VS

Mazda 3 Sedan vs Mazda 2 comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 115 HP), boot space and price (25,400 £ vs 14,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Sedan or Mazda 2?

Mazda 3 Sedan vs Mazda 2: Key differences

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
details

Mazda 2

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • somewhat more efficient
  • markedly lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

3 Sedan

Overview: Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 Sedan face off

Mazda 2 VS Mazda 3 Sedan frames a classic intra-brand choice: a light, city-savvy hatch against an upmarket compact saloon. The Mazda 2 arrives as the economical, nimble option that makes town driving and tight parking feel effortless, while the Mazda 3 Sedan aims for a more composed, premium presence and greater luggage practicality. Both reward drivers who value steering feel and tactile controls, but they deliver those pleasures in different ways — one by being light and direct, the other by adding substance and stability. Read on for how those philosophies play out in everyday life and which buyer each really suits.

2

Character and driving feel

The Mazda 2 drives like a small, eager companion: light weight, a short‑throw gearbox and snappy steering make it lively on urban streets and twisty country lanes. The Mazda 3 Sedan feels more grown-up — heavier, planted and more confident at speed, with a gearbox and engine combination that pulls better for overtakes and motorway cruising. That means the Mazda 2 rewards revs and enthusiasm but can feel underpowered on long climbs, whereas the Mazda 3 gives you reserve power and composure when you need it. The trade-off is clear: choose analogue agility with the Mazda 2 or choose composed authority with the Mazda 3 Sedan.

Comfort and long-distance behavior

On long runs the Mazda 3 Sedan feels the more assured companion thanks to its roomier boot and generally more substantial damping, so highway miles are less tiring and the cabin feels more settled at speed. The Mazda 2 remains competent but reveals its small‑car roots: firmer suspension and lighter mass mean more feedback — enjoyable for some, fatiguing for others over extended motorway stints. Noise and refinement favor the Mazda 3 Sedan at higher speeds, though neither is class‑leading in absolute quiet; wheel choice and road surface will quickly show the difference. If long trips are a common part of your life, the Mazda 3 Sedan leans toward comfort, while the Mazda 2 keeps things brisk and economical for shorter hops.

City friendliness and everyday practicality

In town the Mazda 2’s compact footprint and direct steering make manoeuvres, parking and navigating tight streets simple — it’s the better companion for dense city life. The Mazda 3 Sedan, while still relatively easy to place, trades some of that nimbleness for a larger boot and a more imposing presence, but practical annoyances — a high loading lip and a narrow trunk opening — blunt its luggage advantage in daily use. Rear-seat space is limited in both cars, yet the Mazda 3 Sedan offers a fractionally more usable rear bench; the Mazda 2’s tighter rear and fiddly cargo aperture mean families with frequent rear passengers or bulky gear will notice. Practically, the Mazda 2 excels at urban convenience, the Mazda 3 Sedan at straight‑line luggage capacity, albeit with compromises when loading.

Cabin feel, perceived quality and tech

The Mazda 3 Sedan sets a higher bar for interior haptics: materials, switchgear and the general finish feel nearly premium and give the cabin a grown‑up ambience. The Mazda 2 surprises for its class with a tidy, ergonomic front row and a driver‑centred layout, but it still shows more hard plastics and a dated infotainment feel when compared side‑by‑side. Both favour a rotary controller over full touchscreen fiddling, which keeps attention on the road, but the Mazda 3 Sedan’s presentation and options list make the cabin feel more luxurious. In short: Mazda 2 is honest and functional up front; Mazda 3 Sedan is more refined and reassuringly solid throughout.

Buyer fit: who should pick which car

If you live in the city, value low running costs and enjoy a lively manual gearbox, the Mazda 2 is the smarter, cheaper companion that keeps everyday life simple and efficient. If you want a more substantial feel, better materials, larger luggage and regular motorway miles, the Mazda 3 Sedan suits drivers who prioritise comfort and perceived quality over absolute urban agility. The trade-offs are price, power and space versus manoeuvrability and economy: the Mazda 2 saves money and thrills in tight spaces, the Mazda 3 Sedan delivers presence, luggage room and composure. Use those preferences to guide the technical deep‑dive that follows — the numbers will explain why each car behaves the way it does, but your lifestyle decides which compromises are acceptable.

Frequently compared as well

Mazda 2
VW Polo
VS
Choosing between the Mazda 2 and the VW Polo comes down to whether you prefer a sporty, driver-focused small hatchback or a more refined, practical everyday car. Both deliver good fuel economy and solid build quality, but the Mazda 2 leans toward engaging handling and style while the VW Polo …
Honda Jazz
Mazda 2
VS
Honda Jazz and Mazda 2 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Honda Jazz or the Mazda 2 is …

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Sedan

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Mazda 2 is significantly cheaper – starting at 14,200 £ , while the Mazda 3 Sedan costs 25,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,228 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda 2 uses 4.7 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

2

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers clearly more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 115 HP. That’s roughly 71 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Sedan is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 8.1 s, while the Mazda 2 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda 3 Sedan delivers noticeably more torque with 240 Nm compared to 151 Nm. That’s about 89 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 2 is markedly lighter – 1,099 kg compared to 1,417 kg. The difference is around 318 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers visibly more boot space – 450 L compared to 280 L. That’s a difference of about 170 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Sedan carries a bit more – 501 kg compared to 437 kg. That’s a difference of about 64 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Sedan holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,400
3 Sedan

Mazda 3 Sedan

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.5 - 6 L/100km
details
Mazda 3 Sedan
Mazda 2

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

details
serpimg_ikGkXb

Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 is a pocket-sized charmer that makes city driving feel light and lively, wrapped in sleek styling that looks right at home on trendy streets. Buyers who want an economical, fun-to-drive hatch with surprisingly grown-up cabin quality will find it hard to resist — it’s the kind of everyday companion that puts a grin on your face every time you head out.

details
2022_mazda2_barcelona_act_04_highres
2022_mazda2_barcelona_act_14_highres
2022_mazda2_barcelona_still_21_highres
2022_mazda2_barcelona_int_01_highres
2022_mazda2_barcelona_int_27_highres

Reviews Mazda 2

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
Jose
6 May 2026, 09:05:43

A less stressed engine, quality and simplicity in maintenance.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Mazda 2
Toyota Yaris
VS
The Mazda 2 feels like the cheeky pocket rocket of the city, with crisp steering, lively responses and a cabin that punches above its weight for drivers who want a bit of fun on every commute. The Toyota Yaris, meanwhile, plays the practical ace: quieter, more economical (especially in hybrid form) …
Mazda 2
Opel Corsa
VS
Mazda 2 and Opel Corsa go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Mazda 2 or the Opel Corsa is …
CUPRA Leon
Mazda 3 Sedan
VS
CUPRA Leon and Mazda 3 Sedan go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the CUPRA Leon or the Mazda 3 …
Audi A1
Mazda 2
VS
Audi A1 and Mazda 2 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Audi A1 or the Mazda 2 is the …
Hyundai i10
Mazda 2
VS
In the competitive segment of compact cars, the Hyundai i10 stands out with its spacious interior and user-friendly technology, making it an excellent choice for urban driving. In contrast, the Mazda 2 offers a sportier driving experience with its dynamic handling and upscale interior finishes. …
Mazda 2
Mazda 2 Hybrid
VS
Choosing between the Mazda 2 and the Mazda 2 Hybrid means weighing classic city-hatch simplicity against an electrified option that improves fuel economy and reduces emissions while keeping the same compact footprint. I’ll run through the key differences in drivetrain, running costs and everyday …
Mazda 2
Mazda CX-30
VS
Mazda 2 and Mazda CX-30 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Mazda 2 or the Mazda CX-30 is …
Mazda 2
SEAT Ibiza
VS
Mazda 2 and SEAT Ibiza go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Mazda 2 or the SEAT Ibiza is …
Mazda 3 Sedan
Mazda 2

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,400 - 34,700 £
Price
14,200 - 21,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 5.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
123 - 137 g/km
co2
107 - 122 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,468 kg
Curb weight
1,099 - 1,120 kg
Trunk capacity
450 L
Trunk capacity
280 L
Length
-
Length
4,080 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,695 mm
Height
-
Height
1,515 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
950 L
Payload
482 - 501 kg
Payload
420 - 437 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
75 - 115 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
171 - 200 km/h
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
143 - 151 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
55 - 85 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,496 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Mazda
What drivetrain options does the Mazda 3 Sedan have?

The Mazda 3 Sedan is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.