The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback Lineup

The 2025 Mazda3 hatchback comes in four trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, 2.5 Premium, and 2.5 Premium Plus. All models use the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The main differences between trims are interior materials, technology features, safety systems, and available options rather than engine performance.

Each trim can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The transmission is a six-speed automatic on all models. Pricing increases as you move up the trim ladder, and higher trims unlock features that lower trims cannot get, even as add-ons.

Key Takeaways

  • All 2025 Mazda3 hatchbacks use the same 2.5-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission, so performance differences come from trim level, not engine choice.
  • The 2.5 S is the base model with cloth seats and a six-inch touchscreen, while the Premium Plus adds leather, a nine-inch screen, and Bose audio.
  • All-wheel drive is available on every trim and costs the same regardless of which model you choose.
  • Safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are standard on Premium and Premium Plus but cost extra or are unavailable on S and Preferred trims.

2.5 S: The Base Configuration

The 2.5 S is the entry-level hatchback and includes the essentials: power windows, power locks, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and a six-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seats are cloth. The steering wheel is not heated, and there is no power driver's seat adjustment beyond up-and-down movement.

Safety features on the S include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping information. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not included on this trim. You get a backup camera and a four-speaker audio system. The S does not offer a sunroof, leather seats, or heated seats as options at this trim level.

2.5 Preferred: Added Comfort and Convenience

The Preferred trim adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, and a heated steering wheel. The touchscreen stays at six inches. You still get cloth seats, but the material is upgraded. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on the Preferred. A six-speaker audio system replaces the four-speaker setup. The Preferred does not offer leather seats or a sunroof, but you can add a power moonroof as an option. This trim sits in the middle of the lineup in terms of both price and features.

2.5 Premium: Leather and Technology Upgrades

The Premium trim introduces leather seats, a nine-inch touchscreen (larger than the S and Preferred), and a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers. Heated and ventilated front seats come standard. The power driver's seat now includes power lumbar adjustment and a memory function that saves your preferred position.

All safety features from lower trims remain, and the Premium adds adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to match traffic. A power moonroof is standard on this trim. The Premium also includes a power liftgate and dual-zone automatic climate control. Wireless phone charging is available as an add-on.

2.5 Premium Plus: The Fully Equipped Model

The Premium Plus is the top trim and includes everything from the Premium plus additional refinements. The leather is upgraded, and the interior trim pieces shift to a higher-quality finish. The nine-inch touchscreen includes navigation built in, rather than relying on your phone's maps.

Premium Plus adds a 360-degree camera system (the lower trims have only a backup camera), which shows a bird's-eye view of the car when parking. Bose audio remains standard. Wireless phone charging is standard rather than optional. The power liftgate and dual-zone climate control carry over. This trim represents the most complete feature set Mazda offers in the 2025 Mazda3 hatchback.

Front-Wheel Drive Versus All-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive is standard on all four trims and is the most common choice. It offers better fuel economy and lower cost. All-wheel drive is available on every trim level and costs the same amount regardless of which model you select—the price difference does not change between the S and the Premium Plus.

All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels, which improves traction in snow and wet conditions. It also raises the ride height slightly and increases fuel consumption by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon. If you live in an area with frequent snow or heavy rain, all-wheel drive is worth considering. Otherwise, front-wheel drive handles most driving situations and saves money at the pump.

Options and Packages by Trim

The S and Preferred trims have limited option availability. You can add a power moonroof, but leather seats, ventilated seats, and the nine-inch screen are not available at these trim levels. The Premium and Premium Plus open up more choices: you can add wireless phone charging, upgrade the wheels, and select different interior colors.

No trim offers a manual transmission—the six-speed automatic is the only choice. Engine upgrades do not exist; all models use the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Mazda does not offer a turbocharged or hybrid version of the 2025 Mazda3 hatchback. If you want a different powertrain, you would need to look at the sedan version or a different brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get leather seats on the 2.5 S or Preferred?

No. Leather seats are only available starting with the Premium trim. The S and Preferred come with cloth seats, and you cannot upgrade to leather on those models.

What is the difference between the Premium and Premium Plus?

The Premium Plus adds built-in navigation, a 360-degree camera system, upgraded leather, and makes wireless phone charging standard instead of optional. If you do not need those features, the Premium offers most of the same comfort and technology at a lower price.

Does all-wheel drive cost the same on every trim?

Yes. The cost to add all-wheel drive is the same whether you choose the S or the Premium Plus. The price difference between trims comes from the features included, not from the drivetrain option.

Is the six-inch or nine-inch screen better?

The nine-inch screen is larger and easier to read, and it comes with built-in navigation on the Premium Plus. The six-inch screen on the S and Preferred works fine for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you will rely on your phone for maps.

Can I get a sunroof on the base model?

The S and Preferred do not offer a sunroof at all. A power moonroof is available on the Preferred as an option and comes standard on the Premium and Premium Plus.