Mazda3 Hatchback Trim Level Breakdown

Mazda builds one of the few compact hatchbacks that actually makes you want to take the long way home. With six trims, two engines, and the option of a six-speed manual, the Mazda3 Hatchback gives buyers a surprising amount of choice in a segment where most competitors keep things simple.

• The Mazda3 Hatchback starts at $25,550 MSRP and tops out at $37,890 for the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive model.
• Six trims are offered, including a hatchback-only manual transmission option on the 2.5 S Premium.
• All-wheel drive comes standard on the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus trims.

Mazda3 Hatchback Trim Levels at a Glance

Knowing the full spread of Mazda3 Hatchback trim levels helps you zero in on what matters most, whether that’s keeping costs down, grabbing all-wheel drive, or getting behind that turbo engine.

MSRP excludes taxes, title, license fees, and $1,235 destination charge.

From the Base 2.5 S to the Select Sport and Preferred

Mazda doesn’t skimp on the entry-level hatchback. The 2.5 S includes LED headlights, an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics system that replaces the six-speaker setup from earlier models, and the full i-Activsense safety suite with radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and Smart Brake Support.

Spending about $1,200 more on the Select Sport adds 18-inch black alloy wheels, leatherette seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and Alexa Built-in voice commands. The Preferred pushes further with a power moonroof, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver seat with memory. If you share driving duties, that memory feature alone makes the Preferred worth a serious look.

Carbon Edition and the Manual-Equipped Premium

Mazda’s Carbon Edition brings i-Activ all-wheel drive into the mix, along with a red leather interior, wireless phone charging, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bose 12-speaker audio. Three exterior colors are available, including the eye-catching Polymetal Gray Metallic.

The 2.5 S Premium exists only as a hatchback and is the sole Mazda3 you can get with a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. It also includes leather seats, the Bose audio system, a windshield-projected Active Driving Display, and Adaptive Front-lighting. Manual transmission fans don’t have many new-car options left, and this is one of the better ones still on the market.

Going All In on the Turbo

At the top of the range, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus packs 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, paired exclusively with the six-speed automatic, paddle shifters, and standard AWD. The infotainment display grows to 10.25 inches with touchscreen capability, and you’ll also find a 360-degree View Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, and Cruising and Traffic Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Mazda3 Hatchback come with all-wheel drive?

Only on certain trims. The Carbon Edition and the Turbo Premium Plus both include i-Activ AWD as standard. The other four trims are front-wheel drive only.

Which Mazda3 Hatchback has a manual transmission?

Only the 2.5 S Premium offers the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual. It’s hatchback-only and pairs with front-wheel drive.

What kind of fuel economy does the Mazda3 Hatchback get?

EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from 23 to 26 MPG city and 31 to 34 MPG highway depending on the trim, drivetrain, and engine. Front-wheel-drive 2.5 S models sit at the more fuel-friendly end, while the turbo AWD model uses a bit more.

How much cargo space does it have?

About 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold those seats down and you’ll open up considerably more room for larger items.

Is the Mazda3 Hatchback safe?

It has earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. Every trim comes with standard safety tech like Smart Brake Support, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and radar cruise control.

What changed from earlier Mazda3 Hatchback models?

Mazda bumped the standard audio from six speakers to eight with the Mazda Harmonic Acoustics system for the current model. The Carbon Turbo trim has been discontinued, and the non-turbo engine lost its cylinder deactivation and stop-start system, dropping combined fuel economy by about 1 MPG across the board.

See the Mazda3 Hatchback Lineup in Indianapolis

Specs and trim charts can only tell you so much. At Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda, we encourage you to come see the Mazda3 Hatchback in person and get behind the wheel. Our team knows the lineup inside and out, and we’re happy to walk you through the differences between trims, set up a test drive, and help you figure out whether the turbo or the manual is right for you. We also have financing options to fit a range of budgets, and our Mazda-certified service team is here for you long after you drive it home. Stop by our Indianapolis showroom or browse our current inventory.