Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: A buyer's guide for Mazda's compact & subcompact cars

Updated Dec 15, 2022

While not actually competing models, here's our guide to how the Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 differs apart from pricing.

In this article...

  1. 1. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Introduction
  2. 2. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Exterior
  3. 3. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Interior
  4. 4. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Philippines: Engine and Performance
  5. 5. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Safety Features
  6. 6. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Philippines Price
  7. 7. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Philippines: Verdict

1. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Introduction

Yes, we get it: the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 are not even supposed to be going head to head as they cater to different market segments; the smaller Mazda 2 belonging to the subcompact segment and the Mazda 3 in the compact car segment. They even belong to *vastly* differing price points, with the larger and fancier Mazda 3 being the pricier option.

Regardless, some people who aren't as car-savvy as the rest of us and are about to buy a car from Mazda will have a LOT of questions about these two and how they’re different from each other. Questions like, "Why is the Mazda 3 more expensive?",  "Which one is more powerful?", "Which model is more suited for doing this and that?" We'll be addressing these questions in this article. 

Without further ado, here’s a comparison of the top-of-the-line Mazda 3 2.0 Sportback Skyactiv Premium and the Mazda 2 1.5 AT Premium, only on Philkotse.com!

Mazda 3 vs Mazda 2 Comparison

They belong to different car classes and cater to different market segments

2. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Exterior

Mazda 3 vs Mazda 2: Dimensions
 
Mazda 2 1.5 AT Premium
Mazda 3 2.0 Sportback Skyactiv Premium
Length (mm)
4,060
4,660
Width (mm)
1,695
1,795
Height (mm)
1,495
1,440
Wheelbase (mm)
2,570
2,725
Ground Clearance
152 mm
139 mm
Trunk Capacity
280 L
358 L

Being a subcompact, the Mazda 2 is smaller, which you can already tell by merely eyeballing these two when they’re side by side at a Mazda dealerships. The Mazda 3, having the bigger dimensions, has more elbow room and a larger cargo capacity. What the Mazda 2 has going for it though, is a higher ride height over the low-slung and sportier Mazda 3. 

A picture of the Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a low-riding and sporty vehicle

A picture of the Mazda 2

While being relatively more affordable and basic, the Mazda 2 also possesses a sporty side

In terms of styling, the Mazda 2 is a hatchback and the Mazda 3 is, well, a sportback. To clarify, "sportback" is largely a marketing term describing a coupe with a roof-mounted liftgate, originally used by brands such as Audi and Mitsubishi in an attempt to make their models a little less generic compared to the competition. The Mazda 3's sloping roofline gives it a gorgeous profile, while the Mazda 2 hatch is an econobox in comparison, while still a good-looking car in its own right.

Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 rear comparo

For this comparison, the rear of the Mazda 3 is definitely sexier

>>> Find the expert review of these two Mazda cars: 

3. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Interior

Mazda 3 vs Mazda 2: Interior Features
Feature
Mazda 2 1.5 AT Premium
Mazda 3 2.0 Sportback Skyactiv Premium
Cruise Control
-
With
Front Parking Sensors
-
With
Rear Parking Sensors
With
With
Leather Upholstery
With
With
Push Start Button
With
With
Air Conditioning System
Automatic Air Conditioning
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control w/ Rear Ventilation
Entertainment System
7-inch touchscreen advanced display, 6 Speakers
8.8 inch LCD Monitor, 12 Bose speakers
Connectivity
USB, Bluetooth, Aux
Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
Navigation Ready
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
-
With
Electric Adjustable Seats
-
With
Power Steering
With
With
Power Windows
With
With
Power Outlet
With
With
Steering Wheel Audio Control
With
With
Keyless Entry
With
With
-
With

Based on the table above, the larger, more expensive Mazda 3 offers more in terms of in-car entertainment. It has a larger touchscreen than the Mazda 2, has more speakers, and also has more in the way of connectivity options. Also, the Mazda 3 has a sunroof as well asfront parking sensors and cruise control, useful for driving on long stretches of highway.

Meanwhile, the Mazda 2 Premium is no slouch in terms of amenities, easily holding its own against segment rivals with features such as keyless entry, push button start and leather seats.

A picture of the front cabin of the Mazda 3

The front cabin of the Mazda 3...

A picture of the interior of the Mazda 2

...and inside the Mazda 2

>>> More car comparison for your reference:

4. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Philippines: Engine and Performance

Mazda 3 vs Mazda 2: Engine
 
Mazda 2 1.5 AT Premium
Mazda 3 2.0 Sportback Skyactiv Premium
Displacement
1,496 cc
1,998 cc
Number of Cylinders
4
4
Number of Valves
16
16
Transmission Type
6-Speed Automatic w/ Sport Mode
SkyActiv Drive 6-speed Automatic w/Sport Mode
Drivetrain
Front-wheel-drive
Front-wheel-drive
Max Output (HP)
108
152
Max Torque (Nm)
139 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
44 L
51 L

Being the bigger model, the Mazda 3 2019 packs more horsepower and torque while being able to get farther on a larger fuel tank. The Mazda 2 make not make as much power as main segment rival Honda Jazz, but it offers an engaging drive. Another good thing about these Mazdas is that they didn’t cave in to the temptation of using CVTs, instead going for actual dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Mazda G-Vectoring control

G-Vectoring Control is offered on both the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3

Both Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 come equipped with G-Vectoring Control, granting them super handling on twisty roads. The feature actively adjusts torque and shifts the car's weight whenever it tackles turns; this makes for improved cornering stability and response.

Meanwhile, the power that the Mazda 3 makes puts it in the middle of the compact category in terms of power output.

>>> Mazda 3 is one of top 5 best 2nd hand cars to buy in the Philippines 2022

5. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Safety Features

Mazda 3 vs Mazda 2: Safety Features
 
Mazda 2 1.5 AT Premium
Mazda 3 2.0 Sportback Skyactiv Premium
Dual Front Airbags
With
With
Side Airbag
With
With
Curtain Airbag
With
With
Knee Airbag
-
With
Electronic Brake Distribution
With
With
Anti-lock Braking
With
With
Immobilizer
With
With
Security Alarm
With
With
With
With
Electronic Door Locks
With
With
ISOFIX
With
With
Land Departure Warning
-
With
Blind-Spot Detection
-
With
Parking Cameras
Reverse Camera
Reverse Camera

While it's pretty evident that the Mazda 3 has more in terms of safety equipment, the Mazda 2 2019 is one of the better-equipped models in the subcompact category, especially top-spec Premium variant.

6. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Philippines Price

Mazda 2 price in the Philippines
Variants
Price
Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5 SkyActiv AT Premium Series
Php 1,085,000
Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5 Skyactiv V+ AT
Php 965,000

 

Mazda 3 price in the Philippines
Variants
Price
Mazda 3 2.0 Sportback SkyActiv Premium AT
Php 1,590,000
Mazda 3 Sportback 1.5 SkyActiv Elite AT
Php 1,320,000
Mazda 3 Sportback 2.0 SkyActiv Premium AT
Php 1,510,000

>>> Check out list of 2nd hand Mazda 3 for sale

7. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Philippines: Verdict

Based on the comparisons we’ve made, the Mazda 3 has the upper hand, at least on paper. But if you’re on a smaller budget while still looking for a relatively premium car that’s well equipped and is fun to drive, then the Mazda 2 is the more affordable alternative.

A picture of the side of the Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 is a cheaper, smaller vehicle that's ideal for daily driving

Once again, we’d like to emphasize that the Mazda 2 and the Mazda 3 belong to totally different vehicle classes with the former belonging to the compact car segment which is, of course, more expensive and is typically better equipped than sub-compacts. So yeah, you really can’t compare these two vehicles.

A picture of the side of the Mazda 3

While the Mazda 3 is larger and more expensive, its definitely more fun to drive.

For more affordable deals from other brands, check out our Car for sale section.

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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