Since its debut in 2003, the Mazda3 has brought a level of refinement and sophistication that simply was not found in the non-luxury compact class of cars. That has not changed across the model’s four design generations of sedans and hatchbacks. In fact, in J.D. Power’s review of the 2026 Mazda3, the first line declares that “the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 is one of the best small cars money can buy.” This Team Gillman Mazda blog explains why the editors think that.

J.D. Power tested an S Premium Mazda3 hatchback, optioned only with the Polymetal Gray exterior paint and a stainless-steel rear bumper protector. The MSRP for the model was $33,415, which includes the destination charge. They note that when this fourth-generation model first went on sale, it won the 2020 World Car Design of the Year award and finished a close second in the World Car of the Year. It is a testament to its world-winning design that the model still looks fresh, or, in their words, “remains upscale and sophisticated for the entry-level car segment.”

They go on to say that the same applies to the interior, particularly if you opt for one of the attractive two-tone color combinations. The dash reflects Mazda’s “Driving Matter” tagline in several ways. In front of the driver is a lean three-spoke steering wheel, with clear analog gauges behind. The standard 8.8-inch and available 10.25-inch screens don’t dominate but blend well with the dash. “The Mazda3's control layout is excellent,” says J.D. Power.

The screen’s functionality is unique and reflects Mazda’s wariness of touchscreen use while driving. They believe that while driving, operating the screen through a multi-function control on the dash is both more comfortable (because there is no reaching involved) and requires less eye deviation from the road. Mazda notes that most of our daily computer work is not done on touchscreens either. The screens accommodate this type of interface. Mazda has recognized that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces are designed specifically for touchscreen use, and thus the touchscreen is operable on the road when those are in use.

Like most Mazda3 models, the J.D. Power tester had a 2.5-liter inline-4 producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and it moves the car in a linear, fairly stress-free manner. While all-wheel drive is available, their tester had front-wheel drive, which is rated 26 (city)/36 (highway)/30 (combined) mpg. That is pretty impressive for 2.5 liters of displacement and is largely due to Mazda’s “Skyactive” technology, which enables a higher-than-usual compression ratio. Those figures are from when the engine is paired with the 5-speed automatic.

For driving purists, the S Premium hatchback is available with a 6-speed manual featuring Mazda’s legendary shift linkage. J.D. Power’s tester was so equipped, and this is what they had to say: “It took me a bit of time to get used to the car's clutch, but the manual gearbox glides fluidly through the gears and is a delight to use. The engine revs smoothly and is so quiet that it is easy to forget to upshift at highway speeds.”

The automatic shifts more efficiently than people do, so the mileage for three-pedal cars is 25/34/28 mpg. All-wheel drive, which is only available with the automatic, is rated at 23/32/27 mpg for the sedan and 23/31/26 mpg for the hatchback. There is a turbocharged version of this engine for this model line that produces 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. Fed premium fuel, the timing is advanced, and the engine produces 250 hp and 320 lb-ft, which pretty much makes it a muscle car for this class.

When this generation of Mazda3 was first revealed, Mazda shocked the automotive press by fitting its class-leading handler with a torsion-beam rear suspension. Mazda’s reply was simply, “drive it.” Sure enough, most agreed that Mazda’s chassis engineers had managed to tune out what J.D. Power called the “egregiously deleterious effects of the design.” Add “faithful brakes and rewarding steering,” along with Mazda’s unique G-Vectoring control Plus system (which subtly applies brakes individually to enhance cornering), and this makes the car “mildly hot hatch, tossable and trustworthy when hustling it on a favorite back road.”

In fact, as J.D. Power summarizes its review: “It is simply a fun car to drive, regardless of engine, transmission, or drivetrain. That trait, wrapped in an appealing design detailed with quality materials, makes this small Mazda look and feel anything but entry-level.”

The Mazda offers fun, sophistication, and utility in a hatchback, plus the traction benefits of AWD, to the point that this mildly hot hatch calls into question the need for a small SUV. Of course, Mazda offers one of those as well, on the same platform and with many of the Mazda3’s attributes. Visit Team Gillman Mazda on I-45, just north of 1960, and test drive them both.