2014 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. Its Competition

2014 Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring - First Drive
Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

If you crave hot-hatch speed, you'll either have to wait for the next-generation MazdaSpeed3 or head to your Ford dealership to test a Focus ST.

2014 Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring - First Drive2014 Mazda MAZDA3
Browse Used Listings		2014 Dodge Dart SXT Blacktop2014 Dodge Dart
Browse Used Listings		2014 Ford Focus2014 Ford Focus
Browse Used Listings		2014 Honda Civic Coupe2014 Honda Civic
Browse Used Listings		2014 Subaru Impreza 5dr Auto 2.0i Angular Front Exterior View2014 Subaru Impreza
Browse Used Listings		2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI2014 Volkswagen Golf
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.4
The 2014 Mazda 3 stands out from the small-car crowd, with its sport-car-influenced proportions and sporty driving experience; but its tight, noisy cabin means that it’s not at all the best pick for pragmatists.
8.0
Remember the Neon? The 2014 Dodge Dart brings back some of its personality, but in a decidedly better package.
8.8
Even without considering the top-performance ST, the 2014 Ford Focus is one of the best-driving small cars on the market--with the impression of being an accessible premium car, not a spruced-up econobox.
8.0
The 2014 Honda Civic brings better refinement back to the lineup, but there's more to come, we're told.
8.0
The 2014 Subaru Impreza remains the only option in its class to come equipped with standard all-wheel-drive, where many don't offer it all. It's tough, practical, and looks good, too.
7.8
The 2014 Volkswagen Golf hatchback offers excellent handling and a good ride, premium interior design and materials, and a range of engines--including the efficient TDI diesel--but at a premium price.
MSRP From     
$16,945$16,495$16,810$18,390$17,895$19,995
Gas Mileage     
27 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-5
EPA Class     
Compact CarsMid-Size CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
4-Door Sedan Manual i SV4-Door Sedan SE4-Door Sedan S4-Door Manual LX4-Door Manual 2.0i4-Door HB Automatic PZEV
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
SedanSedanSedanSedanSedanHatchback
Transmission     
Manual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2014 Dodge Dart2014 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2014 Ford Focus2014 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2014 Honda Civic2014 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2014 Subaru Impreza2014 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2014 Volkswagen Golf