I’ll say it again, I drive all the cars. From luxury SUVs to monster trucks, and affordable, entry-level sedans. After a week with the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback, I felt relaxed, comfortable, and entertained. It’s an athletic and convenient option for daily commutes. 

The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback excels with comfort and refinement 

Now, I have to warn y’all that Mazda marches to the beat of its own drum. That can be a bonus or drawback for drivers as the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback doesn’t have a touchscreen or high-tech upgrades. 

However, despite feeling a bit dated and behind the curve, it makes up for the difference with an engaging performance and upscale personality. 

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque may seem lackluster. It helps the tiny Mazda accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which is adequate. It’s faster than the Toyota RAV4. 

But if you want more speed go for the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. 

It doesn’t hesitate to get off the line with smooth transmission shifts. Plus, it has responsive steering, confident handling, and confident brakes. 

The Mazda3 can spice up the daily routine with excellent cornering and limited body roll, but it can also provide a low-effort, relaxing experience. Seriously, with its tight turning radius and agile performance, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver in tight city areas. 

I drove through sleet, ice, and snow with ease. The AWD system is incredibly intelligent and stable with tons of control. 

It has a slightly stiff ride but absorbs impacts well. The interior is pretty quiet at highway speeds aside from an occasional engine roar that’s not loud enough to be a bother. 

The front seats are large and well-padded for hours of comfort. However, the bottom padding is a bit flat after a couple of hours of road-tripping. In the back, two people around 5’1” can fit comfortably without fuss. 

While the interior is a bit tight with a lack of storage solutions, it’s well-planned. All of the buttons you need are placed within reach and there are limited distractions to keep your eyes on the road. 

It has a premium feeling with high-quality materials and attractive leather-wrapped surfaces. The elegance covers the lack of a touchscreen and digital gauge cluster quite well. 

Some folks may enjoy the simple electronics as the infotainment screen is easily controlled with a rotary dial. Confusion is kept at bay as menus and settings are straightforward. However, the reverse camera and 360-degree display are a bit small and could use a better resolution. 

The Nissan Sentra and Volkswagen Jetta feel a bit cheap in comparison. It might be worth considering the Toyota GR Corolla or Hyundai Elantra if you want more cargo space. 

Overall, the 2025 Mazda3 could use a few updates, but it has a premium and engaging personality. It’s comfortable and capable with various modes to fit various moods. It’s still a solid class leader despite not receiving any major updates since 2019.