Mazda2 vs Mazda3: Complete 2025 Model Comparison Guide

You’re set on buying a Mazda, but now comes the real decision. The Mazda 2 is compact, affordable, and perfect for getting around town. The Mazda 3 gives you more space, more power, and a more premium feel.

So which one is the right choice for you? That depends on how you drive, what you need day to day, and what you want from your next car.

In this guide, we break down the key differences to help you decide which model fits your lifestyle, your budget, and the way you like to drive.

Design & size: Compact city style vs premium polish

The Mazda2 is one of the smallest cars in its class, measuring 4,065 mm long and 1,695 mm wide. It’s perfect for city driving and tight parking spots. The styling has been refreshed for 2025 with a new front grille design, blacked-out or body-coloured accents (depending on grade), and updated colours such as Aero Grey and Air Stream Blue. It comes in both hatch and sedan, but the hatch is the more common pick.

The Mazda3 is significantly larger, measuring 4,460 mm long and 1,795 mm wide in hatch form, or 4,660 mm if you go for the sedan. The longer wheelbase and wider stance give it a more planted, refined look. It’s a more premium shape with clean lines and a coupe-like profile in the hatch, and a traditional, more formal silhouette in the sedan.

So if you’re after something small, stylish and super easy to manoeuvre, the Mazda2 is right in the sweet spot. If you prefer something with road presence, more interior space, and a more polished exterior, the Mazda3 looks and feels a class above.

Performance & efficiency: Daily driving or dynamic power?

Under the bonnet, the Mazda2 runs a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 81 kW at 6,000 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic and features Mazda’s i-Stop idle-stop system. Fuel use is a standout, rated at just 5.0L/100 km combined, making it one of the most efficient petrol-powered hatchbacks in its class.

The Mazda3 offers more muscle, even in its entry-level form. The G20 grades come with a 2.0L 4-cylinder producing 114 kW at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm, while the higher G25 grades step up to a 2.5L engine pushing out 139 kW and 252 Nm. Both are paired with a 6-speed automatic and include cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency when cruising.

Fuel economy for the 2.0L Mazda3 is rated at 5.8–5.9L/100 km, while the more powerful 2.5L versions average 6.5–6.6L/100 km depending on grade and body style.

If your driving is mostly city-based and fuel savings are top of mind, the Mazda2 has the edge. But if you want stronger acceleration, smoother highway performance and more pulling power, the Mazda3 is the better match.

Interior & technology: Essentials vs innovation

The Mazda2 cabin is clean and functional. It comes with a 7-inch colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, and a head-up display in higher grades like the Evolve and GT. Upholstery ranges from black cloth with red stitching in the Evolve to black leather and suede in the GT. While it covers the basics well, it’s a simpler cabin with a tighter feel in the back seats.

The Mazda3 takes things further. All variants feature a widescreen infotainment display (either 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch) with the latest Mazda Connect interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and eight to twelve speakers depending on grade. Interior trims range from sporty cloth to full leather, and you’ll also find paddle shifters, a digital driver display, dual-zone climate control, and a more premium dash layout throughout the range.

If you're after a simple, well-equipped interior for day-to-day use, the Mazda2 delivers. But for a more refined, tech-forward experience with more space and comfort, the Mazda3 is clearly a step above.

Safety & driver assist: Core protection vs vision tech

The Mazda2 covers all the essential safety bases. Standard across the range are Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane-keep Assist. It also features Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and a reverse camera. Front parking sensors and a 360° View Monitor are added on the top-spec GT variant.

The Mazda3 builds on this foundation with more advanced systems included in most grades. All models come with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, which includes Smart Brake Support (front, rear, and rear-crossing), Driver Attention Alert, Forward Obstruction Warning, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

From the G20 Evolve upwards, you also get front parking sensors, Cruising & Traffic Support, Driver Monitoring, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and a 360° View Monitor. Top trims include extras like Adaptive LED Headlights, seven airbags (including driver’s knee), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring.

In short, the Mazda2 keeps you covered for everyday safety. But if you want advanced semi-autonomous features and a broader safety net, especially for longer drives or family use, the Mazda3 leads the way.

Boot space & practicality: Small vs spacious

The Mazda2 is designed with compact convenience in mind. In hatch form, it offers 250 litres of boot space, while the sedan version (available in GT trim only) expands that to 440 litres. Rear seats split 60/40, allowing for longer items when needed. For urban driving, light shopping and occasional trips, it covers the basics well (but don’t expect SUV-like flexibility).

The Mazda3 offers more usable space across both body styles. The hatch provides 295 litres of boot space, slightly larger than the Mazda2, while the sedan stretches out to 444 litres, matching the Mazda2 sedan. Beyond the numbers, the Mazda3's wider cabin and longer wheelbase also give it better rear legroom and shoulder space, making it more comfortable for passengers on longer drives.

If you’re running solo or as a couple and mainly drive in the city, the Mazda2’s size works in your favour. But if you often carry passengers or pack for weekends away, the Mazda3—especially the sedan—gives you the flexibility you’ll appreciate.

Price & value: Budget-friendly or feature-rich?

At Melville Mazda, the 2025 Mazda2 Evolve starts from $29,990 drive-away, while the 2025 Mazda3 G20 Pure begins at $33,990 drive-away. That’s a $4,000 difference, not massive, but enough to influence your decision depending on what you value most.

If you're shopping on a tighter budget or just want a smart, efficient daily driver, the Mazda2 makes a lot of sense. But if you’re after something more complete (and you plan to hold onto it longer), the Mazda3 easily justifies the step up.

Comparison table: Mazda2 vs Mazda3 2025

 

Which Mazda should you choose in 2025?

Both the Mazda2 and Mazda3 offer great value in 2025, but the better choice depends on how you drive and what you need from your next car.

If you want something compact, efficient and affordable, the Mazda2 is hard to beat. It’s perfect for solo drivers, couples, or anyone after a reliable and stylish runabout.

• Explore Mazda2 for sale in Perth

If you’re looking for more power, interior space, and a feature-packed drive, the Mazda3 is a great all-rounder. It delivers a more premium feel while still offering excellent efficiency.

• Explore Mazda3 for sale in Perth

Still not sure? Book a test drive at Melville Mazda and experience both side by side. Our team can help you find the right fit for your lifestyle, whether that’s the city-smart Mazda2 or the well-rounded Mazda3.

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