With a starting price of $24,950, the Mazda3 Hatchback is between the Corolla Hatchback at $23,780 and the Civic Hatchback at $27,450. Shoppers focused primarily on the bottom line may be attracted to the Corolla Hatchback, but as we explain below, the Corolla falls short of the Mazda3 in several critical areas.
Every 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes a robust 190 horsepower. In contrast, the smaller 2.0-liter engines in the Civic and Corolla produce a respective 150 hp and 169 hp. Torque is often an overlooked engine output component, but it greatly contributes to straight-line acceleration and performance under a heavy load. Here, the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback also excels, with 186 lb.-ft. of torque coming from the base powerplant. The Civic makes 133 lb.-ft. against 151 lb.-ft. for the Corolla.
The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback also stands out not just as the only model in this trio that’s available with a manual transmission, also as the only one with a traditional automatic transmission. Both of these six-speed transmissions provide a more engaging driving experience than the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in the Honda and Toyota, which are more optimized for fuel economy than performance. Furthermore, due to its complexity, a CVT can present a greater service challenge (with potentially more expensive repairs) over the long term.
Front-wheel drive is a standard configuration for modern compact cars. These proven systems deliver a competent blend of efficiency and capability, although some drivers prefer the confidence of all-wheel drive (AWD). Mazda3 shoppers can upgrade to a higher trim for AWD versatility and performance, while Civic Hatchback buyers are out of luck. The only AWD option for a non-performance Corolla is the Hybrid Sedan, which comes at a higher price and lacks five-door convenience.
While the base engine for each of these cars is fine for many buyers, some drivers want more pep. Mazda offers the Carbon Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus trims, with a turbocharged engine making a pulse-quickening 250 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. There are no such trim upgrades for the Civic Hatchback or Corolla Hatchback.
Given the shared five-door configuration of the 2025 Mazda3, Civic, and Corolla hatchbacks, it’s unsurprising that these three cars have similar cabin space. All are close in key measurements like first-row legroom, front headroom, and rear headroom. That said, the Mazda3 Hatchback offers notably more cargo space (20.1 versus 17.8 cubic feet) and rear legroom (35.1 versus 29.9 inches) than the Corolla Hatchback.
While features like cabin design and material quality are more subjective, the Mazda3 is widely praised for its interior styling. In its review, Edmunds stated “The Mazda 3’s interior is another highlight because it uses higher-quality materials than you’d typically find in this class.” Another review site, drivebreakfixrepeat.com, offered similar praise, “The interior is, likewise, stunningly appointed with class-leading materials. Everything feels substantial and expensive in the Mazda3.”
HORSEPOWER
TORQUE
AVAILABLE TURBO ENGINE
OPTIONAL MANUAL TRANSMISSION
AVAILABLE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
