The competition in the compact sedan segment isn’t as fierce as it once was, but the 2025 Mazda3 Sedan is still at the top of the class, with an offer that rivals struggle to match. If you’re shopping for a compact car in Martinsville, Stanleytown, Danville, Rocky Mount, or Greensboro, you could easily be forgiven for mistaking the Mazda3 for a premium model. Despite its affordability and mainstream classification, the Mazda3 Sedan looks and feels decidedly premium.
If you like to have lots of options when you’ve decided which car to buy but not the trim level, you’ll love the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan. There are six versions to choose from, which is quite a few for a small car these days. The first model in the family is the 2.5 S, which is even more affordable this year than last year. However, most shoppers will start with the 2.5 S Select Sport or one of the higher models. After the 2.5 S Select Sport, there’s the 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, and the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
There is a choice of engine for the 2025 Mazda3 Sedan, and neither disappoints. The engines are split between the trim levels, with the first four trims getting the naturally aspirated four-cylinder and the top two trims featuring a turbo-four. The non-turbo powerplant is a 2.5-liter four-pot that produces a more-than-competent 191 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. The alternative is a 2.5-liter turbo-four, bringing an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque to the party. The power is usually sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The exceptions are the 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, and range-topping 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus models. They are exceptions because they all get Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD as part of their standard specification. And that certainly sets the Mazda3 Sedan apart from almost all the competition.
Front-drive models return fuel economy of up to 27 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. AWD models are not far behind with 23/32/27 mpg, respectively. The outlier is the 2.5 S Carbon Edition. That’s because it’s the only model with AWD that doesn’t have the turbo-four and is therefore rated at 26//35/30 mpg for city/highway/combined driving cycles.
The 2025 Mazda3 Sedan lineup offers six models with specifications to suit most tastes and budgets. The seats are supportive and comfortable across the lineup, and the quality of materials and the way the interior is put together never fail to impress. Most shoppers will skip the base models and start with the 2.5 S Select Sport or higher. The 2.5 S Carbon Edition looks like the sweet spot for value with an extensive list of standard equipment and AWD without the extra cost of the more powerful engine. However, the specification is superb if your budget runs to the Carbon Edition or higher. Standard features include leather upholstery, an eight or 12-speaker audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The 2025 Mazda3 Sedan is a stylishly premium compact car with a lot to shout about. It looks great, drives superbly, and can represent seriously good value. Of course, the option of AWD is a real ace up the sleeve of the Mazda3 Sedan. Discover the Mazda3 for yourself with a test drive from Nelson Mazda at 201 Commonwealth Boulevard W, Martinsville, Virginia, or call us at (276) 638-2331 to book an appointment that fits your schedule.
