2019 Mazda3 Review: Performance, Features & Pros and Cons

Introduction: The 2019 Mazda3 Redesign

The 2019 Mazda3 brings a fresh new look and a host of exciting features to the compact car market. With the rise of SUVs and crossovers, compact sedans and hatchbacks are often overlooked. However, Mazda has managed to redefine the category by combining sportiness, practicality, and a touch of luxury in this redesigned model. The 2019 Mazda3 stands out for its improved performance, premium interior, and cutting-edge technology. But like any vehicle, it also comes with a few downsides. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key strengths and weaknesses of the 2019 Mazda3 to help you decide if this car is the right choice for you.

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What We Like About the 2019 Mazda3

While the 2019 Mazda3 certainly has its flaws, there are many aspects that stand out as noteworthy. Here’s a closer look at what we love about this vehicle:

1. Stunning Exterior Design

The 2019 Mazda3 catches the eye with its sleek, sophisticated design. The sedan and hatchback variants both benefit from Mazda’s “Kodo” design philosophy, which focuses on creating a dynamic, flowing shape. The aggressive front grille, sharp headlights, and beautifully sculpted body lines give the Mazda3 a sporty yet elegant appeal. The attention to detail is evident, from the intricate taillight design to the flowing contours that enhance the car's aerodynamic performance. Whether you choose the sedan or hatchback, the Mazda3 looks anything but conventional.

2. Smooth and Powerful Engine

The 2019 Mazda3 is equipped with a smooth-revving 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a balanced mix of power and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal option for most drivers. While some may desire even more horsepower, the 2.5-liter engine provides plenty of acceleration and responsiveness for everyday driving. Additionally, there is potential for future performance enhancements, as Mazda may offer a turbocharged version of this engine in higher trims or future models.

3. Excellent Driving Dynamics

True to Mazda’s reputation, the 2019 Mazda3 delivers exceptional handling. The ride is firm yet comfortable, with a well-tuned suspension that keeps things composed on most road surfaces. The steering is precise, providing a direct connection to the road, and the brakes are strong and responsive. Despite moving from an independent rear suspension to a more cost-effective torsion-beam setup, the Mazda3 still handles impressively, especially when compared to other compact sedans.

4. Available Six-Speed Manual Transmission

For driving enthusiasts, the 2019 Mazda3 still offers a six-speed manual transmission. While it’s only available on the hatchback’s higher trims and with front-wheel drive, the manual option allows for greater control and a more engaging driving experience. This feature is a rarity in a segment where most competitors have switched to automatic transmissions as standard, making the Mazda3 a standout for those who enjoy a more connected driving experience.

5. Premium Interior Quality

The interior of the 2019 Mazda3 is a testament to Mazda’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The materials used in the cabin are soft to the touch, with low-gloss finishes and a clean, minimalist design. The higher trims boast premium touches, such as fabric-wrapped pillars and one-touch express windows, which elevate the overall feeling of luxury. The cabin is also impressively quiet, creating a serene driving environment. While space is somewhat limited, especially in the rear seats, the interior feels upscale and refined.

6. Practical Storage Solutions

Unlike some compact cars that skimp on storage space, the 2019 Mazda3 offers ample room for your personal items. The center console, doors, and dashboard all feature convenient spaces for devices and other small items. The under-dash cubby is particularly well-designed, with a secure and no-rattle feel that ensures your belongings are stored safely. This is a welcome improvement over previous models, where storage options were more limited.

7. Spacious Trunk in the Sedan

The Mazda3 sedan stands out for its spacious trunk, which offers significantly more cargo space than the hatchback. The trunk is deep, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or other large items. Unlike the hatchback, where you need to fold down the rear seats to expand the cargo area, the sedan offers more flexibility when carrying both passengers and luggage. This makes the sedan the better choice for those who prioritize practicality and cargo space.

8. All-Wheel Drive Option

The availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) is one of the features that sets the Mazda3 apart from many competitors in the compact car segment. AWD enhances the vehicle’s stability and traction, making it ideal for driving in slippery or wet conditions. While AWD is more common in premium vehicles, it is a valuable addition to the Mazda3, especially for those living in colder climates.

9. Impressive Safety Features

The 2019 Mazda3 offers a comprehensive suite of safety features. It earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) thanks to its excellent crash-test scores and standard automatic emergency braking. While the base sedan trim lacks some of the higher-level safety features, most models come equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. These features help improve overall safety and give drivers peace of mind on the road.

10. Useful Tech Updates

The 2019 Mazda3 comes with several technological enhancements, such as a new 8.8-inch widescreen display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The head-up display has also been improved, moving to the windshield for better visibility. Additionally, wireless charging is available, making it easier to keep your devices powered up while on the go. These updates contribute to a more modern and user-friendly driving experience.

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What We Don’t Like About the 2019 Mazda3

While the 2019 Mazda3 offers many positives, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some areas where the vehicle could be improved:

1. Higher Starting Price

The base trim of the 2019 Mazda3 sedan starts at just under $22,000, which is several hundred dollars higher than many competitors in the compact car segment. Additionally, the base model lacks features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are offered by some rivals at a similar price point. Mazda has clearly positioned the Mazda3 as a more premium option, but this comes at a higher cost.

2. Limited Rear Seat Space

While the front seats are comfortable and offer adequate space, the rear seats in the Mazda3 are less accommodating. Legroom is tight, especially for taller passengers, and the roofline can make it difficult for adults to sit comfortably. The lack of rear-seat air vents or power ports further detracts from the overall comfort and convenience for backseat passengers.

3. Overly Complicated Multimedia System

Despite the addition of a new multimedia system, the user interface is still not as intuitive as it could be. The 8.8-inch widescreen display is no longer a touchscreen, and users must rely on a knob and button controller to navigate the system. While the graphics have improved, the menu structure is still confusing, and it takes too many steps to perform common tasks. This could be frustrating for drivers who are used to more straightforward infotainment systems.

4. Inadequate Backup Camera

It’s surprising that the 2019 Mazda3 doesn’t come with a more advanced backup camera system. The camera only offers static lines, which are less helpful than dynamic lines that adjust based on steering input. Many competitors offer more sophisticated camera systems, including a 360-degree camera on higher trims, making this a missed opportunity for Mazda to showcase its premium ambitions.

5. Poor Visibility

The design of the 2019 Mazda3 comes with some trade-offs in terms of visibility. The steeply raked windshield and thick front pillars create blind spots, making it difficult to see pedestrians or cyclists in certain situations. The hatchback variant also has large rear pillars that obstruct the view when reversing. However, the sedan’s rear pillars are smaller and provide better visibility compared to the hatchback.

6. Tall Automatic Transmission Gearing

The six-speed automatic transmission in the Mazda3 is tuned to provide smooth shifts, but its tall gearing can result in delayed acceleration. The transmission takes a while to downshift and reach the engine’s power sweet spot. While sport mode improves throttle response, it can also decrease fuel economy, which is less than ideal for those looking for a balance of performance and efficiency.

7. Average Fuel Economy

With an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models and slightly lower ratings for all-wheel-drive versions, the Mazda3’s fuel economy is decent but not exceptional. Many competitors offer better mileage figures, especially with more modern transmission systems that optimize fuel efficiency. However, the Mazda3’s engaging driving experience may be worth the slight sacrifice in fuel economy for some buyers.