There’s more to consider than SUVs when shopping for a new vehicle in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville. While it’s easy to turn to the latest compact crossover for navigating the urban jungle, the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan is a four-door compact car that demands attention. With three superb engines and available all-wheel drive, the Mazda3 Sedan is a small car with a big personality and plenty to offer.
There are fewer options in the small sedan segment today than there used to be, but the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan would be a standout model regardless of how much competition there is. The exterior styling is sporty but in a mature and sensible way that could never be considered polarizing. Even the most affordable versions get a full complement of LED lights that contribute to the premium look and feel of the Mazda at every level.
The lineup starts with the entry-level 2.5 S model, and the range then goes to the 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, and range-topping 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Front-wheel drive is standard up to and including the Carbon Edition, but that model is available with all-wheel drive, and it’s standard with the 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus models.
As long as its compact proportions are enough for your needs, the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan appeals to a broad audience. It can be as tame and easy to drive as you wish, but there’s plenty in the locker for those drivers who like to be more involved. While the ride is smooth and comfortable, the steering is crisp and responsive, and the car handles like a dream in every configuration. The Mazda3 delivers an extra dimension of driver engagement that SUVs of similar size can only dream about offering.
The standard engine for all models apart from the range-topping 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four that develops 191 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus features a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine that produces 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque when run on regular gas. However, fill up with premium fuel, and you then get to enjoy 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.
The standard 2.5-liter engine is also reassuringly good on gas, partly thanks to the standard cylinder deactivation technology it features. Front-drive models get EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. The extra capability of all-wheel drive doesn’t come with too heavy a penalty, with AWD models getting 26 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined.
Safety is another impressively strong area for the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan. The NHTSA gives the Mazda a full five-star rating for overall safety, and the IIHS gives it Top Safety Pick+ status. Standard safety features across the range include an Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, and a rearview camera.
The 2023 Mazda3 Sedan is a stunningly stylish compact car with impressive safety credentials and outstanding driving characteristics. Experience what the little Mazda has to offer with a test drive from Julio Jones Mazda at 4301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL, or call us at (205) 409-2891 for more information, and we can schedule an appointment that’s suitable for you.
