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

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!

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

2. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Exterior

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. 

The Mazda 3 is a low-riding and sporty vehicle

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.

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

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

• Mazda 2 Philippines Review
• Mazda 3 Philippines Review

3. Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3: Interior

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.

The front cabin of the Mazda 3...

...and inside the Mazda 2

>>> More car comparison for your reference:

• Honda City vs Mazda 2 Philippines: Specsheet battle!
• Honda Civic vs Mazda 3: A specsheet comparison of two popular beauties

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

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.

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

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

>>> 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.

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.

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.