The compact sedan segment is crowded. Entries from the likes of Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, and Subaru offer prospective buyers plenty to choose from. For years, Mazda has built a reputation for reliability, great features, and fuel efficiency in its lineup, especially with the Mazda3. The top trim includes lots of features and a powerful engine under the hood. Here’s what you need to know about a fully loaded Mazda3:

How much does a fully loaded Mazda3 cost?

The Mazda3 hatchback and sedan forms are offered. Per Kelley Blue Book, the base cost of a Mazda3 starts at $21,150 – making the range affordable for most shoppers. The top-tier Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus with all options included will bring the cost up to $36,035. 

That’s similar to many competitors in the compact sedan class. Kelley Blue Book estimates a fully loaded Hyundai Elantra (the N trim with all extras) will cost around $35,565. Another mainstay in the compact sedan market – the Honda Civic – costs around $32,468 for the top trim Touring and all options included.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. On regular gas, it’ll give you 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. With premium fuel, those numbers bump up to 250 and 320, respectively. That’s more power than the top powertrains on the Civic or the Elantra and comparable to the Subaru WRX (271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque). 

Unlike the Civic or Elantra, the top-line Mazda3 sedan comes with all-wheel drive. So does the WRX, but at lower fuel economy numbers: 21 combined mpg compared to the Mazda3’s 27 mpg.

What comes with a fully loaded Mazda3?

Using one of the most powerful engines in its class, the Mazda3’s top trim comes with plenty of extras for the higher price. 

Inside, the Mazda3’s Premium Plus package provides comforts like leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. The 12-speaker premium Bose audio system includes one subwoofer, Apple Carplay and Android Auto are available, and you get three years of satellite radio service. An 8.8-inch infotainment display comes with a full navigation system as well.

There are many driver aids standard on all Mazda3 trims: frontal collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and drowsy driver monitoring systems. For the top Mazda3 trim, you also get a head-up display, paddle shifters, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and traffic jam assist (the company’s partially automated driving system).

The Premium Plus package also includes 18-inch black wheels, a trunk lid spoiler, and a universal garage door opener.

Is a fully loaded Mazda3 worth it?

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus certainly gives you a lot to work with. It’s a step above competitors in power and offers solid fuel economy and plenty of comfort. However, for the price, there are finer options available – even within the Mazda3 lineup.

What other trim options are available?

Let’s say you want the power of the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus but don’t need many of the extras. For around $2,500 less, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo trim has the same powertrain and all-wheel drive system in place. There are fewer driver aids; the parking sensors, navigation system, surround-view camera system, traffic jam assist, and rear automatic braking are not included. Neither is the leather upholstery.

If power is less of a priority but comfort is, the Mazda3 2.5 S Premium is a great option. It’s $5,700 less than the top-line trim and still has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It is a step down in power (186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque) and all-wheel drive is not available. However, with the Premium package, you get many of the hallmarks of the top trim: the leather upholstery, integrated navigation system, 12-speaker Bose audio system, paddle shifters, and head-up display.