Makes›Mazda›3›2020

2020 Mazda 3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Mazda 3
Pictured: Mazda3 SKYACTIV-G. Photo: TTTNIS, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
30 combined · 27 city / 36 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 42 for similar models.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Mazda 3 is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 36 highway), 9% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 3 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 3 →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
3 5-Door 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 30+9%$2,250297
3 4-Door 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 30+10%$2,250299
3 4-Door 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+10%$2,250295
3 5-Door 2WD2.5L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+5%$2,300303
3 4-Door 4WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+3%$2,400313
3 5-Door 4WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27-2%$2,500328
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.6 MPG2020 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Mazda 3.

Similar 2020 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Mazda 3 (this car)30 MPGNot rated0
2020 Honda Civic36 MPG★★★★★5
2020 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★3
2020 Toyota Prius56 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Subaru Impreza31 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Hyundai Elantra36 MPG★★★★★3
2020 Chevrolet Malibu32 MPG★★★★★1

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda 3.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2020 Mazda 3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 330–Not rated00
2025 331–Not rated00
2024 331–Not rated00
2023 331–Not rated00
2022 331–Not rated00
2021 331–Not rated00
2019 330–Not rated00
2018 332–Not rated00
2017 332–Not rated00
2016 333–Not rated00
2015 333–Not rated00
2014 333–Not rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →