2024 Mazda Mazda3

Pros: Gorgeous design; fun to drive; upscale interior; powerful engines; available all-wheel drive Cons: Below-average fuel economy; tight rear seat; no high-performance variant; infotainment system won't be for everyone Over the last decade, almost every type of vehicle has seen significant improvements across the board, and this applies to economy cars as much as it does to luxury SUVs. The Mazda3 is one such example that has raised expectations for its very competitive class. It benefits from attractive styling, a noticeably sportier feel from behind the wheel and an interior that is much nicer than its price suggests. The 2024 Mazda3 is offered as either a sedan or a hatchback and can be had with a relatively potent base engine or a more inspiring turbocharged upgrade. Unlike many of its rivals, it's also available with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, though the stick shift is only available in one non-turbo model. These make the Mazda3 a great pick for drivers seeking more engagement and performance, without stepping up to more specialized performance models such as the Honda Civic Type R or Toyota GR Corolla.  The Mazda3 was last redesigned in 2019, but updates over the years have kept it not just competitive, but desirable among newer competitors. This year, it gains a handful of upgrades, including a new infotainment system for the top Turbo models. Even without these improvements, the 2024 Mazda 3 would continue to be an excellent pick against the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla. Except for perhaps the Civic, the Mazda feels as though it over-delivers with its overall excellence. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2024? Blind-spot monitoring is now standard for all models. The Mazda3 Turbo models now come with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and are eligible for the Carbon appearance trim package. The 2.5 S Carbon model also adds all-wheel drive as standard. What are the Mazda3's interior and in-car technology like? The interior quite simply makes you go "wow." A Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra, which are actually quite nice, look and feel like they should cost substantially less – especially when comparing top trim levels. Whatever trim level of Mazda3 you’re considering, however, the key to its wow factor is how Mazda’s design removes visual clutter by reducing switchgear and effectively hiding air vents and door handles. It just looks special. Honda gets close with the new Civic, but the Mazda3’s interior is still nicer. It's also functional. The steering wheel, which looks sensational, is an absolute treat to hold. There's considerable center console space, and Mazda's tech interface, which had lagged behind its competition due to key usability issues, has been cleaned up. Those models with the base engine come with an 8.8-inch infotainment display (not a touchscreen) that is controlled …
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