2023 Mazda 3 Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/Holdback

The Mazda3 is an affordable car that feels pretty sophisticated, even though it has a relatively affordable price tag. It has an upscale style and a streamlined look, and it can run on a few different powertrains. When it's equipped with the best engine available, the Mazda3 is really responsive. To make the Mazda3 even more attractive to prospective buyers, the company has given it advanced safety systems and high-tech features.

Changes for the 2022 Model Year

There's now a new trim in the lineup. The Carbon Edition has a unique and bold style. The only other change is that there's a new exterior paint option called Platinum Quartz Metallic.

Mazda3 Versions

The company makes both a sedan and a hatchback version of the Mazda3. The sedan has a typical shape, and its trunk has a volume of 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback provides more storage space, coming with a trunk that has a volume of 20.1 cubic feet. Of course, its rear seatbacks can be lowered so that the hatchback offers considerably more cargo space.

Engine Options

Mazda seems to like giving customers choices. It makes three engines that are compatible with the Mazda3. All of them are four cylinders, and the improvements associated with the enhanced engines are significant.

The first engine is a 2.0-liter version that can generate 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Note that this smaller engine is not available on the hatchback.

The second choice is a 2.5-liter engine that increases horsepower to 186 and torque to 186 pound-feet. Finally, the last option is a 2.5-liter engine that's been given a turbocharger. Because of its enhanced design, it's able to make a much more satisfying 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.

The numbers tell the whole story here. While the base engine is perfectly sufficient, it's far from exciting. The 2.5-liter engine is a better choice for drivers who like the idea of having a bit more power at their disposal, and the turbocharged engine can make driving the Mazda3 a lot more fun.

It's important to mention that the turbo engine is exclusively paired with all-wheel drive. The 2.5-liter version can work with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the smallest engine can only be matched with a front-wheel drivetrain. This may matter to some potential buyers who feel that they need the additional traction that all-wheel drive would give them.

Plus, if any prospective buyer really wants to use a manual transmission, then he/she should stick with the Mazda3 Hatchback Premium. This specific model is the only one that can be set up with a six-speed manual transmission. The others all have six-speed electronically controlled sport automatic transmissions.

Efficiency

Another factor to discuss is fuel economy. The 2.0-liter, as would be expected, does the best in this regard. It has an estimated combined fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon (mpg). The slightly larger 2.5-liter engine (without the turbocharger) has a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg, but if it has all-wheel drive, that numbers drops to 28 mpg. This is just above the 27 mpg combined fuel economy that is associated with the turbo engine.

With the hatchback, the combined fuel economies of each drop by one mile per gallon.

Exterior Features

Mazda does a great job designing cars that look and feel modern. Every Mazda3 has LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED combination taillights. The wipers can turn themselves on if rain is sensed, and they can turn themselves off when not needed. The car and hatchback can ride on 16- or 18-inch wheels, depending on the trim. Many trims have moonroofs, and their side mirrors can be pretty advanced, coming with memory positioning, heating elements, and integrated turn signals.

Interior Features

One of the areas in which buyers focus a lot of their attention is technology. Fortunately, the Mazda3 is very well equipped in this regard. While the base trim of the sedan only has Bluetooth, all of the others have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every Mazda3 features an 8.8-inch center display and can accept voice commands, and many versions of the sedan and hatchback also have SiriusXM, Bose speaker systems, and navigation.

Convenience is another key factor that makes the Mazda3 attractive. Even its most affordable trim has remote keyless entry and push button start, along with small storage compartments and multiple USB ports. Moving up in the lineup will get customers many more benefits. Advanced keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror are some of the available amenities.

The seats in the Mazda3 are supportive. The ones up front can have heating elements, but not ventilation, unfortunately. The steering wheel is also available with a heater built into it. Multiple trims come with leather upholstery to add some elegance to the cabin. Mid-level trims have leatherette seats, which are nice, too.

Safety

The Mazda3 has an excellent safety package. Every trim comes with multiple driver-assist technologies that can watch out for problems, alert drivers to issues, and help take action if necessary. Many trims have blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert, as higher ones feature adaptive cruise control and 360-degree monitors.

The Mazda3 would be a smart choice for anyone who values style, technology, and performance. There are so many options to think about, which is always a good thing.

Note: All Mazda Mazda3 MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.