2020 Mazda 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 42 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Mazda 3 is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 36 highway), 9% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 297 |
| 3 4-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +10% | $2,250 | 299 |
| 3 4-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +10% | $2,250 | 295 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +5% | $2,300 | 303 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +3% | $2,400 | 313 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | -2% | $2,500 | 328 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Mazda 3.
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda 3 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Subaru Impreza | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Hyundai Elantra | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2020 Mazda 3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →