For 2023, the 2.0L engine was discontinued but the MAZDA3 otherwise carries over with minimal changes.

For 2023, the MAZDA3 lineup gets a standard engine, 2.5L 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine that makes 191 horsepower and 186-pound feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and seamless gear changes and optional all-wheel drive that integrates well with Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus system that operates to ensure smooth driving outputs and predicable handling. A manual 6-speed gearbox is also optional but can only be paired with Premium equipped hatchback models.

The new top of the lineup 2.5 Turbo trim includes a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G turbo engine which produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with regular gasoline and 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium.

The base model comes with keyless entry, push-button start, 8.8-inch screen infotainment system, 8-speaker audio system, two USB ports, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/HD Radio, radar driven adaptive cruise control with traffic stop and go, and rain-sensing wipers.

The next 2.5S trim and above adds 2.5L engine and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Buyers who opt-in for the Select package will get leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, proximity Keyless Entry and push-button start, upgraded interior trim, turn signal mirror indicators, and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Going one step up, the Preferred package adds an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support with memory settings, heated front seats, and sunroof.

Carbon Edition package gets some exclusive cosmetic items, red leather seats, black exterior trims including front grille and wheels, 12-speaker Bose audio system, and special Polymetal gray paint.

Premium package offers leather seating, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a head-up display, 12-speaker Bose audio system, Sirius XM radio with a 90-day trial, Traffic Sign Recognition, power moonroof, and adaptive headlamps which also include auto high-beam and auto-leveling.

The Turbo gets all the features, excluding leather seats and navigation, adding all-wheel drive, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and heated steering wheel.

The top-of-the-line Turbo Premium Plus gets rear spoiler, front and rear parking sensors, navigation system with voice activation, surround view camera, garage door opener, traffic jam assist, rear automatic braking.

Features like automatic emergency braking that can prevent a frontal collision, active lane keep assist, and driver-attention system that monitors for drowsiness equip on all except base model versions of the MAZDA3.

Standard safety systems for the MAZDA3 include anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control. Also front, seat side, curtain, and driver's knee air bags.

Standalone options include color navigation system, wireless charging pad, illuminated door sill trim plates, all-weather floor mats and slick black exterior accent package to make your MAZDA3 stand out from the crowd.

The MAZDA3 represents an excellent value. Competitors include compact car titans like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza. The MAZDA3 undercuts many of its rivals with its impressive driving characteristics and premium interior quality, while still offering enough space, sophisticated manners and a sleek modern exterior.

The 2023 MAZDA3 includes newly enhanced safety technology and one of the most upscale interiors in its segment. It could be considered to compete not only with offerings from Honda, Toyota and Nissan, but also with some from European entries such as the BMW 2-Series and the Audi A3.

Good balance between luxury and sportiness; spirited handling; excellent fuel economy; premium interior materials; sharp exterior styling