The 2025 Mazda 3 remains an enthusiast standout among its compact car peers in delivering a satisfying driving experience. Even as automakers continue to drop manual transmissions in favor of automatics and CVT, Mazda has remained firmly committed to giving buyers a stick shift option to those who enjoy the benefits of near-total control over their driving. The Mazda 3 features a manual transmission, providing an engagement level rare in compact sedans and hatchbacks.

Why does Mazda still offer a manual transmission? While many competitors have prioritized convenience and fuel economy over driver involvement, Mazda understands that driving is more than just the journey between points A and B—it must be fun. The Skyactiv-MT manual gearbox has short, precise throws that give drivers complete confidence in interacting with their car. Mated with Mazda 3 agile handling, lively steering, and upscale cabin, this combination delivers a fun and highbrow experience.

This review explores all the details you need to know about the manual Mazda 3. So, here are its engine specs, performance, 0-60 mph time, and trim variants with a manual transmission. Stickies v Manual You may be a lifelong devotee of the beater stick or merely contemplating adding a manual to the car-buying mix for the first time. Either way, this guide has you covered. Is the 2025 Mazda 3 for you? Let’s get started!

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Mazda 3 2025 Overview

Model Background:

The Mazda 3 has competed in the compact car space since 2003, replacing the Mazda Familia, Protégé, and 323. Long known for its zestful driving dynamics, the Mazda 3 brings a sportiness and a steering feel to a class that generally doesn’t call out the fun a driving experience can bring. Since its inception, it has gone through several generations, each refining its unique combination of performance, looks, and utility.

2025 Model Updates:

Mazda 3 gets a refreshed look for the model year. Base 2.5 S trim is now offered with the hatchback body style–a boon for buyers wanting this added trunk-space utility. An all-new Alexa Built-in AI voice assistant, standard on all models from the 2.5 S Select Sport trim level upward, also expands the vehicle’s tech offerings. This integration with voice commands means that all the voice commands can now be even more easily integrated into what a driver needs to become aware of while driving safely and conveniently simultaneously. For performance, the Mazda 3 offers a manual transmission option in the upper Premium hatchback trim for driving purists preferring a hands-on driving experience.

Positioning:

Regarding compact cars, the Mazda 3 stands out from the crowd with its sporty handling and fun nature. Offered in sedan and hatchback formats, it competes against the top-selling Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Although those competitors often get kudos for their practicality and reliability, the Mazda 3 trades much of that for an engaging driving experience more aligned with enthusiast-friendly performance and dynamic handling. The other high point is the interior, featuring elevated materials versus your typical compact car and a premium feel without a premium price tag. Once again, the Mazda 3 is all but a repeat, preserving its standing as a car that squeezes maximum practicality and driving spirit into a compact footprint.

Specs of the 2025 Mazda 3 Manual Transmission

The Mazda 3 is still a car for driving enthusiasts. It still comes with a 6-speed manual, and it focuses particularly on hatchbacks.

Engine & Performance:

The Mazda 3 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque for models with the manual transmission. It strikes a nice balance between performance and economy, making it just as fun to drive to the office as it is to carve canyons on weekends. Remember that the manual transmission is only available with front-wheel drive and is also a hatchback-only feature. Optional on high trims, the turbocharged 2.5-liter produces 250 hp but is only available with a 6-speed automatic.

Transmission Details:

Designed for driver engagement, COMPONENT SKYACTIV®-MT 6-speed manual transmission With tactile feedback from gear engagement, its short throw shifter allows seamless gear changes between driver and vehicle. The available sources do not detail specific gear ratios, but the transmission is calibrated to match the engine’s power band for responsive acceleration and efficient cruising. Manuals provide more hands-on experience than automatics, which gives fans more control over engine performance and vehicle dynamics.

Fuel Efficiency:

The fuel economy for the Mazda 3 with the manual is decent for the segment. Exact EPA ratings for the manual version aren’t listed in the sources provided, but in past years, similar configurations have reached around 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy will vary based on driving conditions, but a driver can realistically expect close to these numbers.

Handling & Ride Quality:

Mazda 3’s Manual Transmission Makes the Most Significant Difference in Handling. The tight body control and the steering feeling allow reviewers to commend the vehicle on how composed it acts, even on confined and curvy roads. The manual transmission provides more controlled power delivery, allowing drivers to hold ideal engine speeds in the corners or during overtaking. For those who value driving dynamics, this amount of control makes for a more enjoyable, responsive drive.

Finally, the Mazda 3 (a manual) is the model-year crossover/compact that quickly delivers performance, economy, and driver enjoyment. The pleasure of driving comes from the responsive 6-speed manual feeling attached to the well-tuned engine, which translates to a great overall driving experience in the ST, with power delivery and feel that lends itself to the daily driver or the enthusiast.

0-60 mph Acceleration Time

Acceleration Overview:

The Mazda 3’s manual transmission goes 0-60 mph in about 7.3 seconds. By comparison, the automatic version with the NA motor does zero to 60 mph in roughly 7.0 seconds. A manual also allows drivers to select gears directly and engage in a more visceral driving experience. However, the manual version is a shade slower in a straight line due to the precision and speed of modern automatic transmissions.

Driving Experience:

Everyday driving is spirited, and the Mazda 3 can drive around town and on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission will connect a driver to a car as few cars ever do. The Mazda 3 might not have the best 0-60 mph time, but it compensates with a perfect mix of performance and refinement. It compares favorably against its competitors amongst compact cars and provides a driving experience that values enjoyment over going fast.

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Trim Options of the 2025 Mazda 3 Manual Transmission

2025 mazda 3 25 Carbon Sedan — Via: Mazda

The Mazda 3 still has a six-speed manual for drivers but is limited to specific trims.

Trim Breakdown:

Manual Transmission Availability: The manual is limited to the 2.5 S Premium trim of the 2025 Mazda 3 Hatchback. All the other trims are paired with automatic transmissions.
Base Trim: A brand new base trim called 2.5 S is available. A 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder powers it. It has all the key features and a great base price, but it’s also automatic-only.
2.5 S Premium Trim: This trim provides the manual transmission option. It costs $31,835 and adds leather seat upholstery, an upgraded audio system, and higher-level safety features. This trim balances fun and luxurious appeal for owners who want an engaging driving experience while enjoying a little luxury and tech.

Which Trim is Right for You?

Budget-conscious buyers: If you can skip the manual and are looking for a more wallet-friendly 370, the base 2.5 S trim offers the necessary features without breaking the bank.
Driving Enthusiastic Seeking Engagement: If a manual transmission is your priority but you’d like extra comfort and technology features, step up to the 2.5 S Premium trim. This wealth of tactile indulgence, combined with its upscale comforts, makes it a natural contender for enthusiasts.

All told, there’s nothing stopping the 2.5 S Premium from being the neatest package for someone seeking a more performance-oriented Mazda 3 now that the manual has been retried for this trim, especially if the driver is trying to add some refinement to the mix.

Driving Impressions of the 2025 Mazda 3 Manual Transmission

Driving with a stick shift

Like the 6-speed manual transmission in the Mazda 3, it is a tight-feeling, engaging, precise-feeling, and well-shifting gearbox. It feels light on the foot but offers enough feedback to be confident shifting, perfect for novice and veteran manual drivers. Shifts feel positive and well-defined, and a short throw shifter encourages a more sporty driving style. It provides even more control and involvement than its automatic counterpart, especially on winding roads. The 2.5L engine revs beautifully matched to the transmission, making every drive feel more engaging than in boring a traditional automatic or a CVT.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The pedals are nicely positioned for long-distance driving in the manual version of the Mazda 3, maintaining the experience as a comfortable one for hours behind the wheel. The clutch pedal effort is neither unreasonably stiff nor overly soft in weight, helping to minimize fatigue in stop-and-go traffic. Mazda nailed the driver-oriented ergonomics, placing the shifter close to hand with a feel for grip that also requires little effort. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and bolstered seats complete the upscale treatment, making the 500X an excellent choice for more extended trips—commutes included.

Real-World Driving

The Mazda 3 manual is relatively easy to drive in city traffic, but shifting gears on a busy freeway can get a little old, too. The gearing helps smooth acceleration but cannot cruise easily up to higher speeds on the highway. The chassis stays composed when taking on twisty roads, with plenty of steering feedback and balance. The Mazda 3 with a stick shift provides an engaging driving experience from city streets to open highways.

Pros and Cons of 2025 Mazda 3 Manual Transmission

Pros:

Engaging Driving Experience: The Mazda 3 is engaging, especially with a manual transmission. Gear shifts become more precise, giving the driver’s input a sportier, tighter feel and control over acceleration and deceleration.
Fuel Efficiency Benefits: Automatics have come a long way, but they can’t always beat a manual in the mile-per-gallon race, especially at highway speeds. This can save you money and gas long into the future.
Lower Upfront Cost: The manual version usually costs less than an auto, making it a tempting proposition for those on a budget.
Superior Handling: The manual only helps amplify Mazda’s impressive handling, giving it an even more engaged and connected feel through twisties.

Cons:

Limited Availability: While manual transmission leads to a more enjoyable driving experience than automatic transmission, it’s typically limited to specific trims, meaning finding the perfect blend of features and packages gets much more complicated.
Less Convenient for City Driving: Traffic jams, stop-and-go driving, and high-frequency shifting can make manual shifting tiring, especially for commuter drivers in the city.
Learning Curve for New Drivers: The sweet spot of most parts is that not everyone is comfortable with a manual transmission, and teaching a more sealed novice driver how clutch turning and relocating works can be trickier than hate-off.

Ideal Buyer:

Remember those days when driving used to be fun and less all about you? The new Mazda 3 manual is the likeliest go-getter for driving purists. Rest has sporty nostalgia for generations at the wheel behind the wheel with an engaged 2025 Mazda. younger drivers searching for a relatively affordable but sporty vehicle will also appreciate its attributes. If you still love the sport of changing gears and want something far more engaging to drive, then this is a great option.

Conclusion

Mazda 3 manual transmission car provides driving excitement with a nimble chassis, quality interior, and solid powertrains. Now offered as a compact sedan or hatchback and sporting trims from a well-equipped base model to sportier turbocharged variants, the Mazda 3 strikes a strong balance between performance and luxury. The 2.5-liter engine provides plenty of power, and the six-speed manual transmission gives drivers a connection that road enthusiasts will surely enjoy. The Mazda 3 never fails to make the most of its balanced ride and sharp steering, whether on a long highway cruise or at an aggressive pace on winding roads.

Ultimately, the Mazda 3 manual is for those driving enthusiasts who have to have a visceral connection with their car and miss the excitement of finding the ideal rev band and sorts the performance downside in a small, long hooded kind factor. That makes it an excellent pick for a mix of fun, utility, and reliability on a budget. But you’ll have to check out your local dealer and take the Mazda 3 manual transmission for a spin to feel what we’re talking about. Hit other reviews for the nitty-gritty, and look at this class-leading small car from every perspective.

2025 Mazda 3 Manual Transmission Review: Specs, 0-60 & Trim Options!