• Mazda cut the price of the sedan and hatchback by $200
• The pricing strategy keeps it competitive with other entry-level cars
• 2025 Mazda 3 hatchback arrives this summer, followed by the sedan in the fall

Mazda cut the price of the Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatchback by $200, the brand disclosed last week. That brings the starting price down to $25,135, including a higher destination fee from last year of $1,185. Higher trims have a price increase of about $200 or so. 

While Mazda streamlines the 2025 trim lines, the only content changes are the addition of Alexa Built-in voice commands on higher models as well as a navigation system with over-the-air updates. The hatchback arrives this summer with a $1,000-$1,350 upcharge (depending on trim level) over the sedan, which goes on sale this fall.

The Mazda 3 hasn’t been redesigned since 2020, so it’s either due for an update or a departure from the U.S. market in the near future. 

The price cut is a welcome reversal from the 2024 Mazda 3 price increase of $1,620 that made the entry-level model significantly more expensive than the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. As Mazda pushes into the premium segment with new products such as the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and related 2024 Mazda CX-90 crossover SUVs, it still sees value in offering a value to customers with the Mazda 3. 

It’s now priced $210 less than the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic, but the 2024 Hyundai Elantra remains the price leader in the segment with a starting price of $22,775.

Hyundai and Honda offer their entry-level cars with a hybrid option, as does Toyota with the Corolla, but Mazda sticks with the same two engine choices this year. Mazda 3 2.5 S models use a 2.5-liter inline-4 making 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels, except on the Premium grade that swaps in a 6-speed manual on hatchback models only. All-wheel drive is limited to Carbon and 2.5 Turbo models. 

Turbo models use a 2.5-liter turbo-4 that generates 227 hp and 310 lb-ft (250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel). 

Standard driver-assist tech includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, a rear seat alert, and automatic high beams. Standard convenience features include cloth upholstery, 16-inch wheels, keyless start, and a convoluted 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2.5 S Select Sport costs $26,675 ($1,300 more for the hatchback) this year. It upgrades to 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and has synthetic leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and keyless entry.

The 2.5 S Preferred runs from $27,525 for the sedan to $28,875 for the hatchback. Standard features include a sunroof, synthetic leather, heated front seats, and a power driver seat.

The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S Carbon Edition has standard all-wheel drive and costs $30,595 for the sedan or $1,150 more for the hatch. 

The 2.5 S Premium only comes with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual and only as a hatchback, and costs $31,835. 

The 2.5 Turbo models start with the 2.5 Carbon Turbo model with standard all-wheel drive and a price of $33,285 for the sedan; the hatchback is $1,150 more. Black trim elements complement 18-inch black metallic wheels on the outside, and the inside features a 10.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless smartphone charging.

The top-of-the line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs $36,985 for the sedan and $1,150 more for the hatchback. Standard features include a Bose 12-speaker sound system, a surround-view camera system, rear parking sensors, navigation, and traffic sign recognition.