segment has thinned out, but the Mazda 3 hatchback refuses to fade into the background. Even with its entry-level, naturally aspirated engine, it continues to shine. We spent a couple of weeks getting reacquainted with Mazda’s compact gem, diving into its updated in-car technology and rediscovering the driving dynamics that make it such a joy to experience.

Engaged and on Point

As familiar as the MotorTrend team is with the Mazda 3 hatchback, my connection to it goes far beyond the professional. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I leased a 2014 Mazda 3 hatchback with a six-speed manual—in eye-catching Soul Red paint—that quickly became more than just a car. It was my companion on dates, my moving vehicle when I upgraded to a new apartment, and my classroom when I taught my brother how to drive stick. Over three years, it became woven into the fabric of my life.

As I settled into my role at MotorTrend and began driving press cars, my trusty Mazda often sat parked, lending its wheels to friends or family visiting L.A. When the lease ended, I was relieved to let go of a car payment but unexpectedly heartbroken to say goodbye to a car that had been with me through so much.

The current-generation Mazda 3 feels like a complete reinvention of the car I leased years ago—so much so that it’s practically a new car. The hatchback tested here is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine delivering a solid 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission—a rare and delightful find these days—it adds an extra layer of engagement that’s becoming increasingly scarce.

Notably, the manual option is exclusive to the 2.5 S Premium trim, with the rest of the lineup sticking to automatics. Despite being the base engine, this 2.5-liter hustles the Mazda 3 from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, proving that even entry-level performance can be plenty spirited.

Out on the road, the Mazda 3 comes alive with an engaging character. The manual transmission enhances the driving experience, letting you tap into the engine’s torque with each satisfying gear change. The clutch provides a precise bite point, and the shifter’s short, crisp throws make every shift a joy.

The suspension strikes an impressive balance—smoothly soaking up road imperfections yet maintaining a sporty, connected feel. Even though the ride leans toward comfort, the responsive chassis, punchy engine, taut steering, and the thrill of rowing your own gears creates a driving experience that’s genuinely fun and full of personality.

Sure, its 0–60-mph time won’t drop any jaws, but the Mazda 3 isn’t about sheer numbers—it’s about the thrill of driving. And you can’t get a stick shift in any of its direct competitors anymore; the mainstream Honda Civic hatchback, for example, is automatic only from 2025 onward; same goes for the more powerful Volkswagen Golf GTI, while the Toyota Corolla hatch is also auto only. For anyone seeking a lively, engaging, practical ride that won’t break the bank, this hatchback is a standout choice.

Inside

Although the current-generation Mazda 3 boasts updates to its powertrain, the cabin design represents a complete transformation. Mazda’s push toward premium refinement is unmistakable, and the 3’s interior feels a cut above rivals like the Honda Civic Hatchback or even the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The dashboard exudes sophistication with its clean, elegant design, elevated further by the generous use of leather that wraps across much of its surface. The infotainment screen, though positioned out of arm’s reach, contributes to a sense of openness in the cabin, leaving ample space for the intuitive and well-organized climate controls. It’s a plush, thoughtfully designed interior that elevates the experience.

Even though the Mazda 3’s cabin impresses with its premium appearance, there are a few areas where the materials fall short of expectations. The piano black finish on the center console is prone to smudges and scratches, and the plastic used for the volume and infotainment knobs feels less substantial than we’d like. Additionally, some sections of the door panels feature hard plastics that detract from the otherwise upscale ambiance. Still, these are minor blemishes in an interior that, on the whole, is more premium and thoughtfully designed than most competitors in its class.

The Mazda 3’s cabin is compact, too, particularly for back-seat passengers. Legroom is a squeeze for adults of any size, especially those 6 feet or taller, and headroom, while adequate for the average adult, feels a bit snug. However, one of the biggest perks of a hatchback is its versatility, and the Mazda 3 excels in this area. With the rear seats folded flat, the interior transforms into a surprisingly spacious cargo zone. We easily fit an 8-foot surfboard, and those folding seats provide plenty of room for those occasional hauling needs, making the Mazda 3 as practical as it is fun to drive.

Mazda’s infotainment system has received mixed reviews in the past, but our experience in the Mazda 3 was largely positive. Sure, the system requires a bit of initial setup to program your favorite radio stations, but once they’re in place, switching between them and navigating the system’s settings is a breeze. As with most modern cars, the Mazda 3 comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connecting to either was smooth and effortless. Once everything’s set up, the system works seamlessly.

Overall, the Mazda 3’s cabin is a marked leap forward from where it was just a few years ago, and it stands out even more when compared to its competition. The interior feels more akin to a luxury car than a typical mainstream model, with a level of refinement that sets it apart. The quality of materials throughout is noticeably superior to what we usually find in its rivals, making the Mazda 3’s cabin not just comfortable, but a true standout in its class. It’s a clear signal that Mazda is serious about pushing the boundaries of what a compact car can offer.

Should I Buy a Mazda 3?

Priced at $31,835 to start, the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback delivers impressive value, offering near-luxury materials in its cabin alongside a truly fun-to-drive experience. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but the manual transmission injects a sense of playfulness that perfectly complements its premium touches. It’s a well-rounded package that combines driving excitement with upscale comfort, making it a standout in its class for anyone seeking a blend of performance and refinement without the hefty price tag.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Mazda now offers embedded Alexa technology on all Mazda 3s except for the entry-level model. An 8.8-inch infotainment display is standard and looks even larger than it is, thanks to a nicely designed bezel that floats between two pillow-like dash pads. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard. A larger, 10.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on Turbo models.

With either screen, the infotainment interface is easy to use and controlled by a console-mounted rotary knob, although the larger display permits both touch and dial-based operation. A 12-speaker Bose stereo system is standard on Premium and Turbo Premium Plus models, and optional elsewhere. SiriusXM satellite radio is also optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every model also boasts a bevy of standard driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. For more information about the Mazda 3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mazda covers the 3 sedan and hatchback with a conventional warranty plan that can’t compete with Hyundai and Kia’s lengthy 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Toyota is the only competitor to offer complimentary scheduled maintenance in this segment.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance