DecodedCars2021 Mazda 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mazda 3 is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 36 highway), 13% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 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 2021
- Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4-Door 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +13% | $2,150 | 287 |
| 3 4-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 299 |
| 3 4-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 303 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +6% | $2,300 | 304 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +2% | $2,400 | 320 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +2% | $2,400 | 313 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | -1% | $2,500 | 323 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | -1% | $2,500 | 326 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 27 | -2% | $2,500 | 334 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 337 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mazda 3.
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda 3 (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota C-HR | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 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 2021 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 →