2023 Mazda3 Hatchback

The 2023 Mazda3 hatchback has seven trim levels: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Turbo, and Turbo Premium Plus. It's also available as a sedan, carrying the same trims. The 2.5S comes with LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Select adds 18-inch wheels and the Preferred adds a power moonroof, gloss-black grille, and memory side mirrors. The Carbon edition adds Polymetal Gray and gloss-black exterior features. The Premium adds LED signature and adaptive front lighting. The Turbo trims push the Mazda3's style and speed to the limit, with the Turbo Premium Plus adding every top-level luxury feature as well. At the top of the trim level list, the Turbo Premium Plus adds a rear roof spoiler and front air dams on hatchbacks, unlike sedans, which get a rear lip spoiler.

The standard engine for the 2023 Mazda3 Hatchback is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged engine of the same size outputs 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using premium 93 gasoline. All-wheel drive or front-wheel drive are optional with the standard engine, and turbocharged models always come in all-wheel drive.

It should be no surprise that the Mazda3 is a thrilling ride. The suspension, handling, steering, and more are attuned for an experienced, performance-minded driver. New drivers will find it accessible and comfortable as well, particularly with the automatic transmission. The standard engine is also impressively efficient, earning up to 31 combined city/highway mpg, but turbocharged engines earn a still-great 27 combined mpg. Keep an eye out for the Carbon Edition, the lowest-priced trim level with all-wheel drive included, or find the Premium model to try the six-speed manual.

If one word could sum up the Mazda3 Hatchback's interior, it would be upscale. Push-button start comes included, along with eight audio speakers, two USB ports, black cloth seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Select adds dual-zone automatic climate control, black leatherette seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear armrest. The Preferred has alternative leatherette seat colors and heated front seats. The Carbon Edition, Premium, or Turbo Premium Plus add 12 Bose audio speakers, while the latter two also add leather seating, paddle shifters, an Active Driving head-up display, and more.

The 2023 Mazds3 Hatchback comes with iActivesense, a safety suite with automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, automatic high beams, and lane keep assist. The Select adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and side mirror turn signals. The top-level Premium Plus is packed with advanced safety equipment, including both front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree surround camera, traffic jam and traffic sign assist, and reverse automatic emergency braking.