As much as we love both the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, it’s always had a few downsides. That said, the updates for 2024 are relatively minor, so many of those concerns remain. However, the 2024 Mazda3 offers one minor update that solves the compact car’s biggest problem.

Does the Mazda3 have blind spot monitoring?

The exterior design of the current Mazda3 is sweeping, curvy, and elegant. But that elegance comes at the expense of visibility, and the Japanese compact car has, by far, the worst rearward visibility in the segment.

The ultra-wide C-pillar puts a big hunk of metal behind the rear seats. It’s worse in the Mazda3 hatchback than the sedan, but either way, changing lanes and backing up in this Japanese compact is an exercise in faith and spatial awareness that can evade even the best drivers from time to time.

In reviewing the 2023 model, I said, 

“Tiny mirrors and c-pillars large enough for NASCAR sponsorship logos make the Mazda3 a nightmare when trying to change lanes. There aren’t many small cars that make blind spot monitoring feel like a requirement, but the Mazda3 is one of them. The backup camera does well to help when backing out of a parking space, but it’s still nerve-wracking to maneuver this compact Mazda around tight spaces.”

Thankfully, the 2024 Mazda3 solves this problem. Each new Mazda3 model will come standard with both blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the car brand hasn’t indicated that this was in response to repeated criticisms regarding rear visibility, it is an unusual move to put such tech on a base-level compact car.

Whatever Mazda’s reasons for including rear visibility tech on its newest Mazda3, it more than justifies the increased base price. In a market where most new models are increasing in price with few or no new features, the 2024 Mazda3 starts to look like a great deal.

Some Mazda3 problems remain in 2024

Unfortunately, the minor updates to the 2024 Mazda3 don’t solve its other two downsides. The rear seat space and cargo area remain limited. No major design changes mean these issues are here to stay for at least one more model year, if not a few more beyond that.

The 2024 Mazda3 gets a new touchscreen, more updates

The newest Mazda3 also gets a host of new features for the 2024 model year. These include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easier connectivity. These features also pair with the updated Mazda infotainment screen, which is now standard in the Mazda compact. The new interface is easier to use than the last iteration, which is a welcome update to the clunky outgoing tech.

In addition, the 2024 Mazda3 now includes an illuminated USB-C port on the dash and available wireless phone charging on upper-level trims.

Finally, the upgraded suite of driver assistance features also offers front and rear pedestrian detection and driver monitoring for improved safety on your drives.

There is a new Mazda3 model for 2024 with significant updates over 2023

There are a few major differences in driving experience between the 2023 and 2024 Mazda3, and that’s a good thing. Mazda’s got a good thing going with its smallest four-door model, so there’s no reason to overhaul the formula at this point. Even if the sales figures don’t match the driving experience.

That said, the additions of new standard tech help the 2024 Mazda3 eliminate its biggest problem, making a good formula even better. With fewer worries about lane changes and parking lots, the newest compact Mazda sedan is certainly an improvement over last year’s.

The new Carbon Turbo trim is probably the biggest leap in driving experience, by combining Mazda’s special edition Carbon visuals package with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the first time.

Otherwise, both the 2023 and 2024 Mazda3s remain some of our favorite compact cars available today, luxury or otherwise.