By A.Giron | July 22, 2025

If you’re shopping for a compact car that feels like more than just a commuter, the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 S Premium Plus should be on your short list. It doesn’t shout for attention — it earns it. From the way it drives to how it’s built, this top-trim non-turbo Mazda3 delivers a level of refinement and composure you don’t expect at this price point.

Top of the Line, Without Going Turbo

This is the highest trim you can get on the Mazda3 without jumping into the turbocharged models. And frankly, you may not need the extra horsepower. The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine gives you 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that’s smooth and intuitive. It’s not flashy, but it’s responsive — whether you’re darting through city traffic or cruising the open highway.

Interior: Where Mazda Really Pulls Ahead

Slide into the cabin and you’ll immediately notice: this doesn’t feel like a typical compact. Genuine leather seats (heated up front) with 8-way power adjustment and memory for the driver. A frameless auto-dimming mirror, black headliner, and tasteful metallic trim. Every touchpoint feels designed, not budgeted.

And the Bose 12-speaker audio system? It’s not just good for a compact — it’s genuinely immersive, especially with how quiet the cabin stays at speed.

You also get a 10.25″ center display controlled by a rotary dial — not a touchscreen, which might sound dated until you realize how well it works in motion. You’re not jabbing at icons while driving; your eyes stay on the road.

Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a slick wireless charging pad are standard. And new for 2025: Amazon Alexa integration, which lets you control smart-home devices or set reminders by voice — a feature you usually don’t see until you’re shopping near luxury-brand territory.

On the Road: Poised and Engaging

You might not expect a compact hatchback to feel this buttoned-up, but Mazda tunes its chassis with precision. The G-Vectoring Control Plus system subtly shifts weight and torque to make cornering smoother and more stable. You don’t feel it working, but you feel the result.

Steering is tight and responsive, but never twitchy. The suspension filters out road imperfections but keeps you connected enough to enjoy a back road.

This isn’t a car for redlining at every stoplight — it’s about flow. It’s fun when you want it to be, but never exhausting. Whether you’re dealing with potholes downtown or pushing through fast corners, the Mazda3 stays composed.

How Does It Compare?

In a segment crowded with strong contenders like the Honda Civic Hatchback, Toyota Corolla XSE, and Volkswagen Golf, the Mazda3 stands out by leaning into premium refinement over flash or gimmicks. While the Civic focuses on sharp styling and tech-heavy minimalism, and the Corolla offers reliability with a sportier edge, the Mazda3 delivers a quieter, more upscale cabin and a more composed drive. It may not have the most rear seat space or the biggest screen, but it offers something rarer: a compact car that feels crafted, not just assembled.

Should You Buy One?

If you’re after a car that’s affordable, premium-feeling, and genuinely enjoyable to drive every day, the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback Premium Plus is a smart, rewarding choice.

It’s for drivers who want a compact car that doesn’t feel entry-level. For people who appreciate details — not gimmicks. For those who value design and drive quality over chasing spec sheets.

And in a world where most small cars feel like compromises, this one feels like a statement.