Shoppers looking for an affordable car in 2025 don’t have to compromise on style, comfort, or driving enjoyment. One compact car in particular stands out as the best option under $30,000, offering a rare combination of quality, value, and performance.
Its sleek design and upscale interior make it feel more premium than its price suggests, while modern tech features and advanced safety systems come standard or at a reasonable cost. On the road, its sharp handling and smooth ride deliver a driving experience that rivals cars well above its price point.
For buyers who want a budget-friendly car that still feels special, this compact model is the one to beat. It proves that even in an era dominated by SUVs, the right small car can deliver style, practicality, and fun, all without stretching your budget.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The 2025 Mazda 3 Delivers a Premium Driving Experience at a Bargain of a Price
Currently, it is really hard to go wrong if you’re shopping for a budget-oriented car under $30,000. The compact segment is packed with value, with options for anyone, from those who love driving to those who just want to get from A to B. The Mazda 3, however, gives you the most for your money, delivering an engaging drive and an upscale interior.
$24,150
$24,890
$26,540
$29,610
$30,850
$32,300
Turbo Premium Plus
$36,000
The Mazda 3 has some pretty tough competition if you’re shopping with a budget of $30,000. The compact segment has some pretty tough rivals, such as the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic. In our opinion,the Mazda finds the sweet spot, delivering a more refined experience than more affordable rivals without inflating its price too much. While some would suggest the Civic, the hybrid models, which offer the best kit, are fairly pricey.
You can pick up your Mazda 3 in one of two body styles, either getting it as a sedan or a hatchback. The sedan is slightly more affordable, with hatchback models costing around $1,000 more. If you’re looking to get the best bang-for-your-buck, we’d opt for the Preferred trim. You get additional standard kit, such as a moonroof and power-adjustable seats, while staying well below our budget.
Changes for 2025
Mazda has made some small changes to the Mazda 3 lineup for the 2025 model year. They now offer the base trim as either a sedan or a hatchback, with it only being available as a sedan last year. Every trim besides the base models also now comes equipped with Alexa capability as standard. A Bose premium sound system is also now standard on Premium and Turbo Premium Plus models and optional on all other models.
For those that want the racey looks of the Carbon model but don’t need the more powerful turbocharged engine, Mazda now offers the trim with the base powertrain. It comes with a number of unique aesthetic elements as well as coming standard with all-wheel drive.
Warranties and Maintenance
The after-sales support that you get in a Mazda 3 is about average for the segment. Both the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties sit right on the average line. Rivals like Hyundai and Kia offer more extensive plans, though, with ten-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranties. Mazda also drops the ball by not including any complimentary maintenance.
Mazda’s Compact Car Features a Cabin That Punches Above Its Price Point
When shopping in the compact car segment, you don’t really expect an upscale experience. Most cars at this price point prioritize function over form. Mazda has once again found a pretty fantastic balance between the two in the Mazda 3, with an interior that isfar richer than you’d expect, without leaning into the realms of pretentiousness.
Cargo Capacity (Behind Second Row)
20.1 Cubic Feet
How much space you have is somewhat determined by which body style you opt for. The above table details the dimensions of the hatchback model. The sedan has less cargo space but slightly more headroom in the front and the back. While there is plenty of legroom up front, those in the back will have a slightly more cramped experience.
Mazda has clearly prioritized quality in the Mazda 3, with upscale materials being used throughout. It has almost an old-school luxury vibe to it. This doesn’t mean it lacks modern features, though, with plenty of technology on offer. Things like power-operated seats with memory functions, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are available. You don’t have to climb the trim ladder far to get the most desirable features.
Infotainment and Technology
We think that Mazda handles screens better than most automakers, particularly in the Mazda 3. An 8.8-inch screen is standard, rising above the dash between two soft-touch panels. It feels like something that is there to assist you, rather than being the focal point of the entire cabin. If you upgrade to Turbo models, you get a larger 10.3-inch screen instead. Standard units have wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while upgraded ones feature wireless connectivity. Either system can be operated via a rotary dial on the center console, which we think works pretty damn well.
There are a number of USB-C ports on offer, but some trims come equipped with a wireless smartphone charging pad as well. A six-speaker setup is standard, but most models can upgrade to the 12-speaker Bose system instead, which offers a much more refined experience.
If You Enjoy Driving, the Mazda 3 Offers a Surprisingly Engaging Experience
Once again, expectations of performance when purchasing a car in the compact segment aren’t high. At this price point, you’re most likely expecting something simple that will be light on fuel and get you from point A to point B without any complaint. Mazda, however, is known for their athleticism, and the Mazda 3 delivers a pretty impressive driving experience.
6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic
191 HP
250 HP
186 LB-FT
320 LB-FT
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
126 MPH
134 MPH
The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with Turbo models obviously slapping a turbocharger into the mix. While all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual are on offer in base models, you have to be very selective of your trim. Only the Premium can be had witha six-speed manualand only the Carbon Edition getsall-wheel drive. Turbocharged models keep things simple, coming exclusively with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
While the turbocharged models offer some impressive levels of power, they sit above our budget. While this may be disappointing for some, the base powertrain still offers a pretty impressive level of pep. Its best feature is its well-tuned chassis, allowing it to tackle back roads with a vigor that you just can’t find in any of the compact car’s competitors. When not pushing it, the Mazda 3 is also capable of delivering a refined and comfortable ride. It strikes a rare balance that is hard to find elsewhere.
27 MPG
37 MPG
31 MPG
35 MPG
30 MPG
26 MPG
36 MPG
33 MPG
29 MPG
23 MPG
32 MPG
Most Mazda 3s feature pretty similar levels of fuel economy, with there being very little difference between them. All-wheel drive models lose some highway efficiency, but otherwise come close to what front-wheel drive models achieve. Opting for the much more powerful turbocharged models obviously takes its toll, but the drop in efficiency isn’t as drastic as you’d expect.
Safety and Driver Assists
Every Mazda 3 comes with a pretty hefty list of standard driver assists. This includes features like collision detection, warning, and avoidance systems as well as niceties like automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control is available as well, with stop-and-go technology and low-speed steering to make your daily commute less taxing and more bearable.
The Mazda 3 is one of the most accomplished cars in this segment when it comes to safety, receiving five stars out of five for safety from the NHTSA for multiple years in a row. It has also been repeatedly given the Top Safety Pick+ award by the IIHS.
