2021 Mazda 3  RealSafeCars78Safety Rating

#38 of 2021 Sedan/Hatchback/Wagons

#98 of all 2021 vehicles


Pictured: 2020 Mazda 3
The 3, a mainstay of Mazda's lineup since 2004, is a midsize sedan/hatchback with seating up to 5. It has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With optional all-wheel drive (AWD), it handles mud, snow, and sand with ease. Exceeding the average MPG (miles per gallon) for its class, it reduces fuel costs and the carbon footprint. Mazda offers a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on its lineup.


The 2021 Mazda 3 is average compared to all vehicles.

Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2021 Mazda 3 has a score of 78, implying a 0.044% chance of driver death (3.9% chance of injury).

We estimate that the 2021 Mazda 3 has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0441% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 5.0338%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0441% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 5.0338% chance of being injured.

Compared to the average vehicle, the 2021 Mazda 3 is 5% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, the 2021 Mazda 3 is 13% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

Active safety features with Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE greatly enhance occupant safety by reducing the likelihood of a crash. All trims and versions of the 2021 Mazda 3 include the following active safety system: Forward Obstruction Warning with Smart City Brake Support / Smart Brake Support. Optional safety features on the 2021 Mazda 3 which we recommend include Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).


But it is safer than many comparable models.

8454Volkswagen JettaChevrolet MalibuKia ForteSubaru ImprezaNissan AltimaHonda CivicMazda 3Subaru LegacyToyota CorollaNissan SentraHyundai SonataKia K5Comparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 Mazda 3 with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 54 to 84. The 2021 Mazda 3 is safer than the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, the 2021 Kia Forte, the 2021 Subaru Impreza, the 2021 Nissan Altima, the 2021 Honda Civic, and the 2021 Kia K5. It is about as safe as the 2021 Nissan Sentra, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, and the 2021 Subaru Legacy.

Find another model