Coming in late 2020 is the newest, 2021 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback. As one of the brand’s most popular vehicles, the automaker is taking advantage of the new model year to introduce a completely reconfigured Mazda3 lineup. Starting with the 2021 Mazda3, buyers will have so many trim models and options to choose from, heads may begin to spin.

A new Mazda3 brings new changes to the 2021 lineup

The biggest and most notable changes for the 2021 Mazda3 come in the form of an increase in options. According to Car and Driver, “Mazda has added two engines to the 3’s lineup this year,” reconfiguring the 2021 model’s lineup entirely.

The previous 2020 model’s sole engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 186 hp, is now accompanied by two other engine choices. Mazda has also added a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 250 hp.

With three different engines now available under the hood, the 2021 Mazda3 sees a newly configured trim list. The previous model was offered in four trim levels, but the newest lineup must make room for the plethora of new options.

A broader range of trims to suit any buyer

The biggest changes for 2021 come in the vehicle’s engine choices, and therefore, new model choices. According to experts at Edmunds, buyers can choose between a total of eight Mazda3 models, all categorized by the trim’s engine as well as its accompanying packaging. 

The base Mazda3 2.0 comes with the base 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel-drive. Next up is the middle-of-the-road 2.5S, which comes in four different package levels – the base 2.5S, 2.5S Select, 2.5S Preferred, and 2.5S Premium.

These four models all come with the same 186-hp 2.5-liter engine but vary in standard features. The top Mazda3 models now come with an upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and can be bought in three trim levels – the 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.

Front-wheel drive comes standard with all 2021 Mazda3s, with all-wheel drive available on all models except the Mazda3 2.0. The base 2.0 is only available as a sedan, while all other trims offer both sedan and hatchback body styles.

According to The Car Connection, only hatchbacks with Premium packaging will come with the option for a six-speed manual transmission. All other models are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. All Mazda3 models will come standard with features like an 8.8-inch central display screen, push-button start, keyless entry, and Bluetooth connectivity.

All Mazda3s will come standard with a suite of safety features, called i-ActivSense, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, driver-attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring. Rear cross-traffic alert comes standard on the Mazda3 Select and higher trims.

Upper trims, such as the Preferred and Turbo trims, earn far more standard features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power moonroof, heated front seats, navigation, satellite radio, and a head-up display. 

Which 2021 Mazda3 model is the best?

Although pricing hasn’t been officially released yet, odds are the Mazda3’s base prices will vary greatly. The base model’s pricing shouldn’t change much from the previous year, while upper trims may venture up into the low $30,000-range. Even base model Mazda3s provide enough features and power for the average driver at an estimated cost of less than $24,000.

But for buyers looking for a slew of extra comforts and a bit more power, upper trims of the 2021 Mazda3s could cost less than $10,000 more. No matter what buyers are looking for, the Mazda3 has a trim to match.