In a segment packed with incredibly similar vehicles, the 2020 Mazda3 could easily be described as the Miss Congeniality of the bunch. Demonstrating personality and grace often lacking in the compact car division, the Mazda3 stands out. It’s fun to drive with upscale amenities. But does the beauty of the 2020 Mazda3 end there? 

The burning question on everyone’s mind when buying a vehicle is if it’s safe. Automakers have taken more and more precautions over the years to make their vehicles safe, and Mazda is no exception. However, is this compact car a frontrunner in the safety arena? Known more for fun and affordability than practicality, just how high does the brand prioritize its safety features? 

Let’s take a closer look at everything the Mazda3 offers and if it lives up to the standard of safety drivers expect from automakers. 

Are driver-assistance technologies a priority in the 2020 Mazda3?

The Mazda3 is certainly a tempting vehicle to purchase when you see it on the lot. Its sleek lines and sporty silhouette gets the heart pounding. But will it keep you safe when it really matters? Does the allure of the luxurious Mazda3 go beyond its thrilling exterior and agile handling? 

Thankfully, Mazda isn’t a one-trick pony. The Japanese automaker loaded its compact car full of standard smart safety systems to help drivers attain ultimate awareness on the road. These include helpful features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, and a driver attention monitor.

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert with pedestrian detection also come standard. These features work together to detect an impending collision and immediately alert the driver. If the driver doesn’t react, the car will automatically apply the brakes to mitigate damage.

The 2020 Mazda3 also makes highway driving easier with standard lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

You can also gain access to a blind-spot monitoring system, a head-up display, and rear cross-traffic alert if you select one of the Mazda3’s higher trim options.

What do the experts have to say?

The 2020 Mazda3 has a long list of safety features, but are these systems implemented in a way that’ll help drivers. And how structurally sound is the car? For these answers, we turn to the safety experts. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, non-profit organization that evaluates the safety of new cars. It deems many models as Top Safety Picks, but only the elite vehicles earn the Top Safety Pick + moniker. That’s why it’s so impressive that the IIHS gave its highest honor to the 2020 Mazda3 sedan, as well as its hatchback variant.

Those who prefer to get a second opinion will be interested in what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has to say. The government-affiliated NHTSA awarded the 2020 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback a five-star overall safety rating. This score included top marks in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests.

The final verdict

Those interested in buying a 2020 Mazda3 will ultimately want to know how reliable and safe it is. Thankfully, this compact car grades out well. Considering it is also stylish, upscale, and extremely fun to drive, it’s no wonder why the Mazda3 is such a beloved vehicle.