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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2020 Mazda 3: A Tame Ride with Notes of Luxury
The 2020 Mazda 3 offers a smooth, easy ride but lacks the excitement you’d expect in a sporty compact. Read our full review here.
2020 Mazda3 – news.mazdausa.com | Shop 2020 Mazda3 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Mazda3?
The Mazda3 was fully redesigned in 2019, so the 2020 model doesn’t see many updates other than a full suite of now standard driver-assistance features. In previous models these features were only offered on higher trim levels, but now, every Mazda3 has Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite that includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beams.
If you’re on the fence as to whether to go the new or used route, we map it all out for you in our New vs Used: Mazda3 review.
The Breakdown
Standard safety features
Smooth, comfortable ride
Interior feels upscale
No turbocharged engine option
Cramped backseat
Lack of touchscreen on infotainment system
Mazda should provide an engine that matches its sporty look
2020 Mazda Specs
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- 186 horsepower from base engine
- 186 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 13.2 cu-ft of trunk space
- Back-up camera
- Sedan and hatchback body types
- Push-button start
- 3 year/36,000 limited mile warranty
2020 Mazda3 Powertrain
All 2020 Mazda3 models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trims except for the Premium hatchback, which is offered in a 6-speed manual transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available on all trims except the base.
The Mazda3 doesn’t have the most powerful engine compared to some of its rivals, but it does offer a quiet, refined ride that handles both the straight and curvy roads with finesse and poise. The steering is well-weighted and its tight body control handles turns well while also offering a cushioned ride.
It’s lack of a turbocharged engine option might cause some to look elsewhere to its faster rivals, but installing a turbocharger or supercharger yourself could be a good option if you want the handling that Mazda is known for and find a good used option.
Mazda did hear the cries of its power-hungry drivers and introduced the AWD Mazda3 Turbo in 2021.
2020 Mazda3 Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2020 Mazda3 isn’t the most fuel-efficient car you will find in its class, but some configurations will save you more money at the pump than others. Front-wheel drive models with automatic transmission will save you the most with 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The manual transmission gets 25/29 mpg, while the all-wheel drive models get 25/28 mpg in the sedan and 24/27 mpg in the hatchback.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The Mazda3 doesn’t skimp on style and quality. The cabin feels more like an entry-level luxury car and features a lot of soft-touch surfaces that extend down to knee-level. Its high-quality materials set it apart from other rivals in its class, especially in the lower trim levels. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but taller drivers and passengers may find that the space between the door and the console is a bit tight.
The Mazda3 will seat 5 people, but most adults will be cramped in the rear seats that have only 35.1-inches of legroom compared to 42.3 inches in the front seat. To maximize cargo space, opt for the sedan which has a trunk that is nearly one third deeper than the hatchback’s trunk.
Entertainment & Technology
Mazda has missed the mark on some of its tech and entertainment features on the Mazda3. Unlike most of its competitors, the Mazda3 does not have a touchscreen. Its 8.8-inch infotainment display is controlled with a rotary knob, which some say is difficult to reach while driving. The backup camera is only displayed on about 60 percent of the screen and has static guidelines compared to dynamic lines that are widely available now. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are only available on the upper trims, and both smartphone integrations are optimized for touchscreen technology—another fail for Mazda’s outdated display screen.
Other standard infotainment features include an eight-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, HD radio and two USB ports. Available features include a 12-speaker Bose stereo, satellite radio, navigation, and wireless device charging.
Safety Features
The 2020 Mazda3 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Every model now comes standard with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE camera-based suite of safety features including a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, driver drowsiness monitoring, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Available safety features include head-up display, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
2020 Mazda3 Trims & Pricing
Base – $22,445
The base trim for the Mazda3 comes in either a sedan or hatchback body type. Both come standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, HD radio, an eight-speaker stereo, two USB ports, rain-sensing wipers, and push-button start. They also come equipped with Mazda’s i-ActivSense driver assistance suite that includes lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver drowsiness monitoring, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. The hatchback model also comes with 18-inch wheels and a rear wiper/washer.
Looking for a budget compact car? See Budget Buy $6,000: Kia Forte vs Mazda3.
Select – $23,620
The Mazda3 Select trim only comes as a sedan. In addition to the base trim’s features, the Select adds proximity keyless entry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather seats, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Preferred – $25,120
The Mazda3 Preferred comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Both styles come with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, satellite radio, and a few exterior styling updates.
Premium – $27,420
The Mazda3 Premium is available in both sedan and hatchback. It comes with leather upholstery, a sunroof, head-up display, and adaptive headlights. The Premium hatchback is the only model with the option of a manual transmission.
If dark trim is more your jam, the 2022 Mazda3 adds a Carbon Edition trim that’s worth checking out.
Warranties
The 2020 Mazda3 has a limited warranty that covers 3 years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty that covers 5 years or 60,000 miles. There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.
What we think
2020 Mazda3 – news.mazdausa.com | Shop 2020 Mazda3 on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Mazda3 offers an enjoyable ride but lacks the excitement you would expect from a sporty compact car. With its generous lineup of standard safety features the Mazda3 is a practical choice for getting around town and commuting on the highway as long as you’re not hauling many passengers. The lack of standard tech and entertainment features is disappointing, but its stylish and quality interior keeps this compact contender in the running for us.
