2023 Mazda3 Debuts With More Power, Improved Fuel Efficiency

The 2023 model year updates continue and the latest comes from Mazda, which has announced a handful of changes to the Mazda3.

Starting under the hood, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine is now capable of producing 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 186 lb-ft (252 Nm) of torque. That’s a slight increase of 5 hp (4 kW / 5 PS) and Mazda noted the improved performance doesn’t require premium gasoline.

Furthermore, the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine has been equipped with updated cylinder-deactivation technology to be “more efficient in specific operating conditions.” Thanks to this change, the model can return an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of up to 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. To put those numbers into perspective, the 2022 Mazda3 2.5 Sedan returned up to 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.

Also Read: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Gets $750 Price Hike, Meridian Edition Arrives This Fall For $39,950

Staying under the hood, the entry-level Mazda3 2.0 Sedan has apparently been dropped as the company failed to mention it. The model started at $21,150 and featured a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine developing 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS) and 150 lb-ft (203 Nm) of torque.

Now, the entry-level model is the Mazda3 2.5 S, which starts at $22,550 as a Sedan and $23,550 as a Hatchback. That’s an increase of $450 across both models and it means the 2023 Mazda3 now costs $1,400 more than last year’s model, but buyers will receive a significantly more powerful base engine.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition will now be offered with all-wheel drive. The model starts at $27,200 and features a Polymetal Gray exterior with black 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss black mirror caps. Other highlights include red leather seats and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.

The Mazda3 2.5 S Premium has also been revamped as models equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission now come standard with all-wheel drive. That being said, front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual are still available on the Mazda3 2.5 S Premium Hatchback.

The turbocharged variants largely carryover, but the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo is now available exclusively as a Hatchback. That’s unfortunate, the performance-oriented models have a familiar Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine developing up to 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 320 lb-ft (433 Nm) of torque on premium fuel.

The 2023 Mazda3 Hatchback will arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall, while the Sedan will follow in winter.

Note: Pricing excludes a $1,065 ($1,110 in Alaska) destination and handling fee